Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 3:1–4:17, Mark 14:22–50, Prov 6:6–11

Today’s Theme: Poured Out

Today we read that Jesus poured out His life blood for many, this pouring out is today’s theme. We see it in the call to worship God with music, where we should pour out our hearts before God, we see it in the call to have a life of service where we pour out our lives for others.

We also see the pouring out in God’s great provision for us, the living water He gives and the great salvation we have in being able to pour out our distress and sorrow before Him.

Jesus poured out His life for us so that we should live our lives for Him. Be energised by that truth today and pour out your life before and for God.

2 Kings 3:1–4:17

A glimmer of hope

He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, though not like his father and mother, for he put away the pillar of Baal that his father had made.(2 Kings 3:2, ESV)

There appears to be a small glimmer of hope with the son of Ahab, he is not as evil as his parents. We do not need to allow the shortcomings of our parents or forefathers to define us, we can be new in Christ.

A life of service

And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, through whom we may inquire of the Lord?” Then one of the king of Israel’s servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.”(2 Kings 3:11, ESV)

Elisha lived a life of service before Elijah and was known for his service. Jesus showed us an example of the servant-like lives we should have, when He washed the disciples’ feet and told us to do the same.

Music is spiritual

But now bring me a musician.” And when the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon him.(2 Kings 3:15, ESV)

Note the spiritual nature of music, God created music. When we read the biblical accounts of heaven (not the modern visions which all seem to contradict each other), we see that it is a place full of music, worship, praise and song.

The enemy knows the power of music and so he uses it to drive home evil messages and steal the worship that belongs to God alone.

Music should be a part of our lives as Christians, as we worship and praise God in song. Spend time before God in worship today. As we worship God, we feel His presence and bring Him joy. Let rivers of living water flow today.

Miracles are a small thing for God

This is a light thing in the sight of the Lord. He will also give the Moabites into your hand,(2 Kings 3:18, ESV)

Doing this great miracle is a simple and small thing to God, He is all powerful and can do anything, nothing is too difficult for Him.

Living water

The next morning, about the time of offering the sacrifice, behold, water came from the direction of Edom, till the country was filled with water.(2 Kings 3:20, ESV)

The Lord provides water in a dry and thirsty land. If you are in a dry place today, cry out to Him for living water.

The demonic power of fear

Then he took his oldest son who was to reign in his place and offered him for a burnt offering on the wall. And there came great wrath against Israel. And they withdrew from him and returned to their own land.(2 Kings 3:27, ESV)

This was a demonic and wicked king. His desperate and dark act infuses his troops with the will to win and they smash the Israelites forces with a demonic fierceness and fury.

The Israelites were possibly frightened by the ceremony and extremeness of the sacrifice and so lost faith, thinking Moab’s god was real and was angry. This coupled with the inspired enemy troops led to their defeat.

We must not allow ourselves to be caught up in the deception, evils and lies of the enemy. Keep your eyes on God in the midst of the battle and keep on fighting in faith.

The devil will do and empower the most abominable things, to capture your faith with fear and take your eyes off God and His word. Stay focused, and keep fighting in Jesus’ name.

God’s abundant provision

When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing.(2 Kings 4:6, ESV)

This woman responded to God’s word from the prophet, in faith. God will provide for us as His vessels, with all that we need.

Be kind

But the woman conceived, and she bore a son about that time the following spring, as Elisha had said to her.(2 Kings 4:17, ESV)

This child was a miraculous reward for her kindness, we should be kind too.

Mark 14:22–50

Poured out for many

And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.(Mark 14:24, ESV)

Jesus’ blood was not spilt, it was poured out as a ransom for many, not for all, but for the many elect from every nation, tribe and tongue.

The sorrow of Jesus

And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.”(Mark 14:34, ESV)

Jesus was under great emotional strain and distress, this was part of His suffering for us. If you are in a place of sorrow, depression, stress or pressure, Jesus understands and has taken the burden in the garden.

Cast your cares on Him today, He is our faithful, loving and powerful saviour. Don’t try to handle your distress on your own, you need God’s strong arms to help you, so humble yourself and trust Him with every distress.

Surrender your will to God’s

And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”(Mark 14:36, ESV)

This was the great victory of Jesus, that He laid down His will before God. If Jesus did this, how much more should we.

Be alert and aware

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”(Mark 14:38, ESV)

We should be alert and aware (not taken up in delirium and emotional excesses), and pray that we are not caught out by the enemy.

Jesus the teacher

Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.”(Mark 14:49, ESV)

Jesus spent most of His ministry teaching; He taught in the temple, in synagogues and in the streets and homes of the people, pointing them back to God.

He even teaches now by declaring that the only reason He is allowing Himself to be seized, is to fulfil the scriptures.

Proverbs 6:6–11

Prepare and gather

she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.(Proverbs 6:8, ESV)

We should have this mentality with our study of God’s word and with money too.

Sleep and slumber

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,(Proverbs 6:10, ESV)

I constantly feel this coming against me but the victory is won by God’s grace (or these notes would never be written, for example). Lord, help us to be energetic in all that we do.

We need to make a conscious decision to serve God with everything and ask the Holy Spirit to energise our bodies and change our hearts, so that we so desire God that, that desire wakes us up and carries us forward.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 14

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 1:1–2:25, Mark 13:24–14:21, Prov 6:1–5

Today’s Theme: Eternal Words

Today we see the eternal power of God’s word. The prophecies of Jesus are so sure that they are like a fig tree, indicating the nearness of His coming, just like the leaves on a tree point to the coming season.

We can trust in the word of God which is sure and eternal.

2 Kings 1:1–2:25

Humility can save you

Again the king sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up and came and fell on his knees before Elijah and entreated him, “O man of God, please let my life, and the life of these fifty servants of yours, be precious in your sight.(2 Kings 1:13, ESV)

Because of humility this captain of fifty, was able to save his life and the lives of those with him.

Dedication and commitment

And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.(2 Kings 2:2, ESV)

This man was dedicated and committed despite rejection… a lesson for us today.

Bold request

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.”(2 Kings 2:9, ESV)

This was a bold request. Exercise your faith and make a bold request from God today.

Tear away the old self

And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. And he took up the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.(2 Kings 2:12–13, ESV)

Symbolic of tearing away the old self and taking up the new, this is needed especially to serve the Lord effectively. Romans 13:14

A purifying miracle

Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, “Thus says the Lord, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it.”(2 Kings 2:21, ESV)

This is an amazing miracle, salt does purify so it has symbolic significance. We need salt in our lives too, to heal and preserve us and others.

Don’t make fun of people

He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!”(2 Kings 2:23, ESV)

Making fun of people can be dangerous, we should not allow folly to bring shame to us.

Mark 13:24–14:21

A meteor shower

and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.(Mark 13:25, ESV)

This is not a star as we know it, the word is ‘aster’ and just means ‘heavenly body’, so this is likely a meteor shower.

The elect gathered

And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.(Mark 13:27, ESV)

The doctrine of election is made clear here, we are not universalist.

The fig tree?

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.(Mark 13:28, ESV)

This is a general lesson from a fig tree, Jesus has given us prophecies to indicate when the time of His second coming is close. He compares the events which He prophesies, to a tree putting out leaves and letting us know summer is near.

The whole body of Jesus’ prophecies concerning  His return, are the fig tree. We watch to see His prophecies come to pass, as an indicator to the closeness of His return.

Eternal words

Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.(Mark 13:30, ESV)

Two powerful truths here; one is that this world will pass away. Secondly, it is that the words of Jesus are eternal. We can trust in God’s word.

Jesus limits Himself while on earth

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.(Mark 13:32, ESV)

Jesus limited His knowledge while on earth in His incarnation.

Be on guard

Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.(Mark 13:33, ESV)

This is the command to the church, we must be alert.

Stay awake

Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—(Mark 13:35, ESV)

Only by staying in the word will we stay awake.

The madness of religion

for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”(Mark 14:2, ESV)

What a murdering religious spirit. Read it again, this shows the folly of religion.

Give God everything

But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.(Mark 14:6, ESV)

Giving our all to God is a beautiful thing, and this act of devotion is always proclaimed with the Gospel.

Don’t betray Jesus

For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”(Mark 14:21, ESV)

The fate of Judas was indeed terrible, the lesson for us is that we should not turn our backs on and betray Jesus

Proverbs 6:1–5

Fulfil your pledges

Give your eyes no sleep and your eyelids no slumber;(Proverbs 6:4, ESV)

This entire message is saying that we must quickly fulfil our words and promises to others.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 14

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 22:1–53, Mark 12:35–13:23, Prov 5:11–23

Today’s Theme: God’s Electing Love

Today we see the electing love of God in saving His chosen people. God’s electing love is a demonstration for us to follow in our own relationships, especially with our spouse.

We also see the providence of God at work in bringing prophecy to pass, and His great desire to save people from every nation, tribe and tongue before the end comes.

1 Kings 22:1–53

Do not be fooled by theatrics

But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the Lord of whom we may inquire?”(1 Kings 22:7, ESV)

He could see the theatrics and knew the prophets were false. This was a wicked king, how much more should we as God’s people, be discerning.

Have integrity

But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.”(1 Kings 22:14, ESV)

This was a true man of integrity. As God’s people, we should be the same.

The councils of heaven

And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?’ And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’(1 Kings 22:22, ESV)

An amazing insight into the councils of heaven, and the nature of spirits. Dr Michael Heiser has a great book on this, called The Unseen Realm, released in 2015  by Lexham Press.

We need to pray that we are led by the Spirit of truth, not error.

A real man of God

And Micaiah said, “If you return in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me. ” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!”(1 Kings 22:28, ESV)

This was an example of a real man, bold and without compromise.

You cannot hide

And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes.” And the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle.(1 Kings 22:30, ESV)

He knew he was in rebellion, hiding himself was not going to help. No one can hide from God, the consequence of sin or judgment. Our only hope and refuge is in Jesus.

God’s providence

But a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. Therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.”(1 Kings 22:34, ESV)

This is the providence of God, even in judgement. The following is taken from the Westminster Confession of Faith concerning the providence of God:

“God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, (Heb. 1:3) direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, (Dan. 4:34–35, Ps. 135:6, Acts 17:25–26,28) from the greatest even to the least, (Matt. 10:29–31) by His most wise and holy providence, (Prov. 15:3, Ps. 104:24, Ps. 145:17) according to His infallible foreknowledge, (Acts 15:18, Ps. 94:8–11) and the free and immutable counsel of His own will, (Eph. 1:11) to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy. (Isa. 63:14, Eph. 3:10, Rom. 9:17, Gen. 45:7, Ps. 145:7)”

The sin of homosexuality

And from the land he exterminated the remnant of the male cult prostitutes who remained in the days of his father Asa.(1 Kings 22:46, ESV)

Jehoshaphat wiped homosexuality out of the land, but the spirit remained and now modern day Tel Aviv has become a centre for homosexual activism. We continue to pray for those in bondage to this sin and for those who are deceived by arguments that it is ok and not a sin before God.

Parental responsibility

He served Baal and worshiped him and provoked the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger in every way that his father had done.(1 Kings 22:53, ESV)

Our children will invariably follow our ways, we have a responsibility as men before God, to live right.

Mark 12:35–13:23

The eternal Son of God

David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.(Mark 12:37, ESV)

This proves the pre-existent eternal nature of Jesus as the Son of God.

Don’t be pretentious

who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”(Mark 12:40, ESV)

Lord, keep us from the selfish, lying and pretentious spirit. We are called to be genuine, kind and loving.

70 AD

And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”(Mark 13:2, ESV)

Jesus’ prophecy about 70AD was accurate, the temple and Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans.

Do not be alarmed

And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet.(Mark 13:7, ESV)

Jesus warned us against alarmism over wars and news about wars, He taught us that these things will happen but that they are not a sign of the end. Wars are horrific, but wars have continued for the past 2000 years and none of them are signs of the end.

A true sign

And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.(Mark 13:10, ESV)

We must finish the mission, this gospel must be preached to every nation tribe and tongue, before the end comes.

This is a true sign which is in the hands of God, through the saving work of the Holy Spirit and the efforts of the true church, to preach the gospel in every corner of the earth.

You can keep up with the progress of the mission with the Joshua Project here

There are great books about this, like “Finish the Mission”, “Let the Nations be glad” and ” A Holy Ambition”, available for free here.

Called to endurance

And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.(Mark 13:13, ESV)

We are called to perseverance and endurance in our walk as Christians.

God’s electing love

And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.(Mark 13:20, ESV)

This is global language, thank God for His electing love. Glory to His name.

False sings and wonders

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.(Mark 13:22, ESV)

We must beware of the alluring power of false signs and wonders. We need to exercise biblical and spiritual discernment.

Proverbs 5:11–23

Be teachable

I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors.(Proverbs 5:13, ESV)

We must have a teachable attitude.

Sexual purity

Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well.(Proverbs 5:15, ESV)

This is a call to sexual purity. Men should have sex with their own wife alone, it is the only water we need, should want and that will satisfy you. The broken cisterns of pornography and unfaithfulness do not bring lasting satisfaction.

Don’t be unfaithful

Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets?(Proverbs 5:16, ESV)

Should a husband or wife run around town in sexual unfaithfulness?… No.

Rejoice in your wife

Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth,(Proverbs 5:18, ESV)

Enjoy your marriage.

Sexual enjoyment

a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.(Proverbs 5:19, ESV)

Yes be drunk with love, enjoy the gift of intimacy and pleasure in the marriage relationship, created and ordained by God for His glory and our enjoyment.

Sin brings bondage

The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.(Proverbs 5:22, ESV)

Sin brings bondage, especially sexual sin.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 13

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 20:26–21:29, Mark 12:1–34, Prov 5:1–10

Today’s Theme: Love God

Today’s reading is full of lessons regarding things we should do and be and things we should not do and not be.

We see Jesus as the great apologist and expositor of scripture. The ultimate of these do’s and don’ts is that we should love God with everything which is the answer of Jesus to the question of the greatest commandment.

God we love you with everything, forever you are worthy.

1 Kings 20:26–21:29

Know that God is God

And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’ ”(1 Kings 20:28, ESV)

God would give the king the victory so that he and the enemy would both know that God is God. This was for the glory of God.

Don’t compromise

And Ben-hadad said to him, “The cities that my father took from your father I will restore, and you may establish bazaars for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” And Ahab said, “I will let you go on these terms.” So he made a covenant with him and let him go.(1 Kings 20:34, ESV)

Do not compromise or make deals with sin.

Obey God

Then he said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord, behold, as soon as you have gone from me, a lion shall strike you down.” And as soon as he had departed from him, a lion met him and struck him down.(1 Kings 20:36, ESV)

Just obey God or suffer the consequences.

Be a man of integrity

But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”(1 Kings 21:3, ESV)

Naboth was a man of integrity, it was not just about the money for him, legacy for the future of his family line was far more important.

Don’t be a grown spoilt brat

And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.(1 Kings 21:4, ESV)

This man Ahab is a spoilt brat… a grown spoilt brat.

The spirit of Jezebel

So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal, and she sent the letters to the elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city.(1 Kings 21:8, ESV)

This is why the name Jezebel has become synonymous with usurping authority and women lording it over men with manipulation… false authority.

Don’t be driven by greed

And as soon as Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.(1 Kings 21:16, ESV)

Blinded and driven by selfish, covetous greed.

Don’t sell yourself

Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord.(1 Kings 21:20, ESV)

Do not sell your soul, don’t sell out to do what is evil. Like Jesus said what will you give in exchange for your soul.

Don’t be manipulative

(There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.(1 Kings 21:25, ESV)

The Jezebel spirit is manipulative.

Respond in repentance

“Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son’s days I will bring the disaster upon his house.”(1 Kings 21:29, ESV)

True repentance and humility is the only appropriate response to Gods judgement. God is merciful indeed.

Mark 12:1–34

Jesus the beloved and only Son

He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’(Mark 12:6, ESV)

All those before represent the prophets, but this represents Jesus the beloved and only Son of God.

The vineyard

What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others.(Mark 12:9, ESV)

This is what Jesus said God would do to the bad tenants Israel, the vineyard is now given to and made up of the (grafted in) church (Jew and Gentile) and we must always be ready to give God fruit to eat, to bring him pleasure.

Jesus the Apologist

Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.(Mark 12:17, ESV)

Pay your taxes… simple. Jesus was the master apologist.

Don’t be politically correct

Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?(Mark 12:24, ESV)

Jesus was not politically correct or said we can have various in house views, he straight up just said… you are wrong. Simple, Bold, Truth.

Jesus the expositor

And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.”(Mark 12:26–27, ESV)

Jesus is the master expositor and apologist of the scriptures.

Jesus answers

Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.(Mark 12:29, ESV)

Jesus entertained this intellectual jousting, it can be enjoyable and it leads to truth as the Spirit leads, so be prepared to answer challenges like Jesus.

Love God

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’(Mark 12:30, ESV)

The greatest commandment is to love God with everything.

Almost there

And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.(Mark 12:34, ESV)

There is hope for those intellectually convinced concerning the truth, like Jesus says they are not far from the kingdom. Pray for the full conversion of those you know who are already in agreement in their minds with the gospel.

Proverbs 5:1–10

Honey coated death

but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.(Proverbs 5:4, ESV)

This is the end and true nature of forbidden “pleasures” and sexual allurement outside of marriage, it may seem appealing (lips dripping honey) but it is really bitterness, and cold, lonely death.

Run for your life

Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house,(Proverbs 5:8, ESV)

Don’t play on the line… run for your life.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 12

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 19:1–20:25, Mark 11:1–33, Prov 4:18–27

Today’s Theme: The Humble King

Jesus shows us God’s heart as the humble king. He fulfils prophecy and teaches us about the sovereign majesty and benevolent love of God at the same time. Even as He throws the merchants out of God’s house He is teaching.

We see the same gentle majesty in God as he deals with Elijah’s depression.

We should also know who we are, walking in that authority but with humility and gentleness at the same time as we live lives of love, prayer and faith in God.

1 Kings 19:1–20:25

God cares about your physical life

And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” (1 Kings 19:5, ESV)

Elijah had allowed himself to be scared by the words of Jezebel and was so worn out by his stand for the Lord that he has gone into depression. Notice God deals with it by first telling him to eat.

God does not just take care of our spiritual needs but all our needs. The life of the spirit, soul and body are inextricably linked and one simply will have an effect on  the other.

The soul’s emotional state of depression will have an effect on appetite and sleep which in turn break down the bodies defences making the victim weak and leading to deeper, sustained depression. One of the first remedies to take care of a wounded soul is to strengthen the body through good food and rest.

Supernatural food

And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. (1 Kings 19:8, ESV)

That had to be supernatural physical food. We give God thanks for the supernatural, sustaining food of His word.

A gentle voice

And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. (1 Kings 19:12, ESV)

This is special, God could have revealed himself in a magnificent way but He is a loving father and knows what we need. If the voice of God thundered from the heavens it may have been too much for Elijah.

If God can speak in a gentle voice then so should we especially when dealing with someone’s depression.

Where are you

He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” (1 Kings 19:14, ESV)

This was true. Notice the way God asked him this question twice, maybe the Lord was looking for a different answer from him the second time. Also a good way to deal with someone who is depressed is to ask them about where they are.

God’s remnant

Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:18, ESV)

God is not disagreeing with Elijah, He is saying that after all the slaying from the new kings and prophet that God will yet keep a remnant for Himself.

Don’t be a weak man

And the king of Israel answered, “As you say, my lord, O king, I am yours, and all that I have.” (1 Kings 20:4, ESV)

Disgusting, men should not capitulate like this. We should fear God, not man.

Ask questions

And Ahab said, “By whom?” He said, “Thus says the Lord, By the servants of the governors of the districts.” Then he said, “Who shall begin the battle?” He answered, “You.” (1 Kings 20:14, ESV)

Ahab had no relationship with God so it was right for him to ask how this would be done so he could follow the Lord’s instructions. If this wicked king could ask questions, so should we.

Plan ahead

Then the prophet came near to the king of Israel and said to him, “Come, strengthen yourself, and consider well what you have to do, for in the spring the king of Syria will come up against you.” (1 Kings 20:22, ESV)

Always count the cost of your actions, think about what you will do and plan ahead.

Mark 11:1–33

Jesus the humble King

And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. (Mark 11:8, ESV)

This was a clear indication that Jesus was the promised Messiah / King. In the Ancient Near East the laying of clothes in the street for a person or the beast they travel on was a sign of political allegiance and worship.

Jesus enters Jerusalem as the true king of Israel and the people welcome Him as the long awaited Son of David. This was the fulfilment of Zechariah 9:9.

We must remember that the people were only focused on one side of the Messiah’s mission, which was as king, they did not recognise the suffering servant side of the Messiah and certainly did not understand His coming as being in two parts.

Save now

And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! (Mark 11:9, ESV)

“Hosanna” is Hebrew for “Save now!” The people were crying out for Jesus to save them from the tyrany of Rome but He did far better, He saved them from the penalty of their sins through His atoning death on the cross.

We can cry out Hosanna to God today and He will save us as we honour Him as king.

Be fruitful

And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. (Mark 11:13, ESV)

We should have fruit in good times and bad that God may be pleased.

God’s house

And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” (Mark 11:17, ESV)

Never noticed this before, in the middle of this exercise of authority Jesus is teaching them a lesson, more evidence that this was not done in rage

The purpose of the temple in Jerusalem, also shows us that prayer should be a part of our life as a church.

This episode also exposes the folly of the prosperity gospel.

Have faith in God

And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. (Mark 11:22, ESV)

The call of the Christian life is summarised here, we must have faith in God!

Believe in God not words

Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. (Mark 11:23, ESV)

We are believing that our prayers will be answered not that we create things and make things happen. Notice Jesus began by Saying “Have faith in God” not in the power of words as the new age teach (this teaching has even infiltrated the church).

Pray in faith

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24, ESV)

When we pray we should do so in faith, we must believe to receive.

Pray with a clean heart

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25, ESV)

This puts the caveat that we must pray with the right heart.

Wicked hearts revealed

So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Mark 11:33, ESV)

Jesus gave them an opportunity to accept the truth concerning John and Himself but their wicked hearts were revealed and they remained hard and unrepentant.

Lord help me to answer with wisdom like You.

Proverbs 4:18–27

The path of the righteous

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. (Proverbs 4:18, ESV)

The Jehovahs Witnesses use this verse out of context to explain away their false prophecies.

The true interpretation is that as we walk in righteousness we will grow in the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ, it does not mean truth changes but that we grow in and receive more of it.

If I got saved today I would only know so much, a year later I would know a lot more.

Meditate on the bible

Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. (Proverbs 4:21, ESV)

It is important to meditate (think over, think deeply, recite, dwell on) on the word.

What do you cherish

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23, ESV)

This is an important warning, Jesus taught us that a man’s actions come out of his heart, so we must be careful what we meditate on and cherish.

Consider

Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. (Proverbs 4:26, ESV)

We must consider where we go and what we do.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 11

 

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 18:1–46, Mark 10:17–52, Prov 4:8–17

Today’s Theme: The God who Answers

Today’s theme is about the God who answers. We must ask in faith believing in God’s ability to do what we ask Him for because we know that He alone is good.

1 Kings 18:1–46

Fear the Lord like Obadiah

And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly, (1 Kings 18:3, ESV)

We can tell Obadiah really did fear the Lord, it was evident in his daring actions of hiding the prophets and feeding them. We too should fear the Lord and act accordingly.

The responsibility of leaders

And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father’s house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals. (1 Kings 18:18, ESV)

When a leader rebels against God and goes into idolatry all those under the leader suffer as a consequence. With this in mind, pray for our leaders.

Be resolute

And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. (1 Kings 18:21, ESV)

We must be resolute in our convictions. Jesus and the apostles warn us against being taken by the wind and encourage us to be like stones and rocks.

Our God

And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.” (1 Kings 18:24, ESV)

This is our God YHWH, the only true God.

Is god (the false one) on the toilet!

And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” (1 Kings 18:27, ESV)

This is really funny and tragic at the same time, the devil is such a deceiver, he is bound under the sovereign rule of God and is not even nearly on a par with God.

A lot of sweat, but no answer

And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention. (1 Kings 18:29, ESV)

In some ways this reminds me of the folly in parts of the charismatic movement where people will sweat and work themselves up and at the end of all that there is no answer from God because they are not really praying to the God of the Bible but of their own imagination or belly / lust.

Rebuild the altar

Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down. (1 Kings 18:30, ESV)

Notice he did not just use any old altar, he repaired the alter dedicated to God. The first step in dealing with idolatry is to rebuild God’s altar in your life, practically that will be time spent with Him in the word and prayer.

Why do you want an answer from God

Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” (1 Kings 18:37, ESV)

Here Elijah gives a good reason why he wants an answer to his prayer. It is for three reasons, for God’s glory, His confirmation as a prophet and for the sake of the people. Can you articulate why you want an answer from God today.

The fire of God

Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. (1 Kings 18:38, ESV)

The very stones and dust were set on fire, this was some powerful fire. The dust also speaks of the flesh.

God gets the glory

And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” (1 Kings 18:39, ESV)

The result of God’s demonstration of power in this showdown is the worship of the people, bringing God glory.

Slauter sin

And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there. (1 Kings 18:40, ESV)

We can have no mercy on sin, it must be slaughtered.

Have persistent faith

And he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” And he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And he said, “Go again,” seven times. (1 Kings 18:43, ESV)

Elijah had persistent faith.

Mark 10:17–52

Jesus more than good, he is God

And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17, ESV)

Jesus was not just a good teacher, he was God. The man was focused on the works he would have to do.

Human achievement does not = good

And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. (Mark 10:18, ESV)

Jesus corrects this man’s understanding of goodness, no man by any human achievement can be called categorically good only God is categorically and completely good.

The man was putting himself and Jesus on an elevated level because they kept the law but Jesus destroys this false sense of security because we have all fallen short of the glorious goodness of God.

A challenge to idolatry

And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21, ESV)

This is not a maxim to all Christians but a challenge to the man’s idolatry, the breaking of the 1st commandment.

Salvation is only possible with God

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27, ESV)

With man no one rich or poor could be saved, although Jesus’ emphasis is on the trappings of wealth. The point is made that it is only with God that salvation is even possible.

Eternal assurance

who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. (Mark 10:30, ESV)

If we leave all and follow Jesus in true discipleship we will be assured of eternal life.

God has a plan

but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” (Mark 10:40, ESV)

God has a preordained plan.

Servant leaders

But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, (Mark 10:43, ESV)

This is the new way of Jesus to be a servant leader.

Limited atonement

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45, ESV)

We are not universalist (those who believe that Jesus died for all people so everyone will make it to heaven regardless of faith in Jesus), we believe the atonement of Jesus is limited in its effectiveness and purpose to all those that God knew ahead of time would put their faith and trust in Jesus for salvation, notice it says a ransom for many, not for all.

We must put our faith in Jesus and repent to be saved.

Ask God in faith

And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. (Mark 10:52, ESV)

Ask God for what you want Him to do for you and He will do it if you ask in faith and your request is aligned with His word and will.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 10

 

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 15:25–17:24, Mark 9:38–10:16, Prov 4:1–7

Today’s Theme: Salt vs Self

Today’s theme points to Jesus teaching that we should have salt in our lives and not be elitists. We should walk in humility and seek to serve God in that spirit, encouraging others who are not like us but are also serving God and walking in trust like children before God.

Our lives should be a salted sacrifice before God, not a monument to the flesh. Otherwise we leave ourselves open to the raw elements of sin and our lives will become ones that offer up our own children on the altar of our own convenience, ambition and evil.

1 Kings 15:25–17:24

Judgement will be fulfilled

And as soon as he was king, he killed all the house of Jeroboam. He left to the house of Jeroboam not one that breathed, until he had destroyed it, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite. (1 Kings 15:29, ESV)

This is the judgement that God had promised. While the opportunity is available we are all called to repent and seek God’s mercy and grace.

God raises up leaders

“Since I exalted you out of the dust and made you leader over my people Israel, and you have walked in the way of Jeroboam and have made my people Israel to sin, provoking me to anger with their sins, (1 Kings 16:2, ESV)

God is the one who raises up leaders. We should pray for leaders in all spheres of life in this context, that they would fulfil the mandate God has given them. This includes MPs, pastors and business leaders.

God hates hypocrisy

Moreover, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha and his house, both because of all the evil that he did in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam, and also because he destroyed it. (1 Kings 16:7, ESV)

One of the things that is sure to provoke God to anger is hypocrisy.

Drunkenness is never good

But his servant Zimri, commander of half his chariots, conspired against him. When he was at Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was over the household in Tirzah, (1 Kings 16:9, ESV)

Drunkenness is never associated with anything good. This is why many faithful Christians abstain from alcohol altogether.

Moral depravity, a slippery slide

Omri did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and did more evil than all who were before him. (1 Kings 16:25, ESV)

Things just seem to be going from bad to worse for Israel. The moral depravity of previous generations seems to be having a snowball effect, it will rise to a critical mass where the Northern Kingdom will be sent away into exile.

This is why we need to be lively in loving God and killing sin the moment it seeks to gain a foothold.

Wicked King Ahab

Omri did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and did more evil than all who were before him. (1 Kings 16:25, ESV)

It is as though Ahab represents a new level of depravity in the kings of Israel. They all seem to model the depravity of man but he has reached the level of being not just bound by sin but committed to it and in covenant with it represented by his marriage to Jezebel the Sidonian.

Deeper depths of sin

And Ahab made an Asherah. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. (1 Kings 16:33, ESV)

Ahab, took the sins of his father and the previous kings of Israel to a new height with the house he built for Bal and the idols he raised up. Sin is ugly, it is like a virus, if it is not burnt out it leaves its victims in a depraved and helpless state.

Don’t sacrifice your children

In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun. (1 Kings 16:34, ESV)

This is a wicked man, he sacrificed his own sons to build this abomination. We must be careful that we do not sacrifice our own children when we are trying to build things in our own lives.

These children were only infants and were put into the foundations. In the depraved mind of the king, to placate the gods and ward off evil… this is the debase folly and madness of sin.

Elijah, obedient to God

So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. (1 Kings 17:5, ESV)

This may seem simple but Elijah went and did what God said, he was obedient to the Lord’s word, unlike the young prophet from an earlier reading.

A submissive woman

And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” (1 Kings 17:11, ESV)

This was a submissive servant hearted woman. The folly of the women’s liberation movement, and extremes of egalitarian thought and philosophy in the west has given women the idea that being submissive is bad when in fact it is the character God desires in all his daughters.

God provides

For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’ ” (1 Kings 17:14, ESV)

This is a wonderful miracle and word, showing that God cares for and provides for His people in the midst of great adversity. Stand on that truth today… Our God provides.

Life and death, in the hands of God

And he cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son?” (1 Kings 17:20, ESV)

Elijah knew that life and death was in God’s hands (not the hands of man).

God answers prayer

And the Lord listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. (1 Kings 17:22, ESV)

This was not magic from Elijah, this was God hearing and answering the prophet’s prayer.

Mark 9:38–10:16

Don’t be an elitist

John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” (Mark 9:38, ESV)

John has not learned the lesson of servant like service as a disciple, his question betrays a sense of entitlement, privilege and exclusion. This is alive today in the division found in the church along denominational, traditional and cultural lines.

We should rejoice when we see God using others and not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to or that our particular denomination, culture or just way of doing things is best or should be followed.

Jesus corrects this emphasis on this exorcist not following the disciples (who just failed at the work of exorcism themselves) and shows us the way is open for God to use His people in multiple ways.

We should not seek to control God’s people or God’s kingdom, God alone is God.

Resist sin

And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. (Mark 9:43, ESV)

This reminds us of two truths, firstly symbolising how radically we must resist sin and secondly the reality of Hell.

Salt in yourselves

Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” (Mark 9:50, ESV)

The salt we should have in ourselves is all that Jesus has just been teaching us about our behaviour and attitude in the world for the Lord’s sake and in our quest as disciples.

Sacrifices in the Old Testament were always given with salt. We must have the preserving element of salt in our lives as believers as we offer our lives up as a pleasing offering to God. Not concerned with our own rights and privileges (see the elitist point above) but focused on the task of discipleship to the glory of God.

Love teaching

And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them. (Mark 10:1, ESV)

Jesus was always teaching, this verse says it was His custom. We should be eager to hear the teachings of Jesus and have our minds trained to enjoy and apply the teachings the Lord provides for us through His ministers.

Marriage defined

‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. (Mark 10:7–8, ESV)

The foundation of marriage, it is and must be a man and woman.

The nature of marriage

What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:9, ESV)

Marriage is a sacred rite before God, not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly but reverently and in the fear of God.

Bring children to Jesus

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. (Mark 10:14, ESV)

We should bring children to Jesus through story time, prayer and activities. Thank God for the youth groups and Sunday Schools we have.

Trust God

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Mark 10:15, ESV)

We must be trusting and faithful to God like children to enter His Kingdom.

Proverbs 4:1–7

Do you listen?

Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight,(Proverbs 4:1, ESV)

The younger ones should listen attentively to a father’s instruction, this is like listening on the edge of your seat.

Teach your children

he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. (Proverbs 4:4, ESV)

Lord may our children hold fast to our words.

Hold onto loving instruction

Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. (Proverbs 4:6, ESV)

Loving instruction will be like a guard in your life.

Study

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. (Proverbs 4:7, ESV)

This is why it is so important to study and to study deeply to get understanding/insight.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 10

 

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 14:1–15:24, Mark 9:2–37, Prov 3:23–35

Today’s Theme: Killing and Building

Today’s theme is that we must be lively in killing and building. We must actively kill sin in our lives and actively seek to build God’s kingdom in God’s way. We see this in the life of king Asa who reformed Judah and the life of Jesus who built God’s kingdom by building His disciples and taking authority over the enemy.

1 Kings 14:1–15:24

A bad husband

And Jeroboam said to his wife, “Arise, and disguise yourself, that it not be known that you are the wife of Jeroboam, and go to Shiloh. Behold, Ahijah the prophet is there, who said of me that I should be king over this people. (1 Kings 14:2, ESV)

This man was no covering for his wife and was willing to put her in danger by asking her to deceive the prophet.

The apostate

but you have done evil above all who were before you and have gone and made for yourself other gods and metal images, provoking me to anger, and have cast me behind your back, (1 Kings 14:9, ESV)

Jeroboam was apostate, this is the worst position any man can find himself in where they move beyond the ability to repent because they have totally turned their back on God, the only one who can help them.

God is merciful

And all Israel shall mourn for him and bury him, for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found something pleasing to the Lord, the God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam. (1 Kings 14:13, ESV)

In mercy God allows this son to die a non violent death.

Judgement for idolatry

the Lord will strike Israel as a reed is shaken in the water, and root up Israel out of this good land that he gave to their fathers and scatter them beyond the Euphrates, because they have made their Asherim, provoking the Lord to anger. (1 Kings 14:15, ESV)

The prophesied judgement was because of idolatry.

The old abominations

and there were also male cult prostitutes in the land. They did according to all the abominations of the nations that the Lord drove out before the people of Israel. (1 Kings 14:24, ESV)

There was homosexual debauchery in ancient Israel. The Bible speaks in very clear words, this was an abomination before God and still is.

Build a legacy

because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn aside from anything that he commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite. (1 Kings 15:5, ESV)

When we live uprightly before God we start to build a legacy. For the sake of your children, grandchildren, church community and wider society, set your mind to building a legacy to the glory of God today.

The Bible is an honest book, notice the report includes David’s failure.

Righteous king Asa

He put away the male cult prostitutes out of the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. He also removed Maacah his mother from being queen mother because she had made an abominable image for Asherah. And Asa cut down her image and burned it at the brook Kidron. (1 Kings 15:12–13, ESV)

This king went straight into action because God was in his heart. He dealt with the homosexuals and idols and even the wickedness of his own mother, this is a bold stand for God. We can learn from his stand and life.

A true heart

But the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true to the Lord all his days. (1 Kings 15:14, ESV)

Our hearts before God should be true like king Asa.

Be lively in killing and building

Now the rest of all the acts of Asa, all his might, and all that he did, and the cities that he built, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? But in his old age he was diseased in his feet. (1 Kings 15:23, ESV)

He was industrious in killing sin and then showed the same work ethic in his life. We should be lively men like this, very active in killing sin and then in building the kingdom.

Mark 9:2–37

God’s testimony

And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” (Mark 9:7, ESV)

Testimony from God that Jesus is His Son, equal with God.

The suffering Son of Man

And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? (Mark 9:12, ESV)

The teaching of the Jews at the time ignored this side of the Messiah. This is partly why they never understood it when Jesus raised it

Jesus cares

And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. (Mark 9:21, ESV)

Jesus asked the caring question “How long has this been happening to him”. This shows that Jesus was not just some practitioner, He cared about people.

Believe, God is able

And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23, ESV)

We must believe God fully, it is not an if you can, God is well able.

Complete deliverance by Jesus

And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” (Mark 9:25, ESV)

Jesus has complete authority over demons and can tell them boldly to never enter a person’s body or life again, hallelujah.

The power of prayer

And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” (Mark 9:29, ESV)

Maybe this relates to the type of demon that has been in someone since they were a child explaining Jesus’ question.

This account focuses on prayer as being far more important than the fasting as fasting is not mentioned. Fasting without prayer is quite pointless.

Private discipleship over public ministry

for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” (Mark 9:31, ESV)

Jesus prioritised teaching his disciples over public ministry.

Be a servant of all

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35, ESV)

This is true in family, church and business.

Child Sponsorship

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” (Mark 9:37, ESV)

This is why child sponsorship is so important.

Proverbs 3:23–35

Good sleep

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24, ESV)

Yes Lord, thank you as we meditate on Your word we have sweet sleep.

Help others

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. (Proverbs 3:27, ESV)

This is an important life principle, when it is in our power we must help.

Don’t be dishonest

for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. (Proverbs 3:32, ESV)

It is important to remember this even in business.

Walk in wisdom

The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace. (Proverbs 3:35, ESV)

Lord help us to walk in wisdom and not in disgrace as fools.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 9

 

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 13:1–34, Mark 8:11–9:1, Prov 3:13–22

Today’s Theme: The Danger of Unbelief

Today’s theme looks at the great danger of unbelief and disobedience. This pitfall saw the tragic death of the young prophet and Jesus has to take a man out of the place of unbelief to heal him and warn him to not return.

We must believe God’s word, with our minds set on Him which is the pathway to wisdom, understanding and the resulting riches and long life (which is fully expressed in eternal life).

1 Kings 13:1–34

Actual prophecy

And the man cried against the altar by the word of the Lord and said, “O altar, altar, thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and he shall sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who make offerings on you, and human bones shall be burned on you.’ ” (1 Kings 13:2, ESV)

This is an amazing prophecy because this is what actually happened.

Reprobation and Apostasy

And the king said to the man of God, “Entreat now the favor of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.” And the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored to him and became as it was before. (1 Kings 13:6, ESV)

Jeroboam is a true apostate, notice he says ask your God not our God, he is truly on the other side. What deception because he also knows that the false gods can not help him.

Gods word trumps visions

for it was said to me by the word of the Lord, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came.’ ” (1 Kings 13:17, ESV)

The Word of God trumps any supernatural encounter. We can trust the word of God more than dreams, angels and visions.

The sin of disobedience

So he went back with him and ate bread in his house and drank water. (1 Kings 13:19, ESV)

This is a very important verse, it is here that the young prophet disobeys God and displays a type of unbelief.

Direct judgement

And he went and found his body thrown in the road, and the donkey and the lion standing beside the body. The lion had not eaten the body or torn the donkey. (1 Kings 13:28, ESV)

A sign that this was direct judgement.

Disobedience weakens the message

After this thing Jeroboam did not turn from his evil way, but made priests for the high places again from among all the people. Any who would, he ordained to be priests of the high places. (1 Kings 13:33, ESV)

Maybe if the man of God was obedient to the word of the Lord the message and signs would have had a greater impact.

Mark 8:11–9:1

The weakest type of faith

And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” (Mark 8:12, ESV)

Those seeking a sign have a type of unbelief at worst and very weak faith at best. We were called to preach the gospel, not to put on a circus.

Beware false ideologies

And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” (Mark 8:15, ESV)

Jesus wants us to beware of being sucked in by false ideologies whether political or religious.

Don’t live in unbelief

And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” (Mark 8:23, ESV)

As Pastor Dennis has always taught us, Jesus had to lead the man out of the place of unbelief.

Don’t go back to a place of unbelief

And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.” (Mark 8:26, ESV)

Do not go back to the place of unbelief.

Who is Jesus?

And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” (Mark 8:29, ESV)

This is a crucial question for all mankind. The scriptures are clear, Jesus is the Messiah, God the Son incarnate, the one and only God-Man.

Set your mind on the things of God

But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Mark 8:33, ESV)

We must keep our minds set on things above, the eternal things of God’s kingdom, not the temporal things of this life.

The call to discipleship

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Mark 8:34, ESV)

This is the call to discipleship, we need to deny ourselves, acknowledge and take up our burden and set about following Jesus. The easy Christian life is not in the Bible.

Nothing

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? (Mark 8:36, ESV)

The answer to this question is nothing.

What will you exchange

For what can a man give in return for his soul? (Mark 8:37, ESV)

Mankind has given many things in exchange for his soul, these include: honour amongst men, riches, comfort, pleasure.

Stand

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38, ESV)

We must be bold in our stand for Jesus

Proverbs 3:13–22

Wisdom, more valuable than money

for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. (Proverbs 3:14, ESV)

Wisdom and understanding are better profit for our lives than money.

Understanding is precious

She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. (Proverbs 3:15, ESV)

Wisdom and understanding are precious, we should hold them dear.

The path to prosperity

Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. (Proverbs 3:16, ESV)

Wisdom will bring long life and riches, so get wisdom and riches and health will come in some way too and are clearly gained through the promise of eternal life in the world to come.

God’s scientific brilliance

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; (Proverbs 3:19, ESV)

When God created the earth He did it with scientific brilliance which is why true science will cause men to glorify God.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 8