Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 8:1–9:29, Mark 16:1–20, Prov 6:28–35

Today’s Theme: Godly Jealousy

Today’s theme is godly jealousy, as we see in the mighty Jehu and is mentioned in the proverbs. We read about the wonderful resurrection of Jesus today, and the associated great commission which we must execute with jealousy for God.

2 Kings 8:1–9:29

God’s providence

And while he was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, behold, the woman whose son he had restored to life appealed to the king for her house and her land. And Gehazi said, “My lord, O king, here is the woman, and here is her son whom Elisha restored to life.”(2 Kings 8:5, ESV)

This was not by chance, it was the providence of God on display.

God restores

And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed an official for her, saying, “Restore all that was hers, together with all the produce of the fields from the day that she left the land until now.”(2 Kings 8:6, ESV)

This is what it is like when we approach God in faith, He restores all that we have lost and have a right to.

We must walk in discernment

And he fixed his gaze and stared at him, until he was embarrassed. And the man of God wept.(2 Kings 8:11, ESV)

Elisha had a real gift of discernment and he knew what was in Hazael’s heart. We need that sharpness in the church.

Run from compromise

And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.(2 Kings 8:18, ESV)

We should not be unequally burdened and bound, and we should run from compromise.

The action bible

Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.”(2 Kings 9:20, ESV)

This reads like an action film script. Jehu is quite a character!

The theology of place

Joram said, “Make ready.” And they made ready his chariot. Then Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah set out, each in his chariot, and went to meet Jehu, and met him at the property of Naboth the Jezreelite.(2 Kings 9:21, ESV)

Poetic justice, notice the theology of place, it is still called by Naboth’s name, it is like the land belonging to Israel.

The boldness of Jehu

And when Joram saw Jehu, he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” He answered, “What peace can there be, so long as the whorings and the sorceries of your mother Jezebel are so many?”(2 Kings 9:22, ESV)

The truth that the prophet had told this man made him very bold in declaring the truth and speaking out against evil.

Use your full strength

And Jehu drew his bow with his full strength, and shot Joram between the shoulders, so that the arrow pierced his heart, and he sank in his chariot.(2 Kings 9:24, ESV)

This is how we should be as men, working with our full strength.

Jealous for God

When Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled in the direction of Beth-haggan. And Jehu pursued him and said, “Shoot him also.” And they shot him in the chariot at the ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo and died there.(2 Kings 9:27, ESV)

He was not a man who did things by halves, we can learn from this in terms of our attitude toward God and His purposes.

Mark 16:1–20

The first day of the week

And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.(Mark 16:2, ESV)

This is why we worship on a Sunday and not a Saturday.

Jesus rose form the dead

And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.(Mark 16:6, ESV)

The most awesome event and victory in History, Jesus rose from the dead, we are talking about full bodily resurrection.

The call and condition

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.(Mark 16:16, ESV)

The universal call and condition of the Gospel.

Proverbs 6:28–35

Don’t tiptoe around sin… run!

Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?(Proverbs 6:28, ESV)

Tiptoeing around lust will get you burned.

Don’t destroy yourself

He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.(Proverbs 6:32, ESV)

If we commit adultery, we are lacking in common sense, because we are destroying ourselves.

Godly jealousy

For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge.(Proverbs 6:34, ESV)

This is one time when jealousy is biblical and right; for your wife (also spiritually, God for us and us for Him).

It is interesting how Jehu is mentioned in relation to Jealousy, and that was our OT reading today too.

The word used for jealousy here, can be used in a positive sense (advocate zealously for someone else benefit) or negative one (labouring resentment or a grudge). In both cases the idea is that the jealous person holds an “intense and energetic state of mind, urging them towards action”.

Our state of mind concerning God and what is right, should be lively, spurring us on to action.

Definition adapted from New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis.

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 16

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 6:1–7:20, Mark 15:16–47, Prov 6:20–27

Today’s Theme: Jesus Crucified

The most important thing we read about today is the crucifixion and suffering of Jesus, which He endured primarily because He loves His Father, and secondly to save us from the curse and penalty of sin.

Think on the suffering and death He endured for us today, it is core and essential to His mission, our faith and the church.

Other themes today include having faith in God and living in purity, both are appropriate to the cross.

2 Kings 6:1–7:20

Make room

So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees.(2 Kings 6:4, ESV)

I love the practical nature of these prophets, they rolled up their sleeves and cut down trees making a way for themselves.

I think about this in terms of our church and the building we need, the place we are now is too small and we need to get to work (building fund, Virgo setup etc), to make a space and place for us.

A true miracle

Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float.(2 Kings 6:6, ESV)

With true miracles like this, the laws of physics can be suspended.

Those who are with us are more

He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”(2 Kings 6:16, ESV)

What an encouraging truth, we have written songs about this and say it all the time, but if we take a moment to really think about it, this should give us great confidence as God’s people.

Open our eyes

Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.(2 Kings 6:17, ESV)

Lord, may our eyes be open to the reality of the spiritual world and our place in it, on the winning side, with You and Your host of angels.

Approach God with respect

And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha.(2 Kings 6:18, ESV)

I love the way Elisha prays, it is not a stamping demand, he says please or I pray, this is the right way to approach God, we are appealing to His mercy and power, not demanding He do anything. When I hear some prayers today and the attitude in which they are said, it makes me shudder.

God answers this gracious prayer of faith and strikes the enemy with blindness.

Service earns respect

As soon as the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I strike them down? Shall I strike them down?”(2 Kings 6:21, ESV)

Look at the great respect Elisha had earned over his years of service before God, he was the real deal and had a real heart for people and even for the king, so much so that the king even calls him father.

Be led by God’s Spirit and wisdom

He answered, “You shall not strike them down. Would you strike down those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.”(2 Kings 6:22, ESV)

Elisha was led by the Spirit of God and showed great mercy and wisdom in the way he dealt with this army and answered his king.

The endgame

So he prepared for them a great feast, and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel.(2 Kings 6:23, ESV)

Endgame objective achieved, they stopped coming to raid Israel.

Self preservation

And the king asked her, “What is your trouble?” She answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give your son, that we may eat him today, and we will eat my son tomorrow.’(2 Kings 6:28, ESV)

What a disgusting spirit of self-preservation. Lord, keep us from this darkness.

A true leader feels the pain of his people

When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes—now he was passing by on the wall—and the people looked, and behold, he had sackcloth beneath on his body—(2 Kings 6:30, ESV)

The king felt the pain of his people and walked in affliction and humility, this is how a leader should be… the only problem is that the king took all the burden on his own head and did not seek the Lord, so ends up lashing out at the man of God.

Don’t be unbelieving

Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned said to the man of God, “If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” But he said, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”(2 Kings 7:2, ESV)

This is the lot for those who doubt and do not believe.

God deals with the enemy

For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians hear the sound of chariots and of horses, the sound of a great army, so that they said to one another, “Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to come against us.”(2 Kings 7:6, ESV)

The Lord will cause the enemy to flee when no one pursues. Stand on that truth as you go about your normal tasks today.

Don’t be selfish

Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come; let us go and tell the king’s household.”(2 Kings 7:9, ESV)

They were at first acting selfishly, storing up only for themselves, we must not be like this.

God is sovereign

Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Syrians. So a seah of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the Lord.(2 Kings 7:16, ESV)

Our sovereign God performs His word.

Mark 15:16–47

The crown of the curse

And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him.(Mark 15:17, ESV)

This would have put Jesus through excruciating pain. The Jerusalem thorn is a very long and hard thorn. It is significant that thorns speak of the curse which Jesus came to absorb and reverse.

The thorns driven in

And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him.(Mark 15:19, ESV)

This in addition to the crown of thorns, would have been unbearable as the thorns are driven deeper into the head of Jesus.

Mocked for our salvation

And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.(Mark 15:20, ESV)

Jesus’ mockery endured for our salvation should leave us humbled and make us bold in our stand, knowing that we should be prepared to be mocked for Him.

Simon, likely a believer

And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.(Mark 15:21, ESV)

The naming of these men is an indication that they were likely known by the original readers and were probably Christians. Will we, like Simon, bear our part of the cross today?

Jesus crucified

And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take.(Mark 15:24, ESV)

“They crucified him” Three words, if we pause for a minute and think about this, Jesus was crucified for us.

The final temptation

save yourself, and come down from the cross!”(Mark 15:30, ESV)

A final temptation from Satan.

Jesus forsaken

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”(Mark 15:34, ESV)

It seems that in those three hours, the sins of the elect were all placed on Jesus, it is at this point that He cries out. Jesus became the ultimate sin offering for us.

Testimony in death

And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”(Mark 15:39, ESV)

Even in His death, Jesus testified to the truth.

Women honoured

When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.(Mark 15:41, ESV)

This is unusual for the time, women were given a place of recognition and honour not found in the secular or religious world of the day.

Proverbs 6:20–27

Learn truth

When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.(Proverbs 6:22, ESV)

The truth we learn will lead us, guard us and speak back to us.

Adultery is a heart issue

Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes;(Proverbs 6:25, ESV)

This is what Jesus deals with in the NT, adultery is a heart issue. If we desire a woman in our heart, we have already committed adultery.

Adultery is evil

for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life.(Proverbs 6:26, ESV)

An adulterous woman is worse than a prostitute.

Don’t play with fire

Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned?(Proverbs 6:27, ESV)

If you play with the fire of lust, you will be burned.

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 15

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 4:18–5:27, Mark 14:51–15:15, Prov 6:12–19

Today’s Theme: Lying vs Truth

There is a strong theme today dealing with the evil, folly and danger of lies and dishonesty. We see this in the selfish and greedy lies of Gehazi, the denial of Peter and the proverbs.

On the other side, we see Jesus testify to the truth that He is God.

Lying always leads to more pain and suffering, truth always leads to life and freedom, so walk in truth and in faith today.

Take time to meditate on the suffering Jesus endured for us today.

2 Kings 4:18–5:27

Faith in God

And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.”(2 Kings 4:23, ESV)

This was not “Word of Faith”, where the truth is not confessed and is denied for fear of the sheer power of our words, creating or destroying something or accepting current circumstances. This is essentially lying, we are called to honestly face the facts, in faith.

The fact is she had faith in God that her son could be raised from the dead and she knew her husband and did not want to cause him to panic or be worried.

We too must walk in actual faith toward God, not the power of our words, and be sensitive to the lack of faith or emotional state of those around us.

Sensitive to the needs of others

And when she came to the mountain to the man of God, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to push her away. But the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me.”(2 Kings 4:27, ESV)

Elisha was caring enough to see that she was in distress, maybe the Lord hid it from him so that their faith could be exercised. Ask God to make you sensitive to the needs of others today.

Ritual alone is dead

Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was no sound or sign of life. Therefore he returned to meet him and told him, “The child has not awakened.”(2 Kings 4:31, ESV)

Following the rituals is not enough, especially when your heart is wicked.

Sensitive, private ministry

So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the Lord.(2 Kings 4:33, ESV)

He was not doing a circus show like the TV preachers today, he went to minister to the boy in privacy.

Be careful about what you eat

One of them went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine and gathered from it his lap full of wild gourds, and came and cut them up into the pot of stew, not knowing what they were.(2 Kings 4:39, ESV)

Not just anyone and anybody can cook :), there is also a spiritual principle, the teacher of God’s word should not use ingredients he has not tested and tired. Just because a book, website or TV show said something, don’t throw it into the mix of your spiritual diet, it could make you sick.

God’s miraculous blessing

But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” So he repeated, “Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’ ”(2 Kings 4:43, ESV)

This is like the miracle that Jesus performed, God provides living bread for the men, this is symbolic of His word which we are filled with.

Also notice the lack of faith in Gehazi.

A good friend

But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”(2 Kings 5:13, ESV)

What a good servant and friend. Lord, help us to help our brothers see sense, thank you for the friends that help us to see sense when offence, pride, rage etc. seeks to ensnare us.

It was only though humility that Naaman could receive his miracle.

A prophet of integrity

But he said, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he > refused.(2 Kings 5:16, ESV)

Nothing like the so called prophets in the WOF today, who only prophesy for money.

True riches

Then Naaman said, “If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the Lord.(2 Kings 5:17, ESV)

This is awesome; because Elisha would not take the riches, Namann was able to receive the true riches of salvation and worshiping God.

The evil of lying

And he said, “All is well. My master has sent me to say, ‘There have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’ ”(2 Kings 5:22, ESV)

This was a blatant lie which will only lead to shame and punishment. Don’t tell lies.

Deception and greed

Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow.(2 Kings 5:27, ESV)

A warning to all those who would take money and be dishonest, selfish and greedy, in the name of the ministry.

Mark 14:51–15:15

Standing vs Naked Shame

but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.(Mark 14:52, ESV)

This actually happened! There is a lesson for us in it being recorded, if we run from Jesus when the world comes to attack Him, we will end up running in shame and disgrace, this is why Paul encourages us to stand.

I am

And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”(Mark 14:62, ESV)

To all the detractors that say that Jesus never said He was God, here it is in plain English. Jesus’ answer to the question is clear.

Jesus is very God of very God

You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death.(Mark 14:64, ESV)

There was no ambiguity in their minds, Jesus was claiming to be the son of God, very God of very God, He was claiming to be God.

The title of this point is taken from the Athanasian Creed which affirms God as a Triune Being.

Jesus suffers shame and abuse

And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.(Mark 14:65, ESV)

This is one of the most painful verses, that the Son of Man was spat upon and struck, it is said in just a few words but must have been an horrific experience. This was man at his worst and God at His best.

Pause and read this again, stop and meditate on the suffering that Jesus endured for our salvation and God’s glory. Let those thoughts lead you to adoration, worship and service.

Don’t deny Jesus

And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.(Mark 14:72, ESV)

This was evidence that although Peter denied the Lord in his weakness, He still belonged to Jesus and the other accounts tells us that Jesus had specifically prayed for Peter. Lord, help us not to deny You.

Evil men

But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead.(Mark 15:11, ESV)

These were truly wicked men, it is likely they were heavily influenced by demonic spirits.

Don’t be a coward

So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.(Mark 15:15, ESV)

This man had the opportunity to be bold and do the right thing, but he was a people pleaser. Lord, keep us from this trap of trying to please men, which leads to cowardice.

This scourging is one of the most painful things that Jesus went through.

Proverbs 6:12–19

Be honest

A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech,(Proverbs 6:12, ESV)

We should be open, clear and honest.

God hates lies

a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.(Proverbs 6:19, ESV)

One of the key things that God hates is lies and dishonesty.

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 15

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