2007 03 March

47. Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, his man calleth for Elias.
They knew better, yet they jested at the Savior's prayer. Wicked, willfully, and scornfully, they turned his death-shriek into ridicule.
48, 49. And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
A person in such agony as Jesus was suffering might have mentioned many pangs that he was enduring; but it was necessary for him to say, "I thirst," in order that another Scripture might be fulfilled. One of them, more compassionate than his companions, ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, from the vessel probably brought by the soldiers for their own use, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. It always seems to me very remarkable that the sponge, which is the very lowest form of animal life, should have been brought into contact with Christ, who is at the top of all life. In his death the whole circle of creation was completed. As the sponge brought refreshment to the lips of our dying Lord, so may the least of God's living ones help to refresh him now that he has ascended from the cross to the throne.

MATTHEW 27:50-54
"IT IS FINISHED"
50. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
Christ's strength was not exhausted; his last word was uttered with a loud voice, like the shout of a conquering warrior. And what a word it was, "It is finished"! Thousands of sermons have been preached upon that little sentence; but who can tell all the meaning that lies compacted within it? It is a kind of infinite expression for breadth, and depth, and length, an height altogether immeasurable. Christ's life being finished, perfected, completed; he yielded up the ghost, willingly dying, laying down his life as he said he would: "I lay down my life for the sheep. I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again."

51-53. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
Christ's death was the end of Judaism: The veil of the temple rent in twain from the top to the bottom As if shocked at the sacrilegious murder of her Lord, the temple rent her garments, like one stricken with horror at some stupendous crime. The body of Christ being rent, the veil of the temple was torn in twain from the top to the bottom. Now was there an entrance made into the holiest of all, by the blood of Jesus; and a way of access to God was opened for every sinner who trusted in Christ's atoning sacrifice.
See what marvels accompanied and followed the death of Christ: The earth did quake, and, the rocks rent; and the graves were opened. Thus did the material world pay homage to him whom man had rejected; while nature's convulsions foretold what will happen when Christ's voice once more shakes not the earth only, but also heaven. These first miracles wrought in connection with the death of Christ were typical of spiritual wonders that will be continued till he comes again,- rocky hearts are rent, graves of sin are opened, those who have been dead in trespasses and sins, and buried in sepulchers of lust and evil, are quickened, and come out from among the dead, and go unto the holy city, the New Jerusalem.

54. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
These Roman soldiers had never witnessed such scenes in connection with an execution before, and they could only come to one conclusion about the illustrious prisoner whom they had put to death: "Truly this was the Son of God." It was strange that those men should confess what the chief priests and scribes and elders denied; yet since their day it has often happened that the most abandoned and profane have acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God while their religious rulers have denied his divinity.

55, 56. And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
We have no record of any unkindness to our Lord from any woman, though we have many narratives of the loving ministry of women at various periods in his life. It was meet, therefore, that even at Calvary many women were there beholding afar off. The ribald crowd and the rough soldiers would not permit these timid yet brave souls to come near; but we learn from John 9:25 that some of them edged their way through the throng till they "stood by the cross of Jesus." Love will dare anything.
57, 58. When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be
delivered.
This rich man of Arimathaea, named, Joseph,- a member of the Jewish Sanhedrim, was Jesus's disciple, "but secretly for fear of the Jews" (John 19:38); yet when his Lord was actually dead, extraordinary courage nerved his spirit, and boldly he went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Joseph and Nicodemus are types of many more who have been emboldened by the cross of Christ to do what, without that mighty magnet, they would never have attempted. When night comes, the stars appear; so in the night of Christ's death these two bright stars shone forth with blessed radiance. Some flowers bloom only at night: such a blossom was the courage of Joseph and Nicodemus.
59, 60. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulcher, and departed.
Our King, even in the grave, must have the best of the best: his body was wrapped in a clean linen cloth, and, laid in Joseph's own new tomb, thus completing the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9. Joseph's was a virgin sepulcher, wherein up to that time no one had been buried, so that, when Jesus rose, none could see, that another came forth from the tomb instead of him.

61. And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulcher.
Love and faith were both typified by these two Marys sitting over against
the sepulcher. They will be the last to leave their Lord's resting-place, and the first to return to it when the Sabbath is past. Can we cling to Christ when his cause seems to be dead and buried When truth is fallen in the streets, or is even buried in the sepulcher of skepticism or superstition, can we still believe in it, and look forward to its resurrection? That is what some of us are doing at the present time. O Lord, keep us faithful!

62-64. Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priest and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulcher be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
These punctilious priests and Pharisees, who were so scrupulous about keeping the Sabbath, did not mind profaning the day of rest by holding a consultation with the Roman governor. They knew that Christ was dead and buried, but they still stood in dread of his power. They called him a "deceiver"; and they even pretended to "remember" what "he said, while he was yet alive." At his trial, their false witnesses gave another meaning to his words; but they knew all the while that he was speaking of his resurrection, not of the Temple on Mount Zion. Now they are afraid that, even in the sepulcher, he will bring to nought all their plans for his destruction. They must have known that the disciples of Jesus would not steal him away, and say unto the people, "He is risen from the dead;" so they probably feared that he really would come forth from the tomb. Whatever conscience they had, made great cowards of them; so they begged Pilate to do what he could to prevent the rising of their victim.

65, 66. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
The chief priests and Pharisees wanted Pilate to make the sepulcher sure, but he left them to secure it. There seems to have been a grim sort of irony about the governor's reply: "Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can." Whether he meant it as a taunt, or as a command to secure the sepulcher, they became unconsciously witnesses that Christ's resurrection was a supernatural act. The tomb in the rock could not be entered except by rolling away the stone, and they guarded that by sealing the stone, and setting a watch. According to the absurd teaching of the Rabbis, rubbing ears of corn was a kind of threshing, and therefore was unlawful on the Sabbath; yet here were these men doing what, by similar reasoning, might be called furnace and foundry work, and calling out a guard of Roman legionaries to assist them in breaking the Sabbath. Unintentionally, they did honor to the sleeping King when they obtained the representatives of the Roman emperor to watch his resting-place till the third morning, when he came forth Victor over sin and death and the grave. Thus once more was the wrath of man made to praise the King of glory, and the remainder of that wrath was restrained.

CHAPTER 28
MATTHEW 28:1-7
THE EMPTY SEPULCHER
1. IN the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher
While the Jewish Sabbath lasted, they paid to it due respect. They did not even go to the sepulcher to perform the kindly offices of embalmment; but when the old Sabbath was dying away, and the new and better Sabbath began to dawn, these holy women found their way back to their Lord's tomb. Woman must be first at the sepulcher as she was last at the cross. We may well forget that she was first in the transgression.

2. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and eat upon it.
the honor which Christ put upon her took away that shame. Who but Mary Magdalene should be the first at the tomb? Out of her Christ had cast seven devils, and now she acts as if into her he had sent seven angels. She had received so much grace that she was full of love to her Lord. Death was being upheaved, and all the bars of the sepulcher were beginning to burst. When the King awoke from the sleep of death, he shook the world; the bed-chamber in which he rested for a little while trembled as the heavenly Hero arose from his couch: Behold, there was a great earth quake. Nor was the King unattended in his rising: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven. It was not merely one of the angelic host, but some mighty presence-angel, "the angel of the Lord", who came to minister to him on that resurrection morn. Jesus was put in the prison of the tomb as a hostage for his people; therefore he must not break out by himself, but the angelic sheriff's officer must bring the warrant for his deliverance, and set the captive at liberty. When the angel had rolled back the stone from the door, he sat upon it, as if to defy earth and hell ever to roll it back again. That great stone seems to represent the sin of all Christ's people, which shut them up in prison; it can never be laid again over the mouth of the sepulcher of any child of God. Christ has risen, and all his saints must rise, too.
3, 4. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
It took a great deal to alarm Roman soldiers; they were inured to all manner of terrors, but this angel's dashing countenance and snow-white raiment paralyzed them with fright, until they swooned away, and became
as dead men. He does not appear to have drawn a flaming sword, nor even to have spoken to the keepers; but the presence of perfect purity overawed these rough legionaries. What terror will strike through the ungodly when all the hosts of angels shall descend, and surround the throne of the reigning Christ on the last great day!

5. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I
know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
Let the soldiers tremble, let them lie as if dead through fright, but, "Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. "Those who seek Jesus need not fear. These women were mistaken in seeking the living among the dead, yet their seeking ended in finding. They did fear, although the angel said, "Fear not." Only Jesus can silence the fears of trembling hearts.

6, 7. He is not here: for he is risen as he said. Come, see the place where
the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
Jesus always keeps his word: "He is risen, as he said." He said he would rise from the dead, and he did; he says that his people also shall rise, and they shall. "Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly," the angel would not let the women stay long looking into the sepulcher, for there was work for them to do. In this world, we cannot afford to spend all our time in contemplation, however heavenly it may be. Notice the angel's words: first "See," and then "Go." Make sure about the fact for yourselves, and then let others know of it. What you know, tell; and do it "quickly." Swift be your feet; such good news as you have to carry should not be long on the road. The King's business required haste. "Tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him." Matthew wrote THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM, yet in his writings there is much about that despised region called "Glalilee of the Gentiles", that border-land which touches us as well as the chosen seed of Abraham. There, in Galilee, is the place where Jesus will hold the first general assembly of his church after his resurrection.

8. And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy;
and did run to bring his disciples word.
That seems a strange mixture, fear and great joy, awe and delight, doubt and faith; yet the joy was greater than the fear. It was not joy and great fear, but "fear and great joy." Have we never had that mixture - drops of grief, like April showers, and peace and joy, like sunlight from heaven, making a glorious rainbow reminding us of God's covenant of peace? A holy fear, mingled with great joy, is one of the sweetest compounds we can bring to God's altar; such were the spices these holy women took away from Christ's sepulcher. Fear and joy would both make them run to bring his disciples word. Either of these emotions gives speed to the feet; but when "fear and great joy" are combined, running is the only pace that
records with the messengers' feelings.
9, 10. And as they went to fell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
Saints running in the way of obedience are likely to be met by Jesus. Some Christians travel to heaven so slowly that they are overtaken by follies or by faults, by slumber or by Satan; but he who is Christ's running footman shall meet his Master while he is speeding on his way. And they came and held, him by the foot, and worshipped him. These holy women were not Unitarians; knowing that Jesus was the Son of God, they had no hesitation in worshipping him. There must have been a new attraction about Christ after he had risen from the dead, something more sweet about the tones of his voice, something more charming about the counten-ance that had been so marred at Gethsemane, and Gabbatha, and Golgotha. Perhaps these timid souls clung to their Lord through fear that he might be again taken for them, so "they held him by the feet, and Worshiped him," fear and faith striving within them for the mastery. Jesus perceived the palpitation of these poor women's hearts, so he repeated the angel's message, "Be not afraid." When Christ's servants, angelic or human, speak what he has bidder them, he will endorse what they say.

"What makes a doctrine straight and clear? About five hundred pounds a year, ($5000.00)" is an "old saw "that can be "reset "today. How much even of religious teaching can be accounted for by the fact that "they took the money"! There are many who make high professions of godliness, who would soon give them up if they did not pay. May none of us ever be affected by considerations of profit and loss in matters of doctrine, matters of duty, and matters of right and wrong! And this saying is commonly reported among the Jesus unto this day. This lie, which had not a leg to stand upon, lived on till Matthew wrote his Gospel, and long afterwards. Nothing lives so long as a lie, except the truth; we cannot kill either the truth or a lie, therefore let us beware of ever starting a falsehood on its terrible career. Let us never teach even the least error to a little child, for it may live on and become a great heresy long after we are dead. The modern philosophy, which is thrust forward to cast a slur upon the great truths of revelation, is no more worthy of credence than this lie put into the mouths of the soldiers; yet common report gives it currency, and amongst a certain clique it pays.

16, 17. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
Notice those words, the eleven disciples. There were twelve; but Judas, one of the twelve, had gone to his own place; and Peter, who had denied his Lord, had been restored to his place among the apostles. The eleven went away into Galilee, to the trysting-place their Lord had fixed: into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. Jesus always keeps his appointments, so he met the company that assembled at the selected spot: and when they saw him, they worshipped him. Seeing their Lord, they began to adore him, and to render divine honors to him, for to them he was God: but some doubted. Where will not Mr. Doubting and other members of his troublesome family be found? We can never expect to be quite free from doubters in the Church, since even in the presence of the newly risen Christ "some doubted." (Continued)

Yet the Lord revealed himself to the assembled company, although he knew that some among them would doubt that it was really their Lord who was risen from the dead. Probably this was the occasion referred to by Paul, when the risen Savior "was seen of above five hundred brethren at once." It was evidently a meeting for which he had made a special appointment, and his own words to the women, following those of the angel, seem to point this out as the one general assembly of his Church on earth before he ascended to his Father. Those who gathered were, therefore, a representative company; and the words addressed to them were spoken to the one Church of Jesus Christ throughout all time.
18-20. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
What a truly royal speech our King made to his loyal subjects! What a contrast was this scene in Galilee to the groans in Gletheemane and the gloom of Golgotha! Jesus claimed omnipotence and universal sovereignty: "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." This is part of the reward of his humiliation (Philippians 2:6-10). On the cross he was proclaimed King of the Jews; but when John saw him, in his apocalyptic vision, "on his head were many crowns," and on his vesture and on his thigh he had a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. By virtue of his kingly authority, he issued this last great command to His disciples: "Go ye therefore, and teach" or, "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." This is our commission as well as theirs. From it we learn that our first business is to make disciples of all nations, and we can only do that by teaching them the truth as it is revealed in the Scriptures, and seeking the power of the Holy Spirit to make our teaching effective in those we try to instruct in divine things.
(Continued)

Next, those who by faith in Christ become his disciples are to be baptized into the name of the Triune Jehovah; and after baptism they are still to be taught all that Christ commanded. We are not to invent anything new; nor to change anything to suit the current of the age; but to teach the baptized believers to observe "all things whatsoever I have commanded" our Divine Thing has commanded. This is the perpetual commission of the Church of Christ; and the great seal of the Kingdom attached to it, giving the power to execute it, and guaranteeing its success, is the King's assurance of his continual presence with his faithful followers: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." May all of us realize his presence with us until he Call us to be with him, "for ever with the Lord"! Amen.

CHRISTIAN'S CLOCK
And Christian made a shrine for the hours the Lord had given him; and from the shrine a golden chain was linked to the great bell at the prayer gate, and when the bell struck, the angel opened the gate and gave back the answer. (Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress)

The bell tolls one - Teach me to say, "Thy will be done."
The bell tolls two - Help me each day Thy will to do.
The bell tolls three - I ask in faith to follow Thee.
The bell tolls four - I pray for trust forevermore.
The bell tolls five - For Christian speech help me to strive.
The bell tolls six - Teach me my hope on Thee to fix.
The bell tolls seven - Oh, make my life a Way to heaven.
The bell tolls eight - May I in peace and patience wait.
The bell tolls nine - Let charity be ever mine.
The bell tolls ten - I pray for love to God and men.
The bell tolls eleven - Let each hour be nearer heaven.
Twelve strokes I hear - Now perfect

CHAPTER 1:1-17 THE PEDIGREE OF THE KING
CHAPTER 1:18-25 THE BIRTH OF THE KING
CHAPTER 2 THE KING APPEARING AND THE KING ASSAILED
CHAPTER 3:1-12 THE HERALD OF THE KING
CHAPTER 3:13-17 THE KING DESIGNATED AND ANOINTED
CHAPTER 4:1-11 THE KING BEGINS HIS REIGN BY A COMBAT WITH THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS
CHAPTER 4:12-25 THE KING SETTING UP
CHAPTER 5:1-12 THE KING PROMULGATES THE LAWS OF HIS KINGDOM
CHAPTER 5:17-20 OUR KING HONORS HIS FATHER'S LAW
CHAPTER 5:21-37 THE KING CORRRECTS TRADATIONAL LAW CHAPTER 6:1-18 THE KING CONTRASTS THE LAWS OF HIS KINGDOM WITH THE CONDUCT OF OUTWARD RELIGIONISTS IN THE MATTERS OF ALMS AND PRAYER
CHAPTER 6:19-34 THE KING GIVES COMMANDS AS TO THE CARES OF THIS LIFE
CHAPTER 7:1-12 THE KING CONTINUES TO REGULATE THE BEHAVIOR OF HIS SUBJECTS
CHAPTER 7:13-23 THE KING TEACHES HIS SERVANTS TO DISCERN AND TO DISTINGUISH
CHAPTER 7:24-29 THE KING SUMS UP HIS DISCOURSE
CHAPTER 8:1-18 THE KING, HAVING SPOKEN IN WISDOM, WORKS WITH POWER
CHAPTER 8:19-22 OUR KING DISCERNING HIS TRUE FOLLOWERS
CHAPTER 8:23-27 OUR KING RULING THE SEA
CHAPTER 8:28-34 THE KING DRIVING LEGIONS BEFORE HIM.
CHAPTER 9:1-8 THE KING CONTINUES TO DISPLAY HIS ROYAL
POWER
CHAPTER 9:9-13 THE GRACE OF THE KINGDOM
CHAPTER 9:14-17 THE JOY OF THE KINGDOM
CHAPTER 9:18-26 THE KING'S DOMINION OVER DISEASE AND DEATH
CHAPTER 9:27-31 THE KING'S TOUCH HEALING THE BLIND
CHAPTER 9:32-35 THE KING AND THOSE POSSESSED WITH DEVILS
CHAPTER 9:36-38 THE KING PITYING THE MULTITUDES
CHAPTER 10:1-15 THE KING COMMISSIONING HIS OFFICERS
CHAPTER 10:16-25 THE KING'S MESSENGERS MAY EXPECT TO BE MALTREATED
CHAPTER 10:26-42 THE KING CHEERING HIS CHAMPIONS
CHAPTER 11:1-19 THE KING SUPPORTS HIS MESSENGERS BY HIS OWN APPEARING THE KING VINDICATES AND CHEERS HIS HERALD
CHAPTER 11:20-30 THE KING'S WARNINGS, REJOICINGS, AND
INVITATIONS
CHAPTER 12:1-13 OUR KING AS LORD OF THE SABBATH
CHAPTER 12:14-21 OUR KING IN THE MAJESTY OF HIS PEACEFULNESS
CHAPTER 12:22-37 OUR KING AND THE POWERS OF DARKNESS
CHAPTER 12:38-42 OUR KING CHALLENGED TO GIVE A SIGN
CHAPTER 12:43 45 OUR KING UNVEILING THE TACTICS OF THE ARCHENEMY
CHAPTER 12:46-50 OUR KING AND HIS EARTHLY RELATIVES
CHAPTER 13:1-53 OUR KING SETS FORTH SEVEN PARABLES OF HIS KINGDOM
CHAPTER 13:54-58 THE KING IN HIS OWN COUNTRY
CHAPTER 14:1-12 THE KING'S HERALD SLAIN
CHAPTER 14:13-22 OUR KING GIVES A GREAT BANQUET
CHAPTER 14:23-26 THE KING RULING WINDS AND WAVES
CHAPTER 15:1-20 OUR KING COMBATING FORMALISTS
CHAPTER 15:21-28 OUR KING AND THE WOMAN OF CANAAN
CHAPTER 15:29-39 THE KING GIVES ANOTHER BANQUET
CHAPTER 16:1-4 THE KING AND HIS CHOSEN SIGN.
CHAPTER 16:5-12 THE KING MISUNDERSTOOD BY HIS OWN
CHAPTER 16:13-28 THE KING ALONE WITH HIS FRIENDS
CHAPTER 17:1-13 OUR KING TRANSFIGURED IN GLORY
CHAPTER 17:14-21 THE KING RETURNING TO THE FIELD OF CONFLICT
CHAPTER 17:22, 23 AGAIN THE KING SPEAKS OF HIS DEATH
CHAPTER 17:24-27 OUR KING AND THE TRIBUTE MONEY
CHAPTER 18:1-5 THE KING ARRANGES RANK IN HIS KINGDOM
CHAPTER 18:6-14 OUR KING'S WARNING AGAINST OFFENSES,
ESPECIALLY THOSE WHICH INJURE THE LITTLE ONES
CHAPTER 18:15-35 THE KING'S LAW CONCERNING OFFENSES
CHAPTER 19:1-12 THE KING AND THE MARRIAGE LAWS
CHAPTER 19:13-15 THE GREAT KING AMONG THE LITTLE CHILDREN
CHAPTER 19:16-30 THE KING SETTLES THE ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
CHAPTER 20:1-16 A PARABLE OF THE KINGDOM
CHAPTER 20:17-28 THE KING ON HIS WAY TO THE CROSS
CHAPTER 20:29-34 THE KING OPENING THE EYES OF THE BLIND
CHAPTER 21:1-11 THE KING RIDES TRIUMPHANTLY INTO HIS CAPITAL
CHAPTER 21:12-14 THE KING CLEANSES THE TEMPLE
CHAPTER 21:15-16 THE KING ACKNOWLEDGES THE CHILDREN'S ACCLAMATIONS
CHAPTER 21:17-22 THE KING GIVES A TOKEN OF THE JUDGMENT OF JERUSALEM, AND OF THE POWER OF PRAYER
CHAPTER 21:23-32 THE KING CONFOUNDS AND WARNS HIS ENEMIES
CHAPTER 21:33-44 THE KING MAKES HIS ENEMIES JUDGE THEMSELVES
CHAPTER 21:45-36 THE KING'S ENEMIES PLOT AGAINST HIM
CHAPTER 22:1-14 PARABLE OF THE MARRIAGE OF THE KING'S SON
CHAPTER 22:15-22 THE KING'S ENEMIES TRY TO ENSNARE HIM
CHAPTER 22:23-33 THE KING AND THE SADDUCEES
CHAPTER 22:34-40 THE KING TESTED BY A LAWYER
CHAPTER 22:41-46 THE KING ASKING QUESTIONS
CHAPTER 23:1-12 THE KING'S WARNING AGAINST FALSE TEACHERS
CHAPTER 23:13-33 THE KING PRONOUNCING WOES
CHAPTER 23:34-39 THE KING'S FAREWELL TO HIS CAPITAL
CHAPTER 24:1-2 THE KING AND HIS FATHER'S HOUSE
CHAPTER 24:3-31 THE KING ANSWERS DIFFICULT QUESTIONS
CHAPTER 24:32-41 THE KING SPEARS OF THE TIME OF HIS COMING
CHAPTER 24:42-51 THE KING COMMANDS HIS SERVANTS TO WATCH
CHAPTER 25:1-13 THE KING AND HIS MARRIAGE PROCESSION
CHAPTER 25:14-30 THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS
CHAPTER 25:31-46 THE ROYAL AND UNIVERSAL JUDGE
CHAPTER 26:1-5 THE KING PROPHESYING: HIS ENEMIES PLOTTING
CHAPTER 26:6-13 THE KING ANOINTED FOR HIS BURIAL
CHAPTER 26:14-16 THE BETRAYERÍS BARGAIN
CHAPTER 26:17-30 THE LAST PASSOVER AND THE NEW MEMORIAL
CHAPTER 26:31 - 35 THE KING AGAIN PROPHESYING: PETER
PROTESTING
CHAPTER 26:36-46 THE KING BENEATH THE OLIVE-TREES
CHAPTER 26:47-56 THE KING'S BETRAYAL
CHAPTER 26:57-68 THE KING BEFORE THE JEWISH HIGH PRIEST
CHAPTER 26:69-75 THE KING DENIED BY HIS DISCIPLE
CHAPTER 27:1, 2 THE KING TAKEN TO PILATE
CHAPTER 27:3-10 THE TRAITOR'S REMORSE AND SUICIDE
CHAPTER 27:11-26 JESUS: PILATE: BARABBAS
CHAPTER 27:27-31 THE KING MOCKED BY THE SOLDIERS
CHAPTER 27:32-38 THE KING CRUCIFIED
CHAPTER 27:39-49MOCKING THE CRUCIFIED KING
CHAPTER 27:50-54 "IT IS FINISHED"
CHAPTER 27:55-61 THE KING'S FAITHFUL FRIENDS
CHAPTER 27:62-66 GUARDING THE KING'S SEPULCHER
CHAPTER 28:1-7 THE EMPTRY SEPULCHER
CHAPTER 28:8-10 THE RISEN KING
CHAPTER 28:11-15 FALSEHOOD AND BRIBERY

With whom took He counsel in creation? Whom did He consult when He determined the various and manifold arrangements, adjustments, adaptations, relationships, and equipments of His myriad creatures? Did He not do everything after the counsel of His own will? Did He not decide that birds should fly in the air, beasts roam the earth, and fishes live in the sea? Did He not decide there should be one vast gradation among the creatures of His hand, instead of making everything equal and uniform? Did He not determine to make a revolving world on the one hand, and a floating atom on the other? Did He not determine to create the exalted seraphim to stand before His throne throughout endless ages, and also to make another creature which dies the same hour it is born?" Was He not undisputed Sovereign in all His creative acts? Yea, verily, for the Three Persons of the Godhead were all alone in their solitary majesty. Why should God take counsel? Could man add to His knowledge, or correct His errors? God's sovereign will assigned His myriad creatures their various habitations, members, movements, as it pleased Him. God never consulted man about a single member of His body, or about its size, color, or capacity; instead, "God set the members everyone of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him" (1 Corinthians 12:18). Man is as truly the product of Sovereign creation as any other of God's creatures.

This is a plural name, and we need to explain something here and now. In English we only have two cases, singular and plural. In Hebrew we have three, (1) singular, (2) dual, and (3 or more) plural nouns and pronouns In the Hebrew have this name Elohim for God used over three thousand times. The name means the "Everlasting," and in the plural, the "Eternal Powers." Elohim may be part of a compound name or it may stand alone. In Genesis 1:1 we see Elohim and we know that it is a plural word, therefore the first verse of our Bible reveals a trinity, or the Godhead made up on three personalities. They are not three Gods, separate one from the other, but one God in three personalities. Pastor Adrian Rogers, now in heaven, said; "Define the trinity, and you will lose you mind. Deny the trinity and you will lose your soul." RJS

March 14
Elohim, Continued
This is a plural name, and we need to explain something here and now. In This teaching of the trinity is a Biblical fact that is only understood by faith, as many other teaching of the Scriptures are. No one living today has seen Jesus, yet by faith we believe He is the God-Man and died on the cross for our sins. Read John 21:24-29 and especially verse 29. Jesus said to Thomas, because you have seen me you have believed: blessed are they that have not seen me, and yet have believed. An eminent Jewish rabbi, Simeon ben Joachi, in his comment on the sixth section of Leviticus, has these remarkable words: "Come and see the mystery of the word Elohim; there are three degrees, and each degree is by itself alone, and yet notwithstanding they are all one, and joined together in one, and are not divided from each other. The unity of the Divine Persons in the work of creation in the ever-blessed Trinity, from the infinite and indivisible unity of these persons, there can be but one will, one purpose, and one infinite and uncontrollable energy." This Rabbi did not understand that Jesus was the second personality of the trinity, but he did well understand that the name Elohim does reveal hat God is a trinity and we too must accept it by faith as a reality that can only be understood by God Himself. RJS

Elohim Sabaoth, a Compound Name for God
Joshua 5:13-15
The God of Hosts "God of the heavenly Armies" 5:13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? To Joshua this appears to be a man, or at least looks like a man, and Joshua asks a question; Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? This appearance of God was after the Israelites had crossed the Jordan River and were on what is now called the Plains of Jericho. (The Plains of Jericho are some of the most fertile land in Israel today. They raise melons, all types of vegetables, nuts and fruits which are shipped to Jordan today. Jordan has very little land that is as fertile as this land on the west side of the Jordan River). This was not the first time that God appeared to sinful men. He appeared to Abraham, Moses and Aaron and now Joshua. They all fell on their faces in the presence of God. RJS

Thursday, March 15th

March 15
Abba, a Name for God not often used
Mark 14:36; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6

ABBA is a word taken from the Aramaic and found three times in the New Testament. In the Rabbinical commentary called the Gamera on the Mishna (which forms the first part of the Talmud) an oral or traditional teachings of the Jews it is stated that a slave was forbidden to address the head of the family by this word. Jesus used it when praying in the garden the night before the crucifixion in Mark 14:36, And He said Abba, Father all things are possible unto thee, take away this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but Thine be done. The word "Abba" is an endearing word expressing love and confidence in the father of the family. We could translate it today as "Papa" or "Daddy." It is also a word that many babies use when they are learning to talk, because of its simplicity.
Paul refers to it in Romans 8:15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, Father. If we read the context of Romans 8: 15 by going back to verse 12 and read through verse 17 we see that we have a new relationship with the Father through Christ's finished work on the cross. We have been adopted into the family of God. God is now our Father and we have a new nature and destiny according to Eph. 1:4-14. We now can approach the Father in Jesus name and use the word Abba because we reach out to our Father in faith and complete trust.
Paul also uses this wonderful word in Galatians 4:6, And because you are sons and daughters, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Paul uses this verse to show us the ministries of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are all used in our salvation and relationship with the Godhead. (I have taken liberty in the above verses to bring them up to date as far as our modern English and made "sons" to be effective to both genders). In Gal.4:7 we find the word servants, in the Greek it is "doulos" most often translated "slaves." We were slaves to Satan before we were saved, but now we are heirs of God through Christ. What a transformation! You were lost, now you are found. You were a child of Satan, now you are a child of God. You were hell bound, now you are heaven bound. What more could we ask? The Godhead has done it all because They loved us so much. RJS

Friday, March 16th

March 16
Jehovah-Nissi, "The Lord is our Banner"

Jehovah Nissi is first found in Exodus 17:12-16 But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. 15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi: 16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. If you have time, please turn to I Samuel 15 and read the chapter and understand how Saul had disobeyed God and Samuel had to correct the mistakes of Saul. From this day on, Saul was unable to stand before God. Saul had so displeased God that from that day Saul and his family were under a curse that could not be changed. Literally, Saul's kingdom was from that day forward a total loss and not one of his sons would ever sit on the throne in Israel.
In Hebrews 12:2 we have a New Testament reference to the word "Nissi." Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. The word "Author" is also translated "furnishing the first cause or occasion," or "the chief leader or prince." In a military action the highest ranking officer or non-commissioned leader is to lead the troops into battle. He is the banner or ensign that the troops follow. This was especially true in wars at the time of the writing of the Bible and even up to World War II the flag or banner was out in front of the troops. That leader, flag or banner is the Nissi, and in the reference from Hebrews 12:2 Jesus is our banner or leader. He has actually won the war against Satan and his demons and we are on the victorious mach into heaven where our Leader is sitting at the right hand of the Father. Even though we are still in our state here on the earth, our standing with God is that with Christ and also sitting with Him in His glory. Praise God, we are ready to sit at the table of the Lord and live a victorious life while still in this old body. RJS

Saturday, March 17th

March 17
Jehovah Rophi, "The Lord that Heals You"

Ex. 15:23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. 24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? 25 And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, 26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. The above is self explanatory and needs little exposition, but it is interesting that the New Testament verses that are parallel to this reference also have to do with water. John 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went and washed, and came seeing. Jesus is our healer, I think of all the miracles of healing, found in Christ's ministry, this one is me favorite. Jesus knew that the Pharisees would use this man's healing as another excuse to get rid of our Saviour. This man did not see Jesus as he stood in His presence blind, he did not know what actually happened, but by faith he tapped his way and stumbled along calling out that he was blind until he arrived at the pool of Siloam. There he knelt and dipped his hand into the water and washed his face. As the mud washed away, he began to see objects for the first time in his life. When the Holy Spirit won us to Christ He also opened our eyes and we saw for the first time that we were a lost and hell bound person, and we cried out to Jesus for our salvation. Yes, now we see! What a blessed experience we had with Jehovah Rophi! RJS

Sunday, March 18th

March 18
Jehovah Jireth "The Lord Who Provides,"
Gen. 22:14

22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? 8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. 9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. 11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. 12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. Abraham had three days to think it about the death of his beloved son as they walked to the designated place. When Isaac asked about the lamb, I can see the father's heart about to break. The wood and the fire were present, but where was the lamb, that was about to be slain? Abraham had to turn away for a moment as he wiped away the tears that had run down his cheeks. They arrived at the top of the mountain and immediately set about building an altar of the stones that were all around them. Then Abraham had to do the one thing that he hated the most, to bind his son and place Isaac on that altar. Taking the knife in hand he was prepared to be obedient to the command of the LORD. Next comes the miracle from heaven, the words "Abraham, Abraham" he stopped the plunging of the knife in mid air and responded, Here am I. And the angel said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. Abraham had another son, but with God, Isaac was the only son and the son of promise. All of the above it to illustrate that God was going to provide His only Son, Jesus Christ, to become a sacrifice for the whole wide world. Yes, the provision was made our salvation, but it was and is dependent on the individual to accept it or reject it. God does not force himself on anyone, mankind is a free moral agent and can make his or her own choice. The only restriction is rejection of Christ is to condemn and consign both body and soul to everlasting fire, there is only one way to heaven and that is in Christ. Have you made the right choice? RJS

Monday, March 19th

March 19
Jehovah Tsidikenu "The LORD Our Righteousness,"
Jeremiah 23:5-8 and Romans 4:6, 24-25

23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. 7 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; 8 But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land. In Verse 8, we are seeing only part of this prophecy as we read the news papers and watch today. The Jews have been returning from the North country for the past 58 years. Ever since 1948 when Israel became a Nation among Nations by an act of the United Nations. Jews have been returning for Europe, North and South America, Australia and Asia. Over six million have migrated to a little piece of land no larger than the State of New Jersey. Unfortunately they are returning to the land in unbelief. They are like unto the bones in Ezekiel 37 and 38. They are gathering together bone to bone, and the muscular meat and skin are on the bones, but the breath of life by the Spirit has not yet filled their lungs and hearts and they are trusting in armies of men rather than God. Much like it was in Old Testament times when the kings went to war without seeking the leading of God.
The Books of Romans and Ephesians tell us that there is a group of people who have followed Jesus upon which the Spirit has descended and they have received the promise of the Lord our Righteousness, Jesus Christ, who has given to us the Spirit of Righteousness. Not our self- righteousness, but His righteousness.
Romans 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God, (Jehovah Tsidikenu) imputeth righteousness without works, Rom. 4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification. Eph. 2:8-10 For by grace are you saved through faith; and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus uto good works, which he has ordained thast we should walk in them. RJS

Tuesday, March 20th

March 20
Adonahy Jehovah, also The LORD God

Adonahy is the plural from of Adon, used as "Lord" or "Master" and only in reference to a Divine title, it occurs about 290 times. These combi-nation names or titles are usually made up of two elements, each of which may occur countless times independently. Placed together in compound they form a double name and provide us with a sense of the greatness and omnipotence, the all powerful names of God.
Jehovah Adonahy is found at least 5 times in the old Testament: Ps. 68:20 where it says, "….unto God the Lord belongs the issues of death."
Ps. 109:21, But do Thou for me, O God the Lord, for The name's sake: because They mercy is good, deliver Thou me.
Ps. 140:7 O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. David was thanking God for the helmet of Divine presence that had protected him in battle.
Ps.141:8 But mine eyes are unto Thee, O God the Lord: in Thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute. David did not have the assurance that belongs to the believer today, Jesus said "I will never leave thee not forsake thee."
Habakkuk 3:19 The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet (deer feet) , and He will make me to walk upon mine high places. The LORD God is my strength The prophet does not inwardly only exult and triumph in God, but he confesses also in words of praise, that in Him he hath all things, that He is All things in him. And as he had confessed the Father, under the Name whereby He revealed Himself to Moses, and the Son, "the Lord God of my salvation," so he confesses God the Holy Ghost, who, in us, is our strength. "He is our strength," so that through Him, we can do all things; "He is our strength," so that without Him, we can do nothing; "He the Lord our God is our strength," not without us, for He is our strength, but in us. And so he says further, how we can use it as our own. "He will make my feet like hinds," which bound upward through His imparted strength when scared by alarms here below. We will spring from height to height, standing on the Rock, looking down on the whole world below. Yes, the day is coming when we will look over the ramparts of heaven and seeing this old world, we will never to return to the status quo. RJS

Wednesday, March 21st

March 21
Adonahy Jehovah, also The LORD God

Some more about the God who is exalted by both Jew and Gentile and evil spirits. Moses told Pharaoh in Ex. 8:10, There is none like unto the LORD our God. Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses said in Ex. 18:11, I know that the LORD is greater than all Gods. Have you ever stopped and thought about the needs for God to supply food and water for about 3.5 million people wandering in the desert? Daniel had just had a great vision in Chapters 7 and 8 and now in chapter 9:4 Daniel says, I prayed unto the LORD my God and made my confession and said, O Lord the great and dreadful (awesome) God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love Him, and to them that keep His commandments. ... The conditions of the covenant extend no farther than this, since, in a compact of any kind, one is bound to be faithful only while the terms are maintained by the other party. God binds himself to show favor only while we are obedient. When we confess our sins and plead his promises he has assured us that he will restore and receive us if we are penitent. It was this which Daniel pleaded on this occasion. He could not plead that his people had been obedient, and had thus any claims to the Divine favor; but he could cast himself and them on the mercy of a covenant-keeping God, who would remember his covenant with them if they were penitent, and He would graciously pardon. The same payer is true today, we need to pray the blood as it is recorded in (I John 1:7) This is the daily cleansing that is needed most and the putting away of the sins that you have confessed. Another reference in Daniel needs to be looked into. (Daniel 3:26-30) Especially the last half of 3:26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, …Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. And lastly, The demons know all about the Most High God, Mark 5:7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. Luke 16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. Please take time to read the context of these last references in Daniel 3; Mark 5; and The Acts 16. RJS

Thursday, March 22nd

March 22
Jehovah-Nissi, "The Lord is our Banner"

Jehovah Nissi is first found in Exodus 17:12-16 But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. 15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi: 16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. If you have time, please turn to I Samuel 15 and read the chapter and understand how Saul had disobeyed God and Samuel had to correct the mistakes of Saul. From this day on Saul was unable to stand before God. Saul had so displeased God that from that day Saul and his family were under a curse that could not be changed. Literally, Saul's kingdom was from that day forward a total loss and not one of his sons would ever sit on the throne in Israel.
In Hebrews 12:2 we have a New Testament reference to the word "Nissi." Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. The word "Author" is also translated "furnishing the first cause or occasion," or "the chief leader or prince." In a military action the highest ranking officer or non-commissioned leader is to lead the troops into battle. He is the banner or ensign that the troops follow. This was especially true in wars at the time of the writing of the Bible and even up to World War II the flag or banner was out in front of the troops. That leader, flag or banner is the Nissi, and in the reference from Heb. 12:2 Jesus is our banner or leader. He has actually won the war against Satan and his demons and we are on the victorious march into heaven where our Leader is sitting at the right hand of the Father. Even though we are still in our state here on the earth, our standing with God is with Christ and also sitting with Him in His glory. Praise God, we are ready to sit at the table of the Lord and live a victorious life while still in this old body. RJS

Friday, March 23rd

March 23
EL SHADDAI

One of the most popular Christian songs of recent years is entitled "El Shaddai." El Shaddai is one of the compound names for God. It occurs seven times in the Bible. The King James Version translates El Shaddai as "the Almighty God" (Gen 17:1) and Shaddai simply as "the Almighty" (Ruth 1:20). Some Bible teachers believe that Shaddai comes from the Hebrew word shad, which refers to a woman's breast. If that is indeed the case, then this name for God would be very tender and intimate, suggesting as it does, that Shaddai is to His people all that a mother is to a babe at her breast He is the life giver, sustainer and satisfier. He pours His everlasting life into the frail weak life of the child who trusts in Him.
Abraham and Sarah were, in the vernacular of the Bible, well-stricken in years. They were past the time of natural child bearing (Gen. 17:17). It was only then that the Lord appeared to Abram and said unto him .... "I am the Almighty God (El Shaddai); walk before me, and be thou perfect" (Gen. 17:1). The use of this name for God at this point in time is both striking and significant Centuries later God would say to Moses, "And I appeared unto Abraham . . . by the name of God Almighty [El Shaddai], but by my name Jehovah was I not known to them" (Ex. 6:3). God had promised to Abraham a seed (Gen. 12:1). God had promised universal blessing through that seed (Gem 12:2-3). God had promised Abraham that his seed would be"... as the dust of the earth, so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered" (Gen. 13:16. There was no longer life in his loins or her womb. And so, at this precise moment God revealed Himself as El Shaddai - the One who blesses and makes fruitful - the life-giver and sustainer - the One who would keep His word and empowers a woman past childbearing capability to supernaturally conceive. From her womb a new nation would arise into which, ultimately, Christ would be born and universal blessing would flow to mankind. If there had been the modern medication in that day and Sarah had gone to the doctor for an examination and he gave her the results, She would have shouted, "I'm What!" At ninety years, a woman does not expect such a diagnosis, but with God all things are possible. Absolutely nothing is impossible with God. We have a God of the Impossible and we should never forget that, He does do all things well. RJS

Saturday, March 24th

March 24
Jehovah Shalom "The Lord is My Peace,"
Judges 6:24 and John 14:27

In the wonderful story related in Judges 6 and following about the man, Gideon we find the only mention of "Jehovah Shalom" in the Old Testament. Jehovah is mentioned many times as well as Shalom, but this is the only place where they are together. A very interesting sidelight is that Jehovah called Gideon a mighty man of valor in verse 12. Gideon was threshing grain in a very low spot called a wine press, rather than up on a hill top where the wind would blow away the chaff. This was be because the Midianites and Amalekites were stealing the grain from the Israelites and Gideon was trying to hide his harvest from these heathen thieves. 6:22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O LORD God! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face. 23 And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. 24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. Gideon was fearful, but the Angel of the Lord assured him that he would not die and then it was that Gideon built the altar unto Jehovah Shalom and worshipped Him.
There are many references to peace in the New Testament, however there are five in the Gospel of John that stand out because the God of peace. Jesus is the Jehovah-Shalom. 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Note the second phrase of the first sentence my peace I give unto you: Here Jesus identifies himself as the God of Peace, the Jehovah-Shalom. 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. This last phrase is the most important one, because we are also over comers in Christ. I John 5:4 For whatsoever (whosoever) is born of God over cometh the world: and this is the victory that over cometh the world, even our faith. 5:5 Who is he that over cometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? To overcome the world the flesh and the devil is to be victorious and in Christ we are the victorious ones. We should shout it from the roof tops, we are the winners and we have the victory that Christ obtained at Calvary in us, HALLELUJAH! RJS

Sunday, March 25th

March 25
Jehovah Ro'i "The Lord is My Shepherd."
Gen. 22:13-14 and Psalms 23

Gen. 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. 22:14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. The underscored name is the same as the spelling in the title of this devotion. The total meaning of Jehovah Jireh and Jehovah Roi is that God will provide. In the Genesis account God provided the Ram as a substitute for Isaac. In Psalm 23, it is the Lord Jesus who will provide all our needs both on the earth and in heaven. It is interesting that there seems to be two personalities called Jehovah. In the context of our passage we read in verses 11-12 that the Angel, (Messenger) of the Lord spoke to Abraham, and referred to God also. In theological words this angel-messenger in none other than the Lord Jesus Christ in what we call a thoephany in a visible or audio appearance of God to a person of like passions as we are.
In Psalm 23 we have a Messianic promise from the Old Testament of a shepherd to supply rest, to give us to drink of pure clear water, to restore my relationship with God that was lost in Eden, to lead us in the path of righteousness, to walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death, to deliver us from evil, (only one time in the New Testament is the death of a believer referred to as death all the other times it is sleeping, John 11:14) to use His rod and staff to protect us from those that would do evil to us, to anoint our heads with oil as the Old Testament Priest was anointed. Remember that Peter said we are a royal priesthood in I Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar (a chosen people for His own possession) people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Chosen before the foundation of the world that you might have an everlasting inheritance. The more you spend that inheritance the more inheritance you have. In other words; the more you take advantage of what God has given you the more you possess the promises of God in everything. RJS

Monday, March 26th

March 26
El Elyon, The Most High God

There is a principle in the Bible called the "first mention principle" there is a law in Holy Writ that however or whenever the name or word is used in the first mention it will mean the same every time it is used. The first time the name "El Elyon" is used is found in Genesis 14"18-20. In the English Bible it is the "Most High God."
Abram had learned that Lot, his nephew had been captured by the kings that made war with Sodom and Gomorrah, and Abram gathered his servants and herdsmen and made war with Lot's captors. Abram was a successful general and not only won the war but captured all the spoil and prisoners that had been taken by those four kings. After this battle Abram met Melchizedek who was the priest of the Most High God, El Elyon. And Melchizedek set bread and wine before Abram and they had fellowship around the priest's table. 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. In verse 19, note Melchizedek blessed Abram of the Most High God. 14:19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. 14:21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. 14:22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth. Here was the Father of the Jews, Abraham and Melchizedek a Gentile sharing the elements of the Lord's Supper and from this we know that they were both well aware of the doctrine of the atonement. Also, we see the eternal priesthood of Melchizedek as over against the temporary Aaronic priesthood of the Jews. The Aaronic priesthood was from the tribe of Levi, and another tribe, Judah, was chosen to be the lineage of the new priesthood in Jesus. Since there was to be a new priesthood there must of necessity be a setting aside of the old priesthood of Aaron. This explains the new covenant given to the Jews and Gentiles in which it is no longer the blood of animal sacrifices, but the blood of Christ that makes an atonement for our sins and we too are to speak as Melchizedek spoke, "Blessed be the Most High God." RJS

Tuesday, March 27th

March 27
EL ELYON and the Pledge of Abraham

Abraham encountered the Most High God returning from the rescue of his nephew, Lot. The Bible says that, ". . . Meichizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine; and he was the priest of the most high God" (Gen. 14:18). This king-priest blessed Abraham and said, "Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth" (Gen. 14:19). The reason given by Melchizedek for Abram's victory over a much larger and superior force is this, the most high God hath delivered your enemies into your hand..." (Gen. 14:20). And now Abram, for his part, pledged allegiance to "the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth" (Gen. 14:22). Abraham had made enemies of the four kings from the east. He had humiliated them in the rescue of Lot, and one day "when kings go forth to war" they would return seeking revenge. He had also alienated the king of Sodom by pledging allegiance to El Elyon and refusing any of the spoils of war. With the passing of time Abraham began to question these earlier actions. Perhaps he had acted hastily. He had made enemies and turned down material wealth. The Bible declares that, "After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceedingly great reward" (Gen. 15:1). God never says Fear not to one of His own unless they are fearful. What a promise from El Elyon, the strongest strong One, the Most High God, the possessor of Heaven and earth. He would protect Abraham ("I am thy shield"). He would provide for Abraham ("I am thy exceedingly great reward"). Here then was the ultimate life insurance policy - protection of life by the One who is the strongest strong One - and the best of pension plans. The One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills would be his "exceedingly great reward."
The Bible interprets this to mean that El Elyon is the "possessor of heaven and earth" (Gen. 14:19). El Elyon knows no bounds. The authority of the Most High God transcends boundaries between nations, between Heaven and earth, between spirit beings and physical beings, between angels and demons, and between humans and animals. His authority and dominion span time and distance alike. He is El Elyon, the Most High God, the strongest strong One, the possessor of Heaven and earth. RJS

Wednesday, March 28th

March 28
EL ELYON and the Song of Moses

Moses was well-stricken in years and nearing the end of life. The great lawgiver would soon be gone. God commanded Moses to write a song before his departure. It was to be a reminder to Israel of what her God was like. It was to speak of His salvation, sovereignty and faithfulness. It was to be a testimony to Israel that the evils which would befall her through the ages could not be placed at the doorstep of her God - that their long, lonely trail of heartache and suffering would be the result of their own unfaithfulness and sin. God commanded Moses, "Now, therefore, write this song for you, and teach it to the children of Israel; put it in their mouths, that this song maybe a witness for me against the children of Israel" (Deut. 31:19). As Moses took up his pen to compose his song, he wrote, "When the Most High [Elyon] divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. For the Lord's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance" (Deut. 32:8-9). With sovereign authority, Elyon, the possessor of Heaven and earth, partitioned off this planet He set the bounds of the nations in relationship to the little land of Israel. Because Israelis God's inheritance, she is the hub of the earth (Ezek. 38:12). Jerusalem is to be God's home on this planet, and one day His ensign will fly over Zion. It is not without significance that He placed Israel on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea -that He gave her such varied topography and climate - that He made her the bridge between three continents, Africa, Asia and Europe - that He compacted her between four seas, the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea (the latter with tremendous chemical wealth and enough fertilizer to meet the world's needs for hundreds of years). Nearby, in Arab lands, He placed large reservoirs of oil. These things and more were placed by El Elyon, the possessor of Heaven and earth, in right amounts and in strategic places. He alone set the stage upon which the two-part drama (the first and second comings of Christ) of redemption will be played out to divine perfection. The Almighty, All Powerful, God planned it all before the foundation of the world. Yes the trinity Father, Son and Holy Spirit together planned the end from before the beginning. RJS

Thursday, March 29th

March 29
EL ELYON and Demonic Activity

Since El Elyon is the Most High God, the strongest strong One, the possessor of Heaven and earth, it can rightly be assumed that His sphere of control extends beyond the physical realm to the unseen spirit realm. One day Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee to the land of the Gadarenes. Immediately He encountered a man who was demon possessed. Did the God of Abraham have authority outside the land of Israel? Did that authority extend to the demonic world? Jesus commanded that the demon (whose name was Legion, indicating that the man was indwelt by many demons) come out of him (Mk. 5:8). The demon"... cried with a loud voice, and said, What have Ito do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the Most High God, El Elyon? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not" (Mk. 5:7). Jesus commanded the demons to leave the man and enter a nearby herd of swine. They did, and the swine ran down a steep incline into the sea and drowned (Mk. 5:13). Some years later, "Paul was forbidden to preach the Word in Asia (Acts 16:6). "And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: there stood a man of Macedonia, beseeching him, and saying. Come over into Macedonia, and help us" (Acts 16:9). Paul took the gospel to Europe as God directed, rather than to Asia where he had planned to go. Here was a critical turning point in human history. Few events affected the destiny of more men to a greater degree than this crossing into Europe with the gospel. But immediately Paul was confronted with a woman ". . . possessed with a spirit of divination.. ." (Acts 16:16). Here was demonic opposition to the spread of the gospel. This demon-possessed woman followed Paul harassing his ministry,"... and cried, saying. "These men are the servants of the Most High God, El Elyon, who show unto us the way of salvation." And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, to come out of her. And he came out the same hour" (Acts 16:17-18). But the owner of this woman now delivered from demonic possession was deprived of his income. And angered, rather than grateful, he had Paul and Silas thrown into prison. There was demonic opposition, but it could not successfully oppose the servants of El Elyon, possessor of Heaven and earth. RJS

Friday, March 30th

March 30
EL ELYON and Paul at Athens

During Paul's missionary journeys, it was his custom to enter the synagogue in each city he visited. There he would find Jews and Gentile converts to Judaism. Because they were students of the Old Testament Scriptures, there was a point of contact, a common denominator. Paul could put forth his argument that Jesus was the promised Messiah of whom Moses and the prophets of Israel wrote. His message of salvation by grace apart from the Law was welcomed good news received by many during these missionary journeys. It was during his second missionary journey that some philosophers brought him to the Areopagus saying ..... May we know what this new doctrine, of which thou speakest, is?" (Acts 17:19). "Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' Hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are very religious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom, therefore, ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you" (Acts 17:22-23). These Athenians were very religious. They constructed altars to their multitudes of gods. But, in case there was one they didn't know about - one they missed and might possibly offend - they took out insurance by building an altar to "the unknown god." Here was Paul's opening, a logical point of contact. Concerning "the unknown god," Paul declared, ..... Whom, therefore, ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you" (Acts 17:23). And Paul identifies this God as the Lord of Heaven and earth (El Elyon) who dwelleth not in temples made with hands (Acts 17:24), and the One who"... made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation" (Acts 17:26). It is in the Most High God that men live, and move, and have their being (Acts 17:28). In response to Paul's message of salvation, some said, we will hear you further, and some men, ". . . joined him, and believed. . ." (Acts 17:34). The Most High God - the possessor of Heaven and earth -could cross borders and penetrate heathen cultures. El Elyon is one of the truly exquisite names for God found in the Bible. Each of the divine names is given to reveal to man some quality or characteristic of God that cannot be found to the same extent in any other creature. Divine names, therefore, set God apart from and elevate Him infinitely higher than all other beings, whether in Heaven or earth. RJS

Saturday, March 31st

March 31
EL ELYON and Satanic Rebellion

There was no repentance, and as foretold, Nebuchadnezzar, the head of gold of the Gentile world powers, went insane, living and acting like an animal for seven years (Dan. 4:33). When his sanity returned, it is said of Nebuchadnezzar, ..... and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay his hand, or say unto hint What doest thou?" (Dan. 4:34-35). Nebuchadnezzar, a heathen king, finally came to understand what sophisticated twentieth-century man has not yet learned - that the God of the Bible, the God of creation, the God of history, the God of redemption, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ is El Elyon, the Most High God, the strongest strong One, the possessor of Heaven and earth. No one and nothing can resist His will. Every instance where the name Elyon is used for God, universal, sovereign rule is in view. Abraham defeated four heathen kings through El Elyon, possessor of Heaven and earth (Gen. 14:19). According to Moses, it was Elyon who portioned out to the nations their geographical boundaries in relationship to Israel because Jerusalem is the capital city of the King of kings (DL 32:8-9). When Jesus passed into the land of the Gadarenes and Paul into Europe, there was demonic opposition, but it gave way to El Elyon, the strongest strong One (Gen. 14:18, 20, 22). When Paul stood on Mars' Hill and spoke to the Greeks, he said it was Elyon, their unknown god, who ..... made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth.. ." (Acts 17:26). When Satan tried to usurp El Elyon's universal rule from the throne room of Heaven, he was sentenced to be cast into the pit (Isa. 14:15). And finally, Nebuchadnezzar, head of gold of the image of Gentile world powers, went insane until he Acknowledged that El Elyon ". . . doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth. . ." (Dan. 4:35). I commend to you El Elyon, the Most High God, the strongest strong One, the possessor of Heaven and earth. If He is your God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ you are resting on the one immovable point in a changing world. More secure is no one ever than the loved ones of the Savior. RJS

Please click on the current date # above or scroll down to read the devotional for the day!

It is our desire to make these devotionals readily available to anyone who can use them. We pray that as you daily read and meditate on God's Word, you will be able to use these to help you spiritually grow in your daily walk with the Lord

Please Email us to share a testimony of how this ministry has been a blessing to you, Or to request these devotions be sent to you daily via email!

Please Email us to share a testimony of how this ministry has been a blessing to you, Or to request these devotions be sent to you daily via email!

Read Past Devotionals in the Devotional Archive!

Read Past Devotionals in the Devotional Archive!