March 3, 2010

Exodus 14

Which is the greater miracle: to put a pillar of fire between the Egyptians and Israelites and blow a wind strong enough to part the sea all night long drying it up so that they could walk through it, or to change the heart of the Pharaoh and his servants so that they would pursue the Israelites even after ten horrific plagues and a pillar of darkness that separated them. For our God neither is harder. God did both. What are the implications for His glory? This is what the word says:

18“Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen. . . . 31Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses.

The Lord does amazing things to force us to recognize His glory. We ought to see His glory just from looking at the creation. But since we do not, He hardens the hearts of those who have already hardened their hearts, and the hearts of his people he softens by doing mighty works of conquest. All for the glory of His name. Indeed we serve a glorious King. Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor john

Mark 8:21-38

Frequently in school I would have teachers who would teach by asking questions. This was particularly true in Seminary. They seemed to sense that if they spoon fed you information, you would not remember it. If they asked you a question and you had to find the answer, then put it into words, then it would stick with you longer. One systematic theology professor never gave a written exam. They were always oral exams. He scheduled us in groups of 3 or 4 for about an hour and a half with him. One had to state your answer and defend it. Those were the exams that really made me nervous and the ones for which I was most prepared. Oh, and then there was my ordination exam. Three hours in front of a board of six men. They each took turns in asking me questions and forcing me to defend my answers from Scripture.

Jesus commonly used the question method with people and particularly with His disciples. This question that He asks Peter is the crux of all history, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter never showed any more brilliance than at this point. "You are the Christ," was his reply. All kinds of glory are packed up in that little word, "Christ." The anointed One through out the Old Testament is cryptically described. He is from eternity. He is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time foreword, even forever. When Peter said, "You are the Christ," you can bet that he had these things in mind. Peter passed this oral exam with flying colors!

Based upon this correct answer Jesus begins to earnestly instruct Peter and the disciples about the prophecies of the Messiah that He must be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and after three days rise again. Isaiah 53 is part of it. Peter missed this part and began to rebuke the Lord, privately. Jesus rebuked Peter publicly. Then He called the people to Himself and the disciples and began to call them to the cross with Him.

The glory of Jesus is indeed great. He calls us to share it with Him. There is one catch. If we want to share in His glory, we have to die with Him. Dying to self is not pleasant but it is required. But look what comes as a result! We share in the glory of Jesus! What a deal! Jim Elliot was right when he said, "He is no fool who gives that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose!" We give this life, which we are going to lose anyway, to gain His life which we will never lose. I want that! "Goodbye, John! Hello, Jesus!" Now that is glory! Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor John