November 15, 2010

1 Chronicles 5-6

1 Chronicles 5:2 (NKJV)2yet Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came a ruler, although the birthright was Joseph’s. Hmmm. . . The Birthright belonged to Reuben as the firstborn. But he was disqualified because he dishonored his father. Simeon and Levi were next in line, but Judah prevailed. Perhaps Simeon and Levi were disqualified because of their murder of the men of Shechem. At any rate, Judah prevailed and the right to rule and the line of the Messiah shifted to him. Joseph got the double portion through Ephraim and Manasseh, his sons, but the blessing to the whole world went through Judah. Reuben profaned the name of the Lord with his unbridled lust. Simeon and Levi profaned the name of the Lord with their unbridled revenge. Judah prevailed by his intercession before Joseph for the life of his brother Benjamin and his father Israel. Judah offered his own life in exchange for Benjamin. He was willing to lay it all on the line for his brother’s and his father’s sake. Lord, let me be the type of man who will lay it all on the line for the sake of others, so that your glory could shine to its brightest degree. Indeed we serve a glorious King. Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor john

Hebrews 11:1-19

Faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen. How can we have faith? It is because of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is in Him that our faith is placed. He is the one who framed the worlds. It is He who gives us His righteousness when we place our trust in him. When we come to death's edge, it is He who will bid us welcome as we step on the other shore. It is in Him that we are pleasing to God. It is in Him that we are protected from the wrath of a Holy God as it is poured out against sin. It is by Him that we look for a city whose builder and maker is God. We may die, not having received all of the promises He has given us, but we know that because of Him all the promises will be fulfilled on the other side. It is because of Him that we desire the heavenly country. Because of Him the Father is not ashamed for us to call Him our God. It is because of Him that we have assurance that He will raise us up. Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor John