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Does God Want You to Succeed?

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on June 3rd.

Proverbs 16:1-3 Chapter 16 1 The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits. 3 Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established.

Is success a legitimate goal for believers? Is this something God wants for His children? The answers depend upon your definition of success. Many people define it as the achievement of wealth, prominence, or fame. If that’s what you’re seeking, then you are following the world’s definition, not the Lord’s.

In His eyes, true success begins internally—the first step is a relationship with Jesus, whereby you have trusted Him as Savior and are following Him obediently. His goal for you is ongoing growth in Christlike character and spiritual maturity, but that’s not all. He also has some work for you to accomplish here on earth (Eph. 2:10). God planned these tasks specifically for you and designed them with your personality, talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts in mind. You could think of them as your unique calling and responsibility in life.

Genuine success involves doing what the Lord has called you to do, not just occasionally but continually. It has to do with persistence rather than perfection. When this is your definition of success, you can know that the Lord wants you to succeed. And He’s committed to helping you become the person He designed you to be—and to accomplish the goals He’s set for you.

The ultimate evaluation of our success will take place when we stand before God and give an account of our life (Rom. 14:12). Any self-centered earthly achievements will be left behind. But if we’ve lived by His definition of success, our treasure will await us in heaven—along with the words “Well done!”

Bible in One Year: Job 13-16 Chapter 13 1 Lo, mine eye hath seen all `this', Mine ear hath heard and understood it. 2 What ye know, `the same' do I know also: I am not inferior unto you. 3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to reason with God. 4 But ye are forgers of lies; Ye are all physicians of no value. 5 Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace! And it would be your wisdom. 6 Hear now my reasoning, And hearken to the pleadings of my lips. 7 Will ye speak unrighteously for God, And talk deceitfully for him? 8 Will ye show partiality to him? Will ye contend for God? 9 Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceiveth a man, will ye deceive him? 10 He will surely reprove you If ye do secretly show partiality. 11 Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall upon you? 12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defences are defences of clay. 13 Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak; And let come on me what will. 14 Wherefore should I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hand? 15 Behold, he will slay me; I have no hope: Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him. 16 This also shall be my salvation, That a godless man shall not come before him. 17 Hear diligently my speech, And let my declaration be in your ears. 18 Behold now, I have set my cause in order; I know that I am righteous. 19 Who is he that will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the ghost. 20 Only do not two things unto me; Then will I not hide myself from thy face: 21 Withdraw thy hand far from me; And let not thy terror make me afraid. 22 Then call thou, and I will answer; Or let me speak, and answer thou me. 23 How many are mine iniquities and sins? Make me to know my transgression and my sin. 24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, And holdest me for thine enemy? 25 Wilt thou harass a driven leaf? And wilt thou pursue the dry stubble? 26 For thou writest bitter things against me, And makest me to inherit the iniquities of my youth: 27 Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, And markest all my paths; Thou settest a bound to the soles of my feet: 28 Though I am like a rotten thing that consumeth, Like a garment that is moth-eaten. Chapter 14 1 Man, that is born of a woman, Is of few days, and full of trouble. 2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: He fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. 3 And dost thou open thine eyes upon such a one, And bringest me into judgment with thee? 4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. 5 Seeing his days are determined, The number of his months is with thee, And thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass; 6 Look away from him, that he may rest, Till he shall accomplish, as a hireling, his day. 7 For there is hope of a tree, If it be cut down, that it will sprout again, And that the tender branch thereof will not cease. 8 Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, And the stock thereof die in the ground; 9 Yet through the scent of water it will bud, And put forth boughs like a plant. 10 But man dieth, and is laid low: Yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? 11 `As' the waters fail from the sea, And the river wasteth and drieth up; 12 So man lieth down and riseth not: Till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, Nor be roused out of their sleep. 13 Oh that thou wouldest hide me in Sheol, That thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, That thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! 14 If a man die, shall he live `again'? All the days of my warfare would I wait, Till my release should come. 15 Thou wouldest call, and I would answer thee: Thou wouldest have a desire to the work of thy hands. 16 But now thou numberest my steps: Dost thou not watch over my sin? 17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag, And thou fastenest up mine iniquity. 18 But the mountain falling cometh to nought; And the rock is removed out of its place; 19 The waters wear the stones; The overflowings thereof wash away the dust of the earth: So thou destroyest the hope of man. 20 Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth; Thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away. 21 His sons come to honor, and he knoweth it not; And they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them. 22 But his flesh upon him hath pain, And his soul within him mourneth. Chapter 15 1 Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said, 2 Should a wise man make answer with vain knowledge, And fill himself with the east wind? 3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk, Or with speeches wherewith he can do no good? 4 Yea, thou doest away with fear, And hinderest devotion before God. 5 For thine iniquity teacheth thy mouth, And thou choosest the tongue of the crafty. 6 Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I; Yea, thine own lips testify against thee. 7 Art thou the first man that was born? Or wast thou brought forth before the hills? 8 Hast thou heard the secret counsel of God? And dost thou limit wisdom to thyself? 9 What knowest thou, that we know not? What understandest thou, which is not in us? 10 With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men, Much elder than thy father. 11 Are the consolations of God too small for thee, Even the word that is gentle toward thee? 12 Why doth thy heart carry thee away? And why do thine eyes flash, 13 That against God thou turnest thy spirit, And lettest words go out of thy mouth? 14 What is man, that he should be clean? And he that is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? 15 Behold, he putteth no trust in his holy ones; Yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight: 16 How much less one that is abominable and corrupt, A man that drinketh iniquity like water! 17 I will show thee, hear thou me; And that which I have seen I will declare: 18 (Which wise men have told From their fathers, and have not hid it; 19 Unto whom alone the land was given, And no stranger passed among them): 20 The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, Even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor. 21 A sound of terrors is in his ears; In prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him. 22 He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, And he is waited for of the sword. 23 He wandereth abroad for bread, `saying', Where is it? He knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand. 24 Distress and anguish make him afraid; They prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle. 25 Because he hath stretched out his hand against God, And behaveth himself proudly against the Almighty; 26 He runneth upon him with a `stiff' neck, With the thick bosses of his bucklers; 27 Because he hath covered his face with his fatness, And gathered fat upon his loins; 28 And he hath dwelt in desolate cities, In houses which no man inhabited, Which were ready to become heaps; 29 He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, Neither shall their possessions be extended on the earth. 30 He shall not depart out of darkness; The flame shall dry up his branches, And by the breath of `God's' mouth shall he go away. 31 Let him not trust in vanity, deceiving himself; For vanity shall be his recompense. 32 It shall be accomplished before his time, And his branch shall not be green. 33 He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, And shall cast off his flower as the olive-tree. 34 For the company of the godless shall be barren, And fire shall consume the tents of bribery. 35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity, And their heart prepareth deceit. Chapter 16 1 Then Job answered and said, 2 I have heard many such things: Miserable comforters are ye all. 3 Shall vain words have an end? Or what provoketh thee that thou answerest? 4 I also could speak as ye do; If your soul were in my soul's stead, I could join words together against you, And shake my head at you. 5 `But' I would strengthen you with my mouth, And the solace of my lips would assuage `your grief'. 6 Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged; And though I forbear, what am I eased? 7 But now he hath made me weary: Thou hast made desolate all my company. 8 And thou hast laid fast hold on me, `which' is a witness `against me': And my leanness riseth up against me, It testifieth to my face. 9 He hath torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me; He hath gnashed upon me with his teeth: Mine adversary sharpeneth his eyes upon me. 10 They have gaped upon me with their mouth; They have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully: They gather themselves together against me. 11 God delivereth me to the ungodly, And casteth me into the hands of the wicked. 12 I was at ease, and he brake me asunder; Yea, he hath taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces: He hath also set me up for his mark. 13 His archers compass me round about; He cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; He poureth out my gall upon the ground. 14 He breaketh me with breach upon breach; He runneth upon me like a giant. 15 I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, And have laid my horn in the dust. 16 My face is red with weeping, And on my eyelids is the shadow of death; 17 Although there is no violence in my hands, And my prayer is pure. 18 O earth, cover not thou my blood, And let my cry have no `resting' -place. 19 Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, And he that voucheth for me is on high. 20 My friends scoff at me: `But' mine eye poureth out tears unto God, 21 That he would maintain the right of a man with God, And of a son of man with his neighbor! 22 For when a few years are come, I shall go the way whence I shall not return.

A Compass for Life’s Journey

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on June 3rd.

Proverbs 3:1-6 Chapter 3 1 My son, forget not my law; But let thy heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and years of life, And peace, will they add to thee. 3 Let not kindness and truth forsake thee: Bind them about thy neck; Write them upon the tablet of thy heart: 4 So shalt thou find favor and good understanding In the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding: 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths.

If you’ve ever been lost in the woods, you know the concerns, confusion, and panic such a situation causes. Now think what a difference it would have made to know that a compass was in your pocket. Spiritually speaking, we have such a compass—God’s Word. But it does no good unless we let it guide us.

At times, we may fail to follow scriptural guidance because of ...

Neglect. Sometimes we are so busy walking through life that we forget to look at God’s compass to make sure we’re headed in the right direction.

Pride. We often want to determine our own destiny. Many of us prefer to plan a course of action by relying on our strength, wisdom, and abilities.

Distractions. The Lord’s path of obedience isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it can be extremely challenging. Satan offers other trails that promise pleasure and ease if we will just ignore the compass and follow him. Although these routes seem pleasant at first, they lead to heartbreak and discouragement.

Difficulties. Whenever obstacles appear on the trail, our natural tendency is to try and find a way around them. But by ignoring God’s compass and stepping off the path, we’ll miss the blessings He wants to give us through the rough patches—benefits such as strong faith and godly character.

Why should we wander when the Lord’s compass is available? Let Scripture be your guide on life’s journey. God promises productive days and fruitful years if you follow His path. He’ll direct each step of your way, and His peace will sustain you, even during the difficult times.

Bible in One Year: Job 13-16 Chapter 13 1 Lo, mine eye hath seen all `this', Mine ear hath heard and understood it. 2 What ye know, `the same' do I know also: I am not inferior unto you. 3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to reason with God. 4 But ye are forgers of lies; Ye are all physicians of no value. 5 Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace! And it would be your wisdom. 6 Hear now my reasoning, And hearken to the pleadings of my lips. 7 Will ye speak unrighteously for God, And talk deceitfully for him? 8 Will ye show partiality to him? Will ye contend for God? 9 Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceiveth a man, will ye deceive him? 10 He will surely reprove you If ye do secretly show partiality. 11 Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall upon you? 12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defences are defences of clay. 13 Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak; And let come on me what will. 14 Wherefore should I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hand? 15 Behold, he will slay me; I have no hope: Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him. 16 This also shall be my salvation, That a godless man shall not come before him. 17 Hear diligently my speech, And let my declaration be in your ears. 18 Behold now, I have set my cause in order; I know that I am righteous. 19 Who is he that will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the ghost. 20 Only do not two things unto me; Then will I not hide myself from thy face: 21 Withdraw thy hand far from me; And let not thy terror make me afraid. 22 Then call thou, and I will answer; Or let me speak, and answer thou me. 23 How many are mine iniquities and sins? Make me to know my transgression and my sin. 24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, And holdest me for thine enemy? 25 Wilt thou harass a driven leaf? And wilt thou pursue the dry stubble? 26 For thou writest bitter things against me, And makest me to inherit the iniquities of my youth: 27 Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, And markest all my paths; Thou settest a bound to the soles of my feet: 28 Though I am like a rotten thing that consumeth, Like a garment that is moth-eaten. Chapter 14 1 Man, that is born of a woman, Is of few days, and full of trouble. 2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: He fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. 3 And dost thou open thine eyes upon such a one, And bringest me into judgment with thee? 4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. 5 Seeing his days are determined, The number of his months is with thee, And thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass; 6 Look away from him, that he may rest, Till he shall accomplish, as a hireling, his day. 7 For there is hope of a tree, If it be cut down, that it will sprout again, And that the tender branch thereof will not cease. 8 Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, And the stock thereof die in the ground; 9 Yet through the scent of water it will bud, And put forth boughs like a plant. 10 But man dieth, and is laid low: Yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? 11 `As' the waters fail from the sea, And the river wasteth and drieth up; 12 So man lieth down and riseth not: Till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, Nor be roused out of their sleep. 13 Oh that thou wouldest hide me in Sheol, That thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, That thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! 14 If a man die, shall he live `again'? All the days of my warfare would I wait, Till my release should come. 15 Thou wouldest call, and I would answer thee: Thou wouldest have a desire to the work of thy hands. 16 But now thou numberest my steps: Dost thou not watch over my sin? 17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag, And thou fastenest up mine iniquity. 18 But the mountain falling cometh to nought; And the rock is removed out of its place; 19 The waters wear the stones; The overflowings thereof wash away the dust of the earth: So thou destroyest the hope of man. 20 Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth; Thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away. 21 His sons come to honor, and he knoweth it not; And they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them. 22 But his flesh upon him hath pain, And his soul within him mourneth. Chapter 15 1 Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said, 2 Should a wise man make answer with vain knowledge, And fill himself with the east wind? 3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk, Or with speeches wherewith he can do no good? 4 Yea, thou doest away with fear, And hinderest devotion before God. 5 For thine iniquity teacheth thy mouth, And thou choosest the tongue of the crafty. 6 Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I; Yea, thine own lips testify against thee. 7 Art thou the first man that was born? Or wast thou brought forth before the hills? 8 Hast thou heard the secret counsel of God? And dost thou limit wisdom to thyself? 9 What knowest thou, that we know not? What understandest thou, which is not in us? 10 With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men, Much elder than thy father. 11 Are the consolations of God too small for thee, Even the word that is gentle toward thee? 12 Why doth thy heart carry thee away? And why do thine eyes flash, 13 That against God thou turnest thy spirit, And lettest words go out of thy mouth? 14 What is man, that he should be clean? And he that is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? 15 Behold, he putteth no trust in his holy ones; Yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight: 16 How much less one that is abominable and corrupt, A man that drinketh iniquity like water! 17 I will show thee, hear thou me; And that which I have seen I will declare: 18 (Which wise men have told From their fathers, and have not hid it; 19 Unto whom alone the land was given, And no stranger passed among them): 20 The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, Even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor. 21 A sound of terrors is in his ears; In prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him. 22 He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, And he is waited for of the sword. 23 He wandereth abroad for bread, `saying', Where is it? He knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand. 24 Distress and anguish make him afraid; They prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle. 25 Because he hath stretched out his hand against God, And behaveth himself proudly against the Almighty; 26 He runneth upon him with a `stiff' neck, With the thick bosses of his bucklers; 27 Because he hath covered his face with his fatness, And gathered fat upon his loins; 28 And he hath dwelt in desolate cities, In houses which no man inhabited, Which were ready to become heaps; 29 He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, Neither shall their possessions be extended on the earth. 30 He shall not depart out of darkness; The flame shall dry up his branches, And by the breath of `God's' mouth shall he go away. 31 Let him not trust in vanity, deceiving himself; For vanity shall be his recompense. 32 It shall be accomplished before his time, And his branch shall not be green. 33 He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, And shall cast off his flower as the olive-tree. 34 For the company of the godless shall be barren, And fire shall consume the tents of bribery. 35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity, And their heart prepareth deceit. Chapter 16 1 Then Job answered and said, 2 I have heard many such things: Miserable comforters are ye all. 3 Shall vain words have an end? Or what provoketh thee that thou answerest? 4 I also could speak as ye do; If your soul were in my soul's stead, I could join words together against you, And shake my head at you. 5 `But' I would strengthen you with my mouth, And the solace of my lips would assuage `your grief'. 6 Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged; And though I forbear, what am I eased? 7 But now he hath made me weary: Thou hast made desolate all my company. 8 And thou hast laid fast hold on me, `which' is a witness `against me': And my leanness riseth up against me, It testifieth to my face. 9 He hath torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me; He hath gnashed upon me with his teeth: Mine adversary sharpeneth his eyes upon me. 10 They have gaped upon me with their mouth; They have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully: They gather themselves together against me. 11 God delivereth me to the ungodly, And casteth me into the hands of the wicked. 12 I was at ease, and he brake me asunder; Yea, he hath taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces: He hath also set me up for his mark. 13 His archers compass me round about; He cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; He poureth out my gall upon the ground. 14 He breaketh me with breach upon breach; He runneth upon me like a giant. 15 I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, And have laid my horn in the dust. 16 My face is red with weeping, And on my eyelids is the shadow of death; 17 Although there is no violence in my hands, And my prayer is pure. 18 O earth, cover not thou my blood, And let my cry have no `resting' -place. 19 Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, And he that voucheth for me is on high. 20 My friends scoff at me: `But' mine eye poureth out tears unto God, 21 That he would maintain the right of a man with God, And of a son of man with his neighbor! 22 For when a few years are come, I shall go the way whence I shall not return.

The Blessings of Inadequacy

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on June 4th.

2 Corinthians 3:1-6 Chapter 3 1 Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? or need we, as do some, epistles of commendation to you or from you? 2 Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men; 3 being made manifest that ye are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in tables `that are' hearts of flesh. 4 And such confidence have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Paul never claimed that he was capable of accomplishing all that God called him to do. He simply learned to look beyond his own inadequacy to the sufficiency of Christ. If we’ll adopt the same practice, we too can discover the blessings hidden in our own experiences of inadequacy.

Our insufficiency drives us to God. When we realize that a situation is bigger than we can handle, we must be quick to open the Bible and pray for guidance and power.

Inadequacy relieves us of the burden of self-effort and self-reliance. The Lord has us right where He wants us—at the end of our rope with nothing left to give.

Inability motivates reliance on divine power. God never intended for us to do certain things by ourselves. We’ll never be adequate until we draw from the Holy Spirit’s inexhaustible strength and let Him work in and through us.

By using inadequate people, God demonstrates what great things He can do. He actually delights in choosing unlikely individuals to carry out His plan. There’s no limit to what He can do through someone willing to give Him full control.

Inadequacy challenges our faith. The apostle Paul says, “Our adequacy is from God” ( 2 Corinthians 3:5 5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; ). Those who focus on the reliability of this promise and step out in obedience will grow in faith.

Why go through all the fear, pressure, and frustration that accompany feelings of inadequacy when there’s an alternative? Let the Lord make you adequate: Rely upon Him and allow Christ to live in and through you. He will replace your anxiety with a spirit of contentment.

Bible in One Year: Job 13-16 Chapter 13 1 Lo, mine eye hath seen all `this', Mine ear hath heard and understood it. 2 What ye know, `the same' do I know also: I am not inferior unto you. 3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to reason with God. 4 But ye are forgers of lies; Ye are all physicians of no value. 5 Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace! And it would be your wisdom. 6 Hear now my reasoning, And hearken to the pleadings of my lips. 7 Will ye speak unrighteously for God, And talk deceitfully for him? 8 Will ye show partiality to him? Will ye contend for God? 9 Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceiveth a man, will ye deceive him? 10 He will surely reprove you If ye do secretly show partiality. 11 Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall upon you? 12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defences are defences of clay. 13 Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak; And let come on me what will. 14 Wherefore should I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hand? 15 Behold, he will slay me; I have no hope: Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him. 16 This also shall be my salvation, That a godless man shall not come before him. 17 Hear diligently my speech, And let my declaration be in your ears. 18 Behold now, I have set my cause in order; I know that I am righteous. 19 Who is he that will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the ghost. 20 Only do not two things unto me; Then will I not hide myself from thy face: 21 Withdraw thy hand far from me; And let not thy terror make me afraid. 22 Then call thou, and I will answer; Or let me speak, and answer thou me. 23 How many are mine iniquities and sins? Make me to know my transgression and my sin. 24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, And holdest me for thine enemy? 25 Wilt thou harass a driven leaf? And wilt thou pursue the dry stubble? 26 For thou writest bitter things against me, And makest me to inherit the iniquities of my youth: 27 Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, And markest all my paths; Thou settest a bound to the soles of my feet: 28 Though I am like a rotten thing that consumeth, Like a garment that is moth-eaten. Chapter 14 1 Man, that is born of a woman, Is of few days, and full of trouble. 2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: He fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. 3 And dost thou open thine eyes upon such a one, And bringest me into judgment with thee? 4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. 5 Seeing his days are determined, The number of his months is with thee, And thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass; 6 Look away from him, that he may rest, Till he shall accomplish, as a hireling, his day. 7 For there is hope of a tree, If it be cut down, that it will sprout again, And that the tender branch thereof will not cease. 8 Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, And the stock thereof die in the ground; 9 Yet through the scent of water it will bud, And put forth boughs like a plant. 10 But man dieth, and is laid low: Yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? 11 `As' the waters fail from the sea, And the river wasteth and drieth up; 12 So man lieth down and riseth not: Till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, Nor be roused out of their sleep. 13 Oh that thou wouldest hide me in Sheol, That thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, That thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! 14 If a man die, shall he live `again'? All the days of my warfare would I wait, Till my release should come. 15 Thou wouldest call, and I would answer thee: Thou wouldest have a desire to the work of thy hands. 16 But now thou numberest my steps: Dost thou not watch over my sin? 17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag, And thou fastenest up mine iniquity. 18 But the mountain falling cometh to nought; And the rock is removed out of its place; 19 The waters wear the stones; The overflowings thereof wash away the dust of the earth: So thou destroyest the hope of man. 20 Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth; Thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away. 21 His sons come to honor, and he knoweth it not; And they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them. 22 But his flesh upon him hath pain, And his soul within him mourneth. Chapter 15 1 Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said, 2 Should a wise man make answer with vain knowledge, And fill himself with the east wind? 3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk, Or with speeches wherewith he can do no good? 4 Yea, thou doest away with fear, And hinderest devotion before God. 5 For thine iniquity teacheth thy mouth, And thou choosest the tongue of the crafty. 6 Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I; Yea, thine own lips testify against thee. 7 Art thou the first man that was born? Or wast thou brought forth before the hills? 8 Hast thou heard the secret counsel of God? And dost thou limit wisdom to thyself? 9 What knowest thou, that we know not? What understandest thou, which is not in us? 10 With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men, Much elder than thy father. 11 Are the consolations of God too small for thee, Even the word that is gentle toward thee? 12 Why doth thy heart carry thee away? And why do thine eyes flash, 13 That against God thou turnest thy spirit, And lettest words go out of thy mouth? 14 What is man, that he should be clean? And he that is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? 15 Behold, he putteth no trust in his holy ones; Yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight: 16 How much less one that is abominable and corrupt, A man that drinketh iniquity like water! 17 I will show thee, hear thou me; And that which I have seen I will declare: 18 (Which wise men have told From their fathers, and have not hid it; 19 Unto whom alone the land was given, And no stranger passed among them): 20 The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, Even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor. 21 A sound of terrors is in his ears; In prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him. 22 He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, And he is waited for of the sword. 23 He wandereth abroad for bread, `saying', Where is it? He knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand. 24 Distress and anguish make him afraid; They prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle. 25 Because he hath stretched out his hand against God, And behaveth himself proudly against the Almighty; 26 He runneth upon him with a `stiff' neck, With the thick bosses of his bucklers; 27 Because he hath covered his face with his fatness, And gathered fat upon his loins; 28 And he hath dwelt in desolate cities, In houses which no man inhabited, Which were ready to become heaps; 29 He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, Neither shall their possessions be extended on the earth. 30 He shall not depart out of darkness; The flame shall dry up his branches, And by the breath of `God's' mouth shall he go away. 31 Let him not trust in vanity, deceiving himself; For vanity shall be his recompense. 32 It shall be accomplished before his time, And his branch shall not be green. 33 He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, And shall cast off his flower as the olive-tree. 34 For the company of the godless shall be barren, And fire shall consume the tents of bribery. 35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity, And their heart prepareth deceit. Chapter 16 1 Then Job answered and said, 2 I have heard many such things: Miserable comforters are ye all. 3 Shall vain words have an end? Or what provoketh thee that thou answerest? 4 I also could speak as ye do; If your soul were in my soul's stead, I could join words together against you, And shake my head at you. 5 `But' I would strengthen you with my mouth, And the solace of my lips would assuage `your grief'. 6 Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged; And though I forbear, what am I eased? 7 But now he hath made me weary: Thou hast made desolate all my company. 8 And thou hast laid fast hold on me, `which' is a witness `against me': And my leanness riseth up against me, It testifieth to my face. 9 He hath torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me; He hath gnashed upon me with his teeth: Mine adversary sharpeneth his eyes upon me. 10 They have gaped upon me with their mouth; They have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully: They gather themselves together against me. 11 God delivereth me to the ungodly, And casteth me into the hands of the wicked. 12 I was at ease, and he brake me asunder; Yea, he hath taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces: He hath also set me up for his mark. 13 His archers compass me round about; He cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; He poureth out my gall upon the ground. 14 He breaketh me with breach upon breach; He runneth upon me like a giant. 15 I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, And have laid my horn in the dust. 16 My face is red with weeping, And on my eyelids is the shadow of death; 17 Although there is no violence in my hands, And my prayer is pure. 18 O earth, cover not thou my blood, And let my cry have no `resting' -place. 19 Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, And he that voucheth for me is on high. 20 My friends scoff at me: `But' mine eye poureth out tears unto God, 21 That he would maintain the right of a man with God, And of a son of man with his neighbor! 22 For when a few years are come, I shall go the way whence I shall not return.

Daily Bible - June 4

Published by Grace To You for reading on June 4th.

Reading for Today:

1 Kings 17:1 Chapter 17 1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the sojourners of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As Jehovah, the God of Israel, liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. –18:46
Psalms 69:29-36 29 But I am poor and sorrowful: Let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high. 30 I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify him with thanksgiving. 31 And it will please Jehovah better than an ox, `Or' a bullock that hath horns and hoofs. 32 The meek have seen it, and are glad: Ye that seek after God, let your heart live. 33 For Jehovah heareth the needy, And despiseth not his prisoners. 34 Let heaven and earth praise him, The seas, and everything that moveth therein. 35 For God will save Zion, and build the cities of Judah; And they shall abide there, and have it in possession. 36 The seed also of his servants shall inherit it; And they that love his name shall dwell therein. Psalm 70 For the Chief Musician. `A Psalm' of David; to bring to remembrance.
Proverbs 17:27-28 27 He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is `esteemed as' prudent.
John 13:21-38 21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in the spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 The disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. 23 There was at the table reclining in Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore beckoneth to him, and saith unto him, Tell `us' who it is of whom he speaketh. 25 He leaning back, as he was, on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? 26 Jesus therefore answereth, He it is, for whom I shall dip the sop, and give it him. So when he had dipped the sop, he taketh and giveth it to Judas, `the son' of Simon Iscariot. 27 And after the sop, then entered Satan into him. Jesus therefore saith unto him, What thou doest, do quickly. 28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. 29 For some thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus said unto him, Buy what things we have need of for the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 He then having received the sop went out straightway: and it was night. 31 When therefore he was gone out, Jesus saith, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him; 32 and God shall glorify him in himself, and straightway shall he glorify him. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say unto you. 34 A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. 36 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered, Whither I go, thou canst not follow now; but thou shalt follow afterwards. 37 Peter saith unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thee. 38 Jesus answereth, Wilt thou lay down thy life for me? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Notes:

1 Kings 17:1 Elijah. His name means “the LORD is God.” The prophet Elijah’s ministry corresponded to his name: He was sent by God to confront Baalism and to declare to Israel that the Lord was God and there was no other. Tishbite. Elijah lived in a town called Tishbe, east of the Jordan River in the vicinity of the Jabbok River. not be dew nor rain. The autumn and spring rains and summer dew were necessities for the crops of Israel. The Lord had threatened to withhold these from the Land if His people turned from Him to serve other gods (Lev. 26:18, 19; Deut. 11:16, 17; 28:23, 24). Elijah had prayed for the drought ( James 5:17 17 Elijah was a man of like passions with us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months. ) and God answered. It lasted 3 years and 6 months. The drought proved that Baal, the god of the rains and fertility, was impotent before the Lord.

1 Kings 18:3 Obadiah. His name means “servant of the LORD.” He was the manager of Ahab’s royal palace and a devout worshiper of the Lord, who had demonstrated his devotion to the Lord by protecting 100 of the Lord’s prophets from death by Jezebel (vv. 4, 13), which had put him on tenuous ground with Ahab.

1 Kings 18:12 the Spirit of the LORD will carry you. The servant had been asked to tell Ahab Elijah was present to speak with him (vv. 7, 18), but he was afraid because Ahab was seeking Elijah so intensely. Since Elijah had disappeared from sight earlier (17:5), Obadiah was afraid that the Holy Spirit would carry Elijah away again (2 Kin. 2:16) and the irrational Ahab would kill him for the false report of Elijah’s presence.

1 Kings 18:21 falter between two opinions. Literally, limp along on or between two twigs. Israel had not totally rejected the Lord, but was seeking to combine worship of Him with the worship of Baal. The issue posed by Elijah was that Israel had to choose who was God, the Lord or Baal, and then serve God wholeheartedly. Rather than decide by his message, Elijah sought a visible sign from heaven.

1 Kings 18:24 the God who answers by fire. Since Baal’s followers believed that he controlled the thunder, lightning, and storms, and the Lord’s followers declared the same (Ps. 18:14; 29:3–9; 104:3), this would prove to be a fair test to show who was God.

John 13:26 He gave it to Judas Iscariot. The host at a feast (whose role was filled by Jesus) would dip into a common bowl and pull out a particularly tasty bit and pass it to a guest as a special mark of honor or friendship. Because Jesus passed it so easily to Judas, it has been suggested that he was seated near the Lord in a place of honor. Jesus was demonstrating a final gesture of His love for Judas even though he would betray Him.

John 13:34 A new commandment...as I have loved you. The commandment to love was not new. Deuteronomy 6:5 5 and thou shalt love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. commanded love for God and Leviticus 19:18 18 Thou shalt not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people; but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am Jehovah. commanded loving one’s neighbor as oneself (Matt. 22:34–40; Rom. 13:8–10; Gal. 5:14; James 2:8 8 Howbeit if ye fulfil the royal law, according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: ). However, Jesus’ command regarding love presented a distinctly new standard for two reasons: 1) it was sacrificial love modeled after His love (as I loved you; 15:13), and 2) it is produced through the New Covenant by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit (Jer. 31:29–34; Ezek. 36:24–26; Gal. 5:22).

DAY 4: How do scholars conclude that the expression “whom Jesus loved” was John’s way of referring to himself?

Three obvious clues about John’s Gospel help identify the unnamed disciple who called himself the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20).

Early church fathers invariably identify the apostle John as the author of this Gospel. John is frequently mentioned by the other Gospel writers as an active participant among the disciples of Jesus, yet John’s name is absent from the fourth Gospel.

If four people take a trip together and each carries a camera, the group-shots each person takes will naturally not include them. In fact, someone else could probably guess who took which pictures by which member of the group was absent. The Gospel of John functions this way—John’s absence by name shouts his presence.

As for his signature phrase, the words “whom Jesus loved” convey both a sense of the apostle’s humility and the depth of his relationship to Jesus. The phrase doesn’t mean that John thought of himself as the only disciple Jesus loved. It simply expresses with disarming honesty the wonder of this disciple over the fact that the Lord loved him!

Additional Resources

June 4 - Jesus on Wealth

Published by Grace To You for reading on June 4th.

“‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’” ( Matthew 6:19 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: –21).

The focus of Jesus’ teaching here is this: “Do not lay up treasures for yourself.” The Greek word for “lay up” connotes the idea of stockpiling or hoarding—it pictures wealth that isn’t being used, things kept mainly to show off one’s plenty.

Be sure of this, though: Jesus is not advocating poverty as a means of spirituality. Both the Old and New Testaments recognize the right to material possessions, including money, land, animals, houses, clothing, and anything else acquired honestly. In fact, the foundational truth underlying the commands not to steal or covet is the right of possessing personal property.

God expects and commands His people to be generous. But He also expects and commands that we not only be thankful for the blessings He gives but also derive pleasure from them—including the material blessings. The Lord “richly supplies us with all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17). This verse is specifically directed to “those who are rich in this present world,” yet it does not command them to divest themselves of their wealth. Rather, it warns them not to be conceited about it or to trust in it. It’s how we use our possessions for kingdom purposes that counts.

Ask Yourself

How would you define your general attitudes toward money? What is its purpose in the believer’s life? How are we supposed to handle it? What are some of the greatest abuses or misunderstandings of money that have plagued your life or distorted your freedom with it?

Additional Resources

Integrity Triumphs over Personal Loss

Published by Grace To You for reading on June 4th.

“Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Then the commander of the officials assigned new names to them; and to Daniel he assigned the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach, and to Azariah Abed-nego” ( Daniel 1:6-7 6 Now among these were, of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 And the prince of the eunuchs gave names unto them: unto Daniel he gave `the name of' Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, `of' Shadrach; and to Mishael, `of' Meshach; and to Azariah, `of' Abed-nego. ).

You can’t always prevent personal loss, but you can respond to it in ways that glorify God.

It was a quiet January morning in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California until suddenly and without warning the earth shook with such a violent force that many department stores, apartment houses, homes, and freeway overpasses crumbled under the strain. Within minutes the 1994 Northridge earthquake left scars upon lives and land that in some cases may never heal. Such catastrophic events remind us of just how difficult dealing with personal loss can be.

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah understood personal loss. Perhaps in our day only those who have suffered as prisoners of war or as refugees from war’s ravages can fully appreciate the deep sense of loss those men must have felt after being cut off from family, friends, and homeland.

Their loss included even their own names. When taken captive, each of them had a Hebrew name that reflected his godly upbringing. But in an apparent effort to remove that influence and to exalt the pagan deities of Bel (or Baal) and Aku, Nebuchadnezzar’s commander changed their names from Daniel (which means “God is judge”) to Belteshazzar (“Bel provides” or “Bel’s prince”), from Hananiah (“the Lord is gracious”) to Shadrach (“under the command of Aku”), from Mishael (“Who is what the Lord is?”) to Meshach (“Who is what Aku is?”), and from Azariah (“the Lord is my helper”) to Abed-nego (“the servant of Nebo [the son of Baal]”).

Daniel and his friends couldn’t prevent their losses, but they could trust God and refuse to let those losses lead to despair or compromise. That’s an example you can follow when you face loss.

Suggestions for Prayer

Ask the Lord for the wisdom to see your losses through His loving eyes, and for the grace to respond appropriately.
Pray for those whom you know who have suffered loss recently.

For Further Study

Read Job 1:13-22 13 And it fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house, 14 that there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them; 15 and the Sabeans fell `upon them', and took them away: yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 16 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have taken them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house; 19 and, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 20 Then Job arose, and rent his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped; 21 and he said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: Jehovah gave, and Jehovah hath taken away; blessed be the name of Jehovah. 22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. .

How did Job respond to his losses?
What can you learn from his example?

Additional Resources

Be Slow to Speak

Published by Grace To You for reading on June 4th.

"Let everyone be . . . slow to speak" ( James 1:19 19 Ye know `this', my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: ).

Don’t rush into the role of a Bible teacher.

It is reported that when the Scottish Reformer John Knox was called to preach, he shed many tears and withdrew himself to the privacy of his room. He was grieved and greatly troubled at the prospect of such an awesome responsibility. Only the compelling grace of the Holy Spirit Himself enabled Knox to fulfill his calling.

John Knox understood the importance of being slow to speak. He knew that God holds teachers of the Word accountable for what they say, and will dispense a stricter judgment to them if they violate their ministry ( James 3:1- Chapter 3 1 Be not many `of you' teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment. 2).

In one sense, God holds everyone accountable for what they say. You are to "let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Eph. 4:29). But being slow to speak doesn't refer to vocabulary or opinions. It refers to teaching the Word. You are to pursue every opportunity to hear God's Word, but exercise reluctance in assuming the role of a teacher. Why? Because the tongue reveals the subtle sins of one's heart and easily offends others ( James 2:2 2 For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a poor man in vile clothing; ).

Does that mean you should never teach the Bible? No, because God commands every believer to "make disciples . . . teaching them to observe all" that Jesus taught (Matt. 28:19-20, emphasis added). And the Spirit gifts many believers to be preachers and teachers of the Word. Paul said, "I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:16).

You must take every opportunity to share the gospel with others, and if God has called and gifted you to teach the Word, be faithful to do so. But remember, those are serious and sacred responsibilities. Be sure your motives are pure and your teaching accurate. If someone is offended, let it be by the convicting power of the Word, not by something you said at an unguarded moment.

Suggestions for Prayer

Ask the Lord to teach you to guard your tongue and to speak only what is edifying to others.

For Further Study

Read Proverbs 10:19 19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; But he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely. , 13:3, 17:28, and 29:20, noting what each teaches about wise speech.

Additional Resources

What Makes God Proud

Published by John Piper for reading on June 4th.

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. ( Hebrews 11:16 16 But now they desire a better `country', that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. )

I want very much for God to say to me what he said about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: “I am not ashamed to be called your God.”

As risky as it sounds, does this not really mean that God might actually be “proud” to be called my God? Fortunately this wonderful possibility is surrounded (in Hebrews 11:16 16 But now they desire a better `country', that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. ) by reasons: one before and one after.

Take the one after, first: “God is not ashamed to be called their God, because he has prepared for them a city.”

The first reason he gives why he is not ashamed to be called their God is that he has done something for them. He made them a city — the heavenly city “whose designer and builder is God” ( Hebrews 11:10 10 for he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God. ). So the first reason he is not ashamed to be called their God is that he has worked for them. Not the other way around.

Now consider the reason he gives in the front. It goes like this: “They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God.”

“Therefore” signals that a reason has just been given for why he is not ashamed. The reason is their desire. They desire a better country — that is, a better country than the earthly one they live in; namely, a heavenly one.

When we desire this city more than we desire all that this world can give, God is not ashamed to be called our God. When we make much of all he promises to be for us, he is proud to be our God. This is good news.

So open your eyes to the better country and the city of God, and let yourself desire it with all your heart. God will not be ashamed to be called your God.

Morning Devotional by C.H. Spurgeon for June 4th

Published by C.H. Spurgeon for reading on June 4th.

Titus 3:4 4 But when the kindness of God our Saviour, and his love toward man, appeared,

HOW sweet it is to behold the Saviour communing with His own beloved people! There can be nothing more delightful than, by the Divine Spirit, to be led into this fertile field of delight. Let the mind for an instant consider the history of the Redeemer's love, and a thousand enchanting acts of affection will suggest themselves, all of which have had for their design the weaving of the heart into Christ, and the intertwisting of the thoughts and emotions of the renewed soul with the mind of Jesus. When we meditate upon this amazing love, and behold the all-glorious Kinsman of the Church endowing her with all His ancient wealth, our souls may well faint for joy. Who is he that can endure such a weight of love? That partial sense of it which the Holy Spirit is sometimes pleased to afford, is more than the soul can contain; how transporting must be a complete view of it! When the soul shall have understanding to discern all the Saviour's gifts, wisdom wherewith to estimate them, and time in which to meditate upon them, such as the world to come will afford us, we shall then commune with Jesus in a nearer manner than at present. But who can imagine the sweetness of such fellowship? It must be one of the things which have not entered into the heart of man, but which God hath prepared for them that love Him. Oh, to burst open the door of our Joseph's granaries, and see the plenty which He hath stored up for us! This will overwhelm us with love. By faith we see, as in a glass darkly, the reflected image of His unbounded treasures, but when we shall actually see the heavenly things themselves, with our own eyes, how deep will be the stream of fellowship in which our soul shall bathe itself! Till then our loudest sonnets shall be reserved for our loving benefactor, Jesus Christ our Lord, whose love to us is wonderful, passing the love of women.

Evening Devotional by C.H. Spurgeon for June 4th

Published by C.H. Spurgeon for reading on June 4th.

1 Timothy 3:16 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

WE have seen our well-beloved Lord in the days of His flesh, humiliated and sore vexed; for He was "despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." He whose brightness is as the morning, wore the sackcloth of sorrow as His daily dress: shame was His mantle, and reproach was His vesture. Yet now, inasmuch as He has triumphed over all the powers of darkness upon the bloody tree, our faith beholds our King returning with dyed garments from Edom, robed in the splendour of victory. How glorious must He have been in the eyes of seraphs, when a cloud received Him out of mortal sight, and He ascended up to heaven! Now He wears the glory which He had with God or ever the earth was, and yet another glory above all—that which He has well earned in the fight against sin, death, and hell. As victor He wears the illustrious crown. Hark how the song swells high! It is a new and sweeter song: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, for He hath redeemed us unto God by His blood!" He wears the glory of an Intercessor who can never fail, of a Prince who can never be defeated, of a Conqueror who has vanquished every foe, of a Lord who has the heart's allegiance of every subject. Jesus wears all the glory which the pomp of heaven can bestow upon Him, which ten thousand times ten thousand angels can minister to Him. You cannot with your utmost stretch of imagination conceive His exceeding greatness; yet there will be a further revelation of it when He shall descend from heaven in great power, with all the holy angels—"Then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory." Oh, the splendour of that glory! It will ravish His people's hearts. Nor is this the close, for eternity shall sound His praise, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever!" Reader, if you would joy in Christ's glory hereafter, He must be glorious in your sight now. Is He so?