Lavish Blessings March 21st
Blogging through the Murray M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan
Exodus 32
Moses had been enjoyed sweet fellowship with the Lord for 40 days – it was going by so quick for him, but an age for the Israelites. How do you handle delay? The Israelites blew it – taking things into their own hands and making a golden calf to worship the “Lord”. This idolatry was led by the people not the leader Aaron. When it comes to ministry, it can be so dangerous to start with what people want or what they feel they need. Just like the Galatians, having started with God they were doing it their way – “Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you know being made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3) It is possible to begin the Christian life trusting Jesus, and then to begin to trust self or one’s own spirituality.
The people got up early to worship the idol, ear, drink and rise up to play (the Hebrew implies sex play = drunken orgies). We get up early for things that matter to us.
Moses prayer for Israel was short but pleading “It is not the length, but the strength of prayer that appeals to heaven.” (Meyer). God answers Moses prayer by not destroying Israel – 3,000 die. Notice when the law comes down 3000 died. When the Spirit comes down at Pentecost 3,000 are saved!
John 11
Jesus’ friend Lazarus is sick – Jesus knows that he will raise him from dead so doesn’t go quickly. How can his delay in going be because he loved them? He was four days walk away and waits two days before going. He waits to hear of the death before starting out, so that by raising him from the dead the whole families faith will be massively strengthened.
Thomas is known for being the doubter – but here in v16 he is a man of courage and action! Granted it is from misunderstanding of the assurance of v9-10 and that Jesus death would not be shared by the disciples then. It is a clarion call for us to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus whatever the cost.
I am the resurrection and the life – the next I am saying v25.
In the end the raising of Lazarus us a remarkable miracles that scares the religious leaders silly! And they really want to arrest him now.
Proverbs 8
Simple ones – learn prudence and sense! Wisdom is good for us. Its fruit is better than gold. Finding wisdom is finding life!
Eph1
Eph 1:3-14 is a power packed paragraph that is one long sentence in Greek, spelling out the lavish blessings of knowing Jesus
- every spiritual blessing
- Chosen before the foundation of the world
- We are holy and blamesless before Him
- Predestined for adoption – you get the full rights of a son
- Redeemed – you are set free
- Forgiven – all sin past present and future is not held against you
- Inheritance – eternal life and reward
- Sealed with the Spirit as a guarantee – eternal security
Such eternal security!
Paul doesn’t cease to pray for the church in Ephesus
He asks for a spirit of wisdom and revelation – so that we’d know
- The know the hope of our calling
- The riches of His glorious inheritance
- Immeasurable greatness of his power
Come On!
Do you know who you are in Christ? I am praying God would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation to know!