Week of 1 Advent A
This is a Three-Year Lectionary based on the Lutheran Book of Worship 3-year Lectionary (for public worship), "Prayers of the Day..." (Propers), p. 13-41, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978. It is based, with only minor variations, on the Revised Common Lectionary, used by many denominations, including the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches:
http://www.commontexts.org/
and:
http://www.commontexts.org/rcl/usage.html
The daily readings are the Propers (Lections) for the following Sunday, so that the daily devotions can prepare us for worship. Additional Lections are from Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, "Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers," United Lutheran Church of America, General Rubrics VIII. Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers, p. 299 - 304, Philadelphia, 1918.
The previous 2- year Bible Study based on the Lutheran Book of Worship, Daily Lectionary for personal devotions p.179-192, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978, is available at:
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Please Note:
To get the most from these studies, it is suggested that you first read the scripture texts for the entry, and then the paraphrase and commentary. It is also recommended that you look up the scripture references, unless you recognize and recall them from memory.
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This entry for 1 Advent marks the beginning of the Church year, cycle A.
Podcast Download: Week of 1 Advent - A
Sunday 1 Advent A
First Posted 12/2/07;
Podcast: Sunday 1 Advent A
Isaiah 2:1-5 -- The New Age;
Psalm 122 -- Peace for Jerusalem;
Romans 13:11-14 -- Christ’s Imminent Return;
Matthew 24:37-44 -- The Thief in the Night;
or Matthew 21:1-11 -- Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem;
Isaiah Paraphrase:
God revealed God’s Word of prophecy to Isaiah concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
God declared that the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the highest, above other hills. All people and nations will come to it, eager to be taught the Lord’s ways so as to live according to them.
From Zion (the hill of the house of the Lord; Jerusalem; the Church; the Heavenly City) shall go the Law; the Word of God. The Lord will judge over the nations and peoples.
The new Age of the Lord’s reign will be will be an age of peace between God, and mankind, and their neighbors. Instead of making weapons they will make agricultural tools. People will no longer learn or practice war between people and nations.
Psalm Background:
The songs of ascents were intended to be sung by pilgrims going up to the temple on the hill of the Lord in Jerusalem which was surrounded on three sides by valleys. It prefigures the Christian’s spiritual pilgrimage from the valley of this present world to the eternal house of the Lord in the heavenly city.
Psalm Paraphrase:
The pilgrims will rejoice as they journey to the house of the Lord and when their feet ultimately stand within the gates of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is intended to be a unification of various tribes of people in one Lord and one assembly, where all will give thanks to the name of the Lord. The eternal throne of Judgment has been established in the house of the Lord through the descendants of David.
God's people are to pray for peace in Jerusalem, and prosperity for those who love her, for the sake of the pilgrims and brethren. For the sake of the house of God we will seek their good.
Romans Paraphrase:
Paul urged Christians to be awake and watchful for Christ’s return, because the Day of the Lord is drawing ever closer. The night of sin (disobedience of God’s Word) is nearly over; the day of righteousness and judgment is at hand.
Christians must discard the works of darkness like dirty clothes, and put on the armor of light (Christ’s righteousness). We should conduct ourselves in righteousness, as in the light of day and scrutiny, not in the kinds of wickedness that people do when they think their sins are concealed by darkness; not in revelry drunkenness, debauchery, licentiousness, quarreling or jealousy. Instead, let us be clothed in Jesus’ ways and his righteousness, and make no attempt to gratify physical desires.
Matthew 21 Background:
Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem with his disciples, where he knew he would be crucified (Matthew 20:17-19).
Matthew 21 Paraphrase:
At Bethphage, on the Mount of Olives, he told two disciples to enter the village, where they would find a donkey tied (either a young foal, or with a young foal, depending on whose Gospel account; Mark 11:2; Luke 19:30; John 12:14; Zechariah 9:9). If anyone should question their action they were to say that the Lord had need of [it]. The disciples did as Jesus had told them and found it exactly as Jesus had said. Thus the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 was fulfilled. They brought the animal and put their garments on it and Jesus sat thereon.
The crowd accompanying him spread their garments or cut branches on the road to make a carpet for him. They shouted Hosanna to the Son of David (i.e. the “Messiah,” God’s “anointed” Savior and eternal heir to the throne of David; 2 Samuel 7:5-13; Psalm 89:20-29). The people of Jerusalem were stirred up by this procession, and asked the crowd what was going on, and the people in the crowd told them that Jesus was the prophet from Nazareth who was entering the city.
Matthew 24 Background:
Jesus spent about a week in Jerusalem before his betrayal and crucifixion, and was teaching in the temple daily. His disciples commented on the grandeur of the new (not-yet-finished temple, built by Herod the Great). Jesus commented that it soon would be destroyed, and his disciples asked Jesus privately when the temple destruction would take place and what would be the signs of the end of the age (Matthew 24:1-3).
Matthew 24 Paraphrase:
Jesus began to teach his disciples about the end of the age and the coming Day of Judgment. Jesus warned them that the Second Coming and Day of Judgment would be like the coming of the flood in the time of Noah. Worldly people were pursuing earthly desires and ignoring God’s Word until the day of destruction, while Noah and his family escaped destruction by obedient trust in God’s Word.
Jesus warned that the judgment will be so precise and selective that of two men working side-by-side in the field, one will be taken and the other left; of two women milling grain, one will be taken and the other left. We must therefore be alert and watchful, because the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly like a thief in the night.
Realize that if a householder knew when a thief was planning to break in, the householder would be watching and would not let the thief break in. So also we must be alert and watchful, because we do not know the day or hour of Christ’s return.
Commentary:
God has always intended, from the very beginning of Creation to establish an eternal kingdom of his people who would willingly trust and obey God’s Word. God knew that we would have to learn to trust and obey him by trial and error, and he designed Creation to allow for sin (disobedience of God’s Word), and provided a way of forgiveness in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). From the very beginning of Creation, Jesus has been God’s one and only provision for our forgiveness and salvation from God’s eternal condemnation (John 1:1-5; 14).
God has been progressively revealing himself and his purpose for Creation. He revealed himself personally to Abraham (Abram; Genesis 12:1-7) and through Abraham created a nation of his people, through whom we have the Bible record of his progressive revelation, and the fulfillment, embodiment and example of God’s Word revealed in Jesus Christ (John 1:14).
God first reveals himself to us in his Bible, and as we trust and obey his Word, he reveals himself to us in Jesus Christ. As we trust and obey Jesus, he reveals himself to us individually and personally through the indwelling Holy Spirit which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus John 14:15-17, 21, 23).
The meaning and purpose of life is to seek and come to personal knowledge of and fellowship with God our Creator (Acts 17:26-27) and this is only possible through Jesus Christ (John 14:6), by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
God’s Word promised that he would establish his eternal kingdom, and that kingdom would come forth from Jerusalem. The kingdom of God will be the New Age, the age of peace and righteousness. The citizens of that age will be eager to be taught God’s Word, because they will know that living according to God’s Word is good (right), acceptable (possible and satisfying), and perfect (their very best interest; Romans 12:2). The New Age of the Kingdom of God will be an age of true peace, with God, and with one another.
Life in this world is a pilgrimage of the believer toward the eternal Kingdom of God. The Church is to be the New Jerusalem on earth, which prefigures the eternal city. We should pray for and work for peace and spiritual well-being within the Church. The pilgrim rejoices to be in the house of the Lord, but it is only the foreshadowing of the true joy when we at last stand in the eternal city.
Christians are by definition (Acts 11:26c) disciples who trust and obey Jesus. Naming the name of Jesus, or calling ourselves Christians won’t save us, as Jesus has warned (Luke 6:46, Matthew 7:21-27). Only a personal relationship with Jesus through the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit will save us. Christians are warned to be alert and watchful, being careful to follow Jesus’ teachings, instead of pursuing worldly things and physical desires.
The Jews had the Scripture (the Old Testament) and they personally witnessed the miracles (signs showing who Jesus was) that Jesus did. They witnessed Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem in fulfillment of scripture, but within a week, they demanded his crucifixion (Matthew 27:22-25).
The world and the Church are in the same situation today as the world in the time of Noah and as Jerusalem in the time of Christ’s earthly ministry. The World pursues their worldly physical lusts and refuses to give heed to God’s Word. The Church has the Bible, with the New Testament witness to Christ, but often the members are pursuing worldly lives, and don’t know, trust and obey God’s Word.
God promised to send the Savior, the Messiah, and his promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He promised that Jesus will return to judge the physically and spiritually living and dead (1 Peter 4:5). Christ’s return and the Day of Judgment are imminent. We can be certain that his return will be within our lifetimes, because at the moment of our death our eternal destiny is determined and unchangeable.
None of us can be certain that we will live beyond today, but it is possible for us to know with certainty for ourselves whether we are saved and have eternal life. Those who trust and obey Jesus will receive the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, an ongoing, personally discernible event (Acts 19:2). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Monday 1 Advent AFirst posted 12/03/07;
Podcast: Monday 1 Advent A
Psalm 72:1-14 (15-19) -- Prayer for the King;
Psalm Paraphrase:
“Give the king thy justice, O God and thy righteousness to the royal son” (Psalm 72:1), so that he will judge the people with righteousness and give justice to the poor. May the nation prosper by righteousness. May the king defend the poor, give deliverance to the needy and destroy the oppressor.
May the king reign through all generations, as long as sun and moon endure. May he be refreshing and sustaining like rain on mown grass. May he reign in righteousness and peace forever.
“May he have dominion from sea to sea and from the River (Euphrates; the ‘cradle of civilization’) to the ends of the earth” (Psalm 72:8). May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him” (Psalm 72:10-11).
The king and the nation will prosper because the king hears and delivers the needy, the poor, and the helpless. He redeems them from violence and oppression, because they are precious to him.
Commentary:
This psalm was used to celebrate the human monarchy of Israel, but is also prophetic and points to the coming of the promised Messiah, the eternal savior and king, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate example of Godly government. Jesus is the royal son.
In the days of King Solomon’s reign, the Queen of Sheba (Queen of the South; Matt. 12:42) came to him bringing gifts of gold, spices and jewels (1 Kings 10:1-13) because Solomon had asked God for, and had received divine wisdom to rule over God’s people with justice and righteousness (1 Kings 3:5-14), and she had heard of Solomon’s wisdom.
After Jesus’ birth wise men (magi; the “Three Kings”) from the east came to Jerusalem seeking the new-born king of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-2), bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:9-11), fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 72:10, 11, 15).
The Lord was the true righteous and just King of the Jews, but the people asked for a human monarchy. David, the man after God’s heart and obedient to God’s Word (Acts 13:22; Psalm 89:20) was the great human shepherd-king of Israel, but David was unable to provide the righteous and just government of God’s people that God intends. David was the human king who foreshadowed and pointed to the Messiah, Jesus, the “Son of David,” the “Good Shepherd,” God’s anointed eternal Savior and King of kings.
Solomon asked for and received divine wisdom to govern God’s people with righteousness and justice, but Solomon, despite divine wisdom, departed from obedience to God’s Word. The two best examples of human kings of God’s people failed because of sin (disobedience of God’s Word). Neither was able to save himself or his people from our sinful human nature. Jesus is the perfectly sinless sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sin, and the perfect righteous judge and eternal king. Only Jesus can redeem us from the oppression of sin.
Jesus is coming with all power and authority to establish his eternal kingdom. Jesus will establish justice and righteousness in his kingdom on the Day of Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46).
Throughout his dealing with his people, recorded in the Bible, God has shown his concern and care for the poor, helpless and humble and his condemnation of the arrogant and the oppressor. The Day of Judgment is coming when all earthly leaders and rulers will have to give account to the Lord for how they have governed God’s people. All of us are God’s people in the sense that God is our Creator, whether we acknowledge him as Lord or not.
God’s Word promises that nations that want to continue to prosper over a long period must treat their poor, needy and humble with justice and righteousness according to God’s standard. How are we doing as a nation and as a church?
America has been richly blessed by God, but are our leaders distributing those blessings fairly and justly? Are our leaders ensuring equal opportunity for all? Do all have an equal voice in the government of our country? Is our government protecting its people from oppression and exploitation by the rich and powerful? Is Jesus our king, or we relying on human government for our providence and success?
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Tuesday 1 Advent A
First posted 12/04/07;
Podcast: Tuesday 1 Advent A
Isaiah 11:1-10 -- The Messianic King;
Isaiah Paraphrase:
A shoot will come forth from the stump of Jesse (the father of David; 1 Samuel 16:10-13). “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear (appropriate awe and respect for the power and authority) of the Lord. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:2-3a).
The Messiah is the righteous judge, who will not be swayed by outward appearances or by what people say. He will not be influenced by human wealth and power. He will treat the poor and meek with fairness and justice. His Word will oppose and defeat worldly people and destroy the wicked. His conduct will be bound and controlled by God’s righteousness and faithfulness
In his reign Creation will be restored to paradise with peace and harmony between all creatures. No longer will creatures prey and be preyed upon by others. Wild animals will be gentle enough for a small child to lead. The most poisonous of snakes will be no threat even to infants and small children. Creatures will no longer hurt or destroy in God’s kingdom, because all will know God fully and personally.
In that day, the root of Jesse (the Messiah; Jesus) will stand forth as a signal flag. All nations will seek him and “his dwelling shall be glorious” (Isaiah 11:10).
Commentary:
God’s Word prophesied that the Messiah would come forth from the stump of Israel. Jesus is the Son (descendant) of David (and thus of Jesse, David’s Father; Matthew 1:1-17). Israel would be cut off but the “New Israel” would come forth through that one branch which is Jesus Christ. His Church is the “New Israel.”
The fullness of the Holy Spirit rested upon Jesus, as John the Baptizer testified (John 1:31-34). The infilling of the Holy Spirit is characterized by divine (not “worldly”) wisdom and understanding, counsel, supernatural power, a personal knowledge (experience) of and relationship with God, and reverence and respect for God’s power and authority, not in fear and dread, but in delight.
Jesus came in human flesh to become the one and only sacrifice acceptable to God for the forgiveness of our sins (see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). He came to spiritually cleanse us so that we could individually become the dwelling place of God in the Holy Spirit. Only Jesus gives the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
Through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit we can have divine wisdom, spiritual understanding, divine counsel, personal experience and fellowship with the Lord, and supernatural enabling and power to do what the Lord calls us to do (John 14:21, 25-26). We can delight in doing God’s will with joy, rather than in fear and dread.
Jesus is the righteous judge, not basing his judgment on outward appearances or what people say. He will give justice and equity for the poor and meek. His Word will confront and defeat worldly people and will destroy the wicked. All his ways will be governed and characterized by righteousness and faithfulness.
Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18), and has promised to return in great glory and power on the Day of Judgment. Everyone who has ever lived will be accountable to him for what they have done in life (John 5:28-29). The standard of judgment will be God’s Word, fulfilled, embodied and exemplified in Jesus Christ (John 1:1-5, 14). Those who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will receive eternal life in God’s New Creation in Heaven. Those who have rejected Jesus and have refused to trust and obey Jesus will be condemned to eternal death and destruction in Hell with all evil (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
Creation will be restored to the paradise God intended, but which was lost through sin (disobedience of God’s Word). In the new Creation there will be peace and harmony between all creatures and all will know the Lord and his Word personally and fully and be glad to trust and obey him. In that day, Jesus will be a banner and signal of victory and salvation to all people, and he will be glorified.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Wednesday 1 Advent A
First posted 12/05/07;
Podcast: Wednesday 1 Advent A
Romans 15:4-13 -- The Root of Jesse;
Romans Paraphrase:
The Bible, the record of God’s dealing with Israel, was written down for our instruction, so that by the faithfulness of God and his unfailing promises we might be encouraged and strengthened for endurance with hope. Paul prayed that the Romans (and all Christians) would live in harmony with one another, in accord with the teachings of Jesus Christ, “that together [we] may with one voice glorify God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:6).
So we should show the same hospitality to one another which God has shown us. Christ came as a servant to the Jews to demonstrate the truthfulness of God’s Word and the promises made to the Jewish patriarchs (which it contains), and so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy (for their inclusion in salvation).
Paul quoted Psalm 18:49, Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 117:1, and Isaiah 11:10 to show that the Gentiles share in the Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of the root of Jesse (father of David, the great shepherd-king of Israel) “who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles hope” (Isaiah 11:10).
Paul’s prayer is that all believers may experience the joy and peace which comes through faith (obedient trust) and may have hope and encouragement through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Commentary:
Jesus is the fulfillment of the promises of God’s Word of a Savior through whom we would receive forgiveness of sin (disobedience of God’s Word) and salvation from God’s eternal condemnation. Jesus is the completion of the Old Covenant of Law and the beginning of a new and better Covenant of Grace (unmerited favor) through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ. Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6).
Jesus didn’t end God’s Law but came to make it possible for us to fulfill it, not from fear of punishment, but by love, through the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 5:17-19). Through the Holy Spirit we have the power to resist Satan and temptation, and complete forgiveness when we fall short.
Jesus came through the Jews in fulfillment of God’s promises to the patriarchs, but came to bring Salvation (from God’s eternal judgment and condemnation; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar top right) to all people. In Jesus Christ he created a “New Israel” a new People of God from Jews and Gentiles who believe in (trust and obey) Jesus (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11). All people, Jew and Gentile, must come to God through faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
God has shown no partiality. Anyone who comes to him through true, Biblical faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ is acceptable to him, and so we should also welcome one another in the name of Jesus.
The Church is the New Israel. Judaism effectively ended at the Crucifixion. The curtain (veil) of the temple was torn in two, symbolizing that Jesus had opened a new and better way into God’s presence (Luke 23:45) through Jesus. Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed in 70 A.D. by the Romans, the people were scattered, and the nation ceased to exist, until reestablished after World War II. The temple has never been rebuilt.
Paul (Saul of Tarsus) was a “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8; Acts 9:17) Christian disciple, making “born-again” disciples of the Roman Christians, teaching them from the Bible to trust and obey Jesus’ teachings and to seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit, in fulfillment of Christ’s “Great Commission which he gave to his disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), to be carried out after they had received the infilling with the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8).
Christians are disciples of Jesus Christ who trust and obey Jesus and have received the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16), which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Bible has been written for our instruction to give us hope and encouragement through the promises of God that it contains and the record of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. We need to read the Bible completely and also daily so that we can know and claim the promises of God and receive hope and encouragement from them.
The “nominal” Church is fragmented today, and is speaking in anything but one voice. The “true” Church is the Bible-teaching, Bible-believing Church. It is the work of Satan to divide the “Church” and create counterfeit “churches.” There are many false teachers and false prophets today. We must be personally responsible to read the Bible and know what it contains, so that we are not deceived (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Thursday 1 Advent A
First posted 12/05/07;
Podcast: Thursday 1 Advent A
Matthew 3:1-12 John the Baptizer
Matthew Paraphrase:
In God’s timing, John the Baptizer started preaching in the wilderness of Judea, announcing that the kingdom of heaven was at hand and calling people to repent (i.e. to turn from disobedience, and to obedient trust in God’s Word). John was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of one crying in the wilderness, calling for repentance in preparation for the Messiah’s coming (Isaiah 40:3).
John was dressed in the manner of Old Testament prophets, in a camel-hair shirt, with a leather belt (compare 2 Kings 1:8), and he lived off food he gathered in the wilderness, like locusts and honey. Crowds came from the wide surrounding areas confessing their sins and being baptized by John in the Jordan River.
“But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Jewish religious leaders) coming for baptism, he said to them ‘You brood of vipers (poisonous snakes)! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit that befits repentance, and do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our Father;’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 3:7-10).
John declared that his baptism was with water for repentance; John was the most menial servant of the Messiah, but the Messiah, who is greater than John, “will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire’ (Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:3).
John described the Messiah’s coming as a thresher, who will thresh and winnow the harvest, separating the wheat from the chaff. “He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12b).
Commentary:
John was the last of the Old Testament prophets, and the fulfillment of prophecy of the return of Elijah to herald the coming of the Messiah (Matthew 17:10-13).
John’s baptism with water for repentance is carried on by the Church, calling people to turn from sin (disobedience of God’s Word), and to obedient trust in Jesus, preparing them for the coming of the Messiah Jesus Christ. Only Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17).
The prophecy of John that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire began to be fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13), the birthday of the Church. The true Church is the “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) Church. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
The Church is the “New John the Baptizer,” calling people to repent, turn from disobedience to obedient trust in God’s Word and to seek and await the coming of Jesus through his Holy Spirit (John 14:21). Believers are to be “discipled” within the church by mature, “born-again” disciples, until they have received the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, as Jesus commanded his original disciples (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8). Only then are they to be sent out into the world to carry on the ministry of John the Baptizer and of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20), to bring forgiveness of sin (disobedience of God’s Word) and salvation (from God’s judgment and condemnation), to all who will receive it through obedient trust in Jesus.
The conditions are very similar in the world, the nations, and the Church today, particularly in America, as they were in the time of John the Baptizer. In John’s day the religious leaders had turned from obedient trust in God’s Word, and relied on their “tradition.” They were not led by God’s Spirit (Matthew 3:7c), as John was (John 1:33; Luke 3:1-3). They conducted their religion as their personal empire, to further their own self-interests, instead of seeking and doing God’s will. They thought they could avoid God’s condemnation by some “religious ritual,” such as (water) “baptism.”
John didn’t try to make his message flatter his hearers or make them feel good. His message was an attempt to save them from God’s eternal damnation. Unless people are willing to hear the Biblical truth, they cannot turn in repentance and faith (obedient trust) to Jesus and be saved (John 14:6). Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).
This Creation is God’s wheat field and threshing floor. We are intended to produce spiritual fruit through obedient trust in Jesus Christ. The Day of Judgment at Christ’s Second Coming (Advent) is the day of the harvest, threshing, and winnowing (Matthew 25:31-46). When Jesus returns, he will separate the wheat from the chaff; the sheep from the goats. Those who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will receive eternal life in paradise in God’s eternal kingdom with the Lord. Those who have rejected and refused to trust and obey Jesus will receive eternal death and destruction in Hell with all evil.
Everyone who ever lived will face God’s judgment (John 5:28-29). We can be certain that the Day of Judgment will occur within our lifetimes. No one knows whether one will live to see tomorrow. Today is the only day we can be sure of. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). What we decide to do today determines where we will spend eternity.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Friday 1 Advent A
First posted 12/07/07;
Podcast: Friday 1 Advent A
Micah 4:1-7 - Messianic Reign;
Romans 2:1-16 - God’s Judgment;
Micah Paraphrase:
The prophet foresaw the establishment of the Messianic Kingdom. The mountain of the house of the Lord (Zion) will be above every other mountain (ruler). All people and nations will come to Zion to be taught God’s ways, so that they can live in obedience to him. God’s Law will be issued from Zion, and Jerusalem will be the capital from which God’s Word goes forth.
The Lord will be the Judge who will arbitrates between many people, and powerful nations far away. The nations will convert their weapons of war into agricultural implements, because nations will no longer learn or engage in war. Every person will live in peace in his own home on his own land. None shall make them afraid because God has declared his Word.
The nations of the earth live according to their “gods” (idols) but God’s people will live eternally in accordance with the Lord our God.
In the Day of the Lord he will gather those who have been driven away, and those he has afflicted, and he will make, of the lame and outcast, survivors and a strong nation. And the Lord will reign over them forever.
Romans Paraphrase:
Those who pass judgment on others condemn themselves, because they are guilty of the same sins. God’s judgment rightly falls upon people who do such things, so if we are guilty of such things we will not escape God’s judgment.
Do you presume upon the abundance of God’s kindness, forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God’s kindness is intended to allow you to be guided to repentance? By resisting repentance, you are storing up judgment against you on the day of God’s wrath when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
In that day every person will receive judgment according to what he has done. Those who have sought what is good, honorable, and eternal, by patience in well-doing, will receive immortality, but those who are rebellious and obey wickedness instead of truth will receive God’s wrath and fury.
Everyone who does evil will receive tribulation and distress in the day of the Lord, both Jew and Gentile; but for those who do right there will be glory, honor and peace, whether Jew or Gentile, since God shows no partiality.
The Gentiles who are not under God’s Covenant of Law will perish without the Law, and the Jews who have the Law will be judged by the Law. It is not the hearers of the Law but those who do the Law who are judged righteous by God. When Gentiles do what the Law requires they are righteous by their conscience, which shows that God’s Law is written on their hearts. They will be justified or condemned according to what they have done by the law of their conscience, in the Day of Judgment by Jesus Christ, before whom no secrets are hidden.
Commentary:
God has given us his Word, the Bible; his Law, by which we are to live. In and through the Bible he has revealed his plan for Creation: the establishment of an eternal kingdom of his people who willingly choose to trust and obey God and his Word. God has revealed the fulfillment of his promise in his Word of a Savior and eternal King in Jesus Christ.
The prophet foresaw the establishment of that eternal kingdom when Christ returns on the Day of Judgment. Zion was the hill in Jerusalem on which the temple was built. It is used to refer to the nation and people of Israel, and to the city and temple of God in Heaven. The Church has become the New Jerusalem and the New Zion on earth which foreshadows the eternal city and temple in Heaven.
This lifetime is our opportunity to seek and come to know God and his will; his Law (Acts 17:26-27). This is our opportunity to choose whether or not to live according to God’s Word. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment, embodiment and example of God’s Word lived in this world in human flesh (John 1:1-5, 14) Jesus is God’s only provision for the forgiveness of our sins (disobedience of God’s Word) and our salvation from God’s eternal condemnation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).
Worldly nations and people live according to their “gods;” modern idols such as wealth, power, possessions, pleasure, home, family, career, success, worldly honor. Any thing or person which we love as much as or more than the Lord is an idol. This lifetime is our opportunity to choose to live according to worldly idols or according to God’s Word, but note that God’s Word promises that only those who live according to his Word will live eternally in paradise with him (Micah 4:5).
The Church is the “Zion” and “Jerusalem” in this world, where people and nations can come to learn God’s Law and learn to live according to his Word. In this world disciples of Jesus Christ will experience affliction and persecution, but God is able to preserve us as the faithful remnant of (all) the people God created, and make of us a strong nation.
Jesus is God’s “anointed” Savior and eternal King, but he is also God’s designated righteous judge, who will return on the Day of Judgment to judge everyone who has ever lived. Jesus is worthy to be the judge, because he was completely obedient to and trusting of God’s Word, even in submission to physical death of a most excruciating type. Jesus was the perfect, unblemished sacrificial “lamb” who became the one and only sacrifice acceptable to God for the forgiveness of our sins.
God’s Word warns against being judgmental of others. Worldly people think they are “good” people because they aren’t as “bad” as others. That is not the standard of judgment Jesus will use. The standard of Judgment will be God’s Word, fulfilled, embodied and exemplified in Jesus Christ.
Ignorance of God’s Word will be no excuse. God has revealed himself in Creation, he has revealed his plan of salvation in the physical life and ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and he has written his Law on our hearts (has given us a “conscience”). God has designed this Creation to allow for the possibility of sin (disobedience of God’s Word) so that we can have a true, free choice of whether to trust and obey God’s Word or not. He intends for us to learn by trial and error that God’s Word is good, acceptable (possible and gratifying) and perfect (our best interest; Romans 12:2).
Church members are the “New Jews.” Just because we were “born-into” the church or have leadership roles in church doesn’t exempt us from knowing, trusting and obeying God’s Word. God shows no partiality. Ignorance of God’s Word will be no excuse, and because we are church members and church leaders the Lord will hold us more accountable.
God’s patience and forbearance of our rebellion and disobedience is intended to allow us time and incentive to repent. If we keep resisting his grace (unmerited favor) and mercy (undeserved forgiveness) we are going to receive condemnation and eternal destruction on the Day of Judgment, and in that day we will know that we deserve it.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Saturday 1 Advent A
First posted 12/08/07;
Podcast: Saturday 1 Advent A
Luke 1:26-35 -- Jesus’ Birth Foretold ;
The angel Gabriel appeared in Nazareth in Galilee to a woman named Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph, a descendant of David (the shepherd-king). The angel greeted Mary, saying that God had favored her and was with her. Mary was very troubled by the greeting, wondering what it meant. Gabriel told her not to be worried, because God favored her. She was going to bear a son whom she was to call Jesus. The angel declared that Jesus was to be great, the Son of the Most High (God), who would give him the throne of his ancestor, David, and that Jesus would reign over the house of Jacob (Israel) forever.
Mary asked the angel how this could be, since she was unmarried. The angel replied that the Holy Spirit, the power of God, would come upon her and she would conceive. Thus the child would be holy, and would be called the Son of God.
Commentary:
Jesus was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the “son” (descendant) of David, in fulfillment of God’s promise (2 Samuel 7:5-13; Psalm 89:20-29), through his (adoptive) father Joseph, and Son of God by the Holy Spirit. He is fully human and fully God (Colossians 2:8-9; John 20:28).
Jesus is the “son of David,” and thus the fulfillment of God’s promise in scripture of an eternal King and heir to the throne of David, the promised Messiah (Christ; both words mean “anointed,” in Hebrew and Greek, respectively). Jesus usually referred to himself as the “son of man” (mankind), emphasizing his human parent, rather than his divine parent. He did this so that his hearers would be free to decide for themselves whether he were the Son of God, the Messiah, for themselves. (It is also a sign and fulfillment of scripture of Daniel 7:13-14).
Jesus is the first-born (supernatural) Son of God and thus the heir of God. Through obedient trust in Jesus we are “adopted” into the family of God, and share in the inheritance with Jesus. The whole fullness of God dwelt in Jesus bodily (Colossians 2:8-9). We can experience the Spirit of God dwelling within us by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
Jesus is the first-born, the only “begotten” Son of God. He is the heir to the throne of David and the throne of God. We cannot become “God” or “like God” (Genesis 3:5). Our place in the family of God is by God’s favor, to be received by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus as we acknowledge him as our Savior, Lord and eternal King. We become the house of Jacob, the New Israel, as we accept Jesus as our Lord and eternal King. We share in the inheritance of Jesus by his unmerited favor (Isaiah 53:12).
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
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