pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 24 “Seeking”

Seeking

We come into the world seeking. It never lets up as long as we live.
The objects of our search change from age to age, but the seeking goes on. Perhaps when our feet rest on streets of gold in the great beyond, our search will be finally be over, but perhaps not. Might we spend eternity seeking out new wonders in the New Heaven and the New Earth? Could it be that we will occupy ourselves after “we’ve been there ten thousand years” with seeking out new things about our God so that we can give Him the praise He deserves? I think so.

Whatever happens then, we live a seeker’s life today. Jesus promises us, not a reprieve from seeking, but the surety of finding what we need. His promise is threefold:

  • Ask and it shall be given.
  • Seek and you shall find.
  • Knock and it shall be opened.

This the life He promises when we put His Kingdom first; He will meet our needs. Now He gives us detailed instructions on how to appropriate what we need.

Asking
Asking is done from a place of humility. If we understand Calvary, we will never look to God and demand things. It is proper to remind God of His covenantal promises but this, too, is done in humility. When we ask of God, we are not dealing with what we deserve (Heaven help us!) but with His astounding grace. It is said that the Greek verb here is one of a continuous tense: “Ask and keep on asking.” This is not presumption. Jesus instructs us to do exactly this with the parable of the persistent friend (Luke 11:5-8) Persistent asking for what we need is a precious thing birthed in humility and bathed in faith.

Seeking
While asking borders on being passive, seeking requires action. We must turn over rocks to see what might be under them. We must explore new territories to see what manner of life grows there. We must sail new seas, travel new roads, and make new alliances to find the things for which we are seeking. God guides these processes and life becomes an adventure. Remember those fishermen from Galilee whose lives were transformed from routine to romance by the Lord’s call, “Follow me.” It is so with us. The Lord installs into our heart a vision of what we might become or what we might do for Him. This vision becomes a quest and we are off on our life-long search for what He has in store for us. He has promised that we will find it.

Knocking
Sometimes in our adventure we hit a wall and it seems our progress is stopped. We must not despair—we must ask! The Lord knows what to do. We must seek; there will be a door in the wall. Now the third method comes into play—we must knock. Knocking is different from asking and seeking because knocking enlists the help of others. Asking comes from deep within us. Seeking is our personal quest. Knocking enrolls us on a team roster. We engage with others who are likewise asking and seeking. They can open doors for us and we can do the same for them. The Lord is good at building teams; think of Jesus and the Twelve. He still does that. We can find the right team by this adventurous lifestyle of asking, seeking and knocking. Watching and guiding our seeking is a loving Heavenly Father who is good to the core. He has set us on the quest and allied us with traveling companions.

We come into the world seeking. It never lets up as long as we live.

Scriptures:
Matthew 7:7-9
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Luke 11:5-8
And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the quest! Thank You for this life of adventure in following You. Sometimes I have been uneasy in the quest but I have seldom been bored. When I have asked, You have answered. When I have sought, You have shown me what I need. When I have knocked on doors that were shut tight, You have sent someone to open them for me. Still there are needs today so I continue to ask. Still there are mysteries so I continue to seek. Some doors remain closed so, as You direct me, I keep on knocking. Send me the partners in ministry I need to accomplish the things You have birthed in my heart. All for Your Glory, Lord. Amen.

Song:
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
Words and Music: Karen Lafferty

1. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you
Allelu Alleluia

2. Man shall not live by bread alone
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Allelu Alleluia

3. Ask and it shall be given unto you
Seek and ye shall find
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you
Allelu Alleluia

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 23 “Judging”

Judging

The difference between “judging” and “judgment” is more than the difference between a gerund and a noun.
A gerund is defined as a verb functioning as a noun as in, “Judging solos and ensembles is something I love to do.” Judgment is the ability to tell the good solos from the not-so-good ones. Jesus warns us about our judging, our critical assessment of people and things in our lives. His warning? Be careful how you exercise your judgment. When you are called upon to judge, that is, duly deputized to give an informed opinion, do so gently with care not to offend but to inform and perhaps even to inspire.

“Judge not, that you be not judged.”
This is one of most often quoted statements of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount. It is usually used as a preemptive defense against someone who is about to be critical of us. We choose less dangerous words: assessment, evaluation, critique, etc. Even these kinder, gentler terms amount to the same thing: judging. We all get our turns both at being judged and being the judge. Jesus is warning us not to let the position of judging go to our heads, feeding the ego and making us brutal in our assessment. We must remember that our turn at being judged is coming.

The Judgmental Person
Jesus warns us against being a judgmental person, one who has a critical spirit. The critical spirit is rooted in shame, in deep feelings of personal inadequacy.  We all know someone like this.

  • Nothing is ever good enough for them (though it is likely they could make no improvement.)
  • They are quick to point out the shortcomings they see (though they really have no better ideas.)
  • They criticize successful people behind their backs (though they smile and flatter them otherwise.)
  • They frown a lot as if they are looking down on lesser beings than themselves (though in truth they have little to contribute that is positive.)
  • They don’t hang around success if they cannot cut it to their size (though they attract the discontented and take some of them with them when they leave.)
  • They are bitter (though their bitterness may be cleverly disguised as sarcastic humor.)

This is no way to live yet many choose this pathway.  They get in return what they have given: Criticism, bitterness, and public failure.

“…with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use,
it will be measured back to you.”

What is the proper way to exercise judgement?
The first lesson about giving one’s opinion is simple: don’t. Nothing is more unwelcomed than advice which has not been sought. On those occasions when experience or expertise we possess is called for, we must remember the warnings of Jesus to judge as gently and thoroughly as we would want to be judged. It is best to begin with positive assessments before we suggest areas for improvement. One of the most important things is this: be an encouragement! When we are called upon to assess something or someone in the service of the Lord, we must remember that doing anything for God requires courage. Do not drain courage from the one you judge. On the contrary, pour courage into them!

Judgement and Humility
Jesus links these two things when He talks about the speck in our brother’s eye which we would like to haughtily remove when we can’t see to do it because of the plank in our own eye. What is His point? Be humble when called upon to give a critique. We may be blind to something others can clearly see.

Scriptures:
Matthew 7:1-6
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, make me bold to speak up for You when the moment calls for it and make me wise to keep my mouth shut when my opinion has not been sought. When I am called upon to issue my judgement, give me grace to be gentle and encouraging. Lord, save me from a critical spirit. When I see things that are wrong and my judgment has not been requested, help me turn that judgment into a prayer. You can do more than I could ever do. Help me deal with others the way You deal with me, with grace, always with grace. Amen.

Song:
Grace Greater than Our Sin
Words

1. Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

2. Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
What can avail to wash it away!
Look! there is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today.

Refrain

3. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe;
you that are longing to see his face,
Will you this moment his grace receive?

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 22 “Worry”

Worry

Worry is a waste of energy—precious personal power put to no productive purpose.
Excuse my alliteration. They say even the sun, the power source of our solar system, will eventually run out of power. We should never be caught wasting our energy. Worry is a power drain that diverts our human and spiritual resources to

  • sleepless nights that produce no rest,
  • fretful days that produce no progress, and
  • endless flights of imagination that take off and land in our heads but never get us anywhere.

Worry skills come to us naturally if we can put 2 and 2 together and see all the things that might happen. We have more contingency plans than we have primary plans. As we worry, PLAN A gets covered up by PLANS B through Q.

“Do not worry.”
Jesus attacks the problem head on. OK. Right. But how do we NOT worry? His first method is one word—look. He is saying to us, “Get a grip on yourself. You are looking at the wrong things in the wrong places.” Instead of staring at the possibilities of peril, look at the realities of the real world.

  • Birds, for instance. All of their energy is used for flying, eating, and propagating their kind. They don’t worry at all because they are in the Father’s care.
  • And look at flowers in the field. God is their Gardener. Their job is to simply be beautiful and add a little grace to the place. No worries here.

All avian energy is spent flying and singing and being beautiful birds. Floral energy is lavished on color and response to the winds attracting both people and bees. No energy is diverted to defense or wasted on worry.

“Your Heavenly Father”
Birds are blessed and flowers flourish because the Father has them. Birds don’t attach themselves to the ground and flowers don’t try to fly. The secret of their worry-free lives is their peace within their calling. The first word from Jesus was, look. Then He said, consider. We might hear Him say, “Stop and think for a minute.”

Does the Heavenly Father have us? Do we have a function in His Kingdom? Do we know what it is? Are we “flying” if we are supposed to fly? Are we standing in the field dancing with the wind being beautiful if that is His call on our lives? If so, then why worry? He’s got us. His record is remarkably good at taking care of His own.

“Seek first the Kingdom.”
One of the most remarkable promises of Jesus is this:

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you.

This is the answer to poverty and deprivation in the world. Put the Kingdom of God in the highest place in your plans and God will take care of you. You’ll be as free as a flower and as happy as a bird. When some other kingdom supplants the Kingdom of God then we must guard our place in it against all foes. Our limited supply of energy is diverted to these illegitimate pursuits and we find ourselves earthbound with care, wilting in the heat of a pitiless sun.

How much better to be who God called us to be and use all our life’s energy to serve the One who made both the skies and the fields.

Scriptures:
Matthew 6:25-34
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for my worrying. I repent of all the energy I have wasted over the years concerning myself with things  that You had control of all along. Teach me how to turn those well-honed worry skills into meditation skills. Help me look and really see Your hand at work. Help me to consider that You are faithful and have always been faithful and will always be faithful. I want to be as happy as a sparrow and as delightful as a flower in the field. Amen and Amen.

Song:
The Sparrow Song (Think of How He Cares for You)
Words and Music: J.D. Phifer

1. When you are sad downhearted and blue,
Think of how He cares for you.
When things look bad, your courage you lose,
Think of how He cares for you.

Refrain:
Think of the sparrow He feeds with such care,
The flower He waters with dew.
Dwell on the things He’s promised to do.
Think of how He cares for you.

2. When there’s a cross you know you must bear,
Think of how He cares for you.
When you are lost in realms of despair,
Think of how He cares for you.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 8 “Repentance”

Repentance

In modern Christian circles we tend to think of repentance as the final goal of our witness. Actually, it is the beginning.
The meaning of the word is simple and beyond dispute: it means to turn around. It is a deliberate reversal. Instead of traveling north we do a 180º turn and start traveling south. This is the first step in following Christ and it is a step often repeated on the Path of Life because we tend to get sidetracked onto useless paths that lead to destruction though at first they seemed right to us. When the Holy Spirit convicts us that we are on a path to destruction, we need to repent and get back on the Path of Life! O Lord, I want the power of the Spirit! I know it begins with repentance so I repent! I have gone under the water and up again to new and unending life in You. Now I want what John said You would bring—a baptism of fire! I realize how inadequate my gifts are to do the work You have called me to do. I need the Holy Ghost! Please do not leave me to my meager gifts and talents! Anoint me with Your power! Fill me with Your Spirit! “O Lord, send the power just now!” Amen.

John’s Call to Reversal
John, the Forerunner of Christ, stood in the waters of the Jordan River and called for a reversal in the ways of his generation. He was not gentle.

“Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance…”

He called his generation’s leaders snakes—not exactly good PR and very poor “optics” as they say in politics today. But this was his message, his mission. He was not called to be gentle; he was called to tell the truth to his generation. Change was coming and repentance was the first step in preparation for the change. Results rescue repentance from being just an act of public theatre.  Repentance is a real reversal of the heart. “Fruit worthy of repentance” was John’s demand. When we really repent, our lives produce a different set of results.

  • We are peacemakers rather than strife producers.
  • We are loving instead of hate-filled.
  • We are honest instead of deceptive.
  • We are humble instead of haughty.
  • We deal in grace not vengeance.

These things are the tests of true repentance. Words without a reversal of conduct are worthless.

Heritage does not automatically transfer.
The object of John’s preaching claimed to be children of Abraham, as if their bloodline won them favor with God. While Jehovah is a covenant-keeping God and will be true to His promises to bless Israel, those promises included warnings against apostasy—falling away from true worship and godly living. Their heritage had merit as long as their personal conduct was in keeping with the Law and such was not the case. John as much as said, “Big deal!”

“God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.”

It was the day of reversal, of pruning the national tree and the ax was already at the root.

Water and Fire
Standing and preaching in the river, John plunged the repentant ones under the water as a public act representing the inward reversal in their lives. For those people it was a dividing line in their lives. How many of these people would be the ones to be healed or delivered by the hand and Word of Jesus? How many of these would be miraculously fed in the wilderness? How many would witness the resurrection of Lazarus? There is no way to know, of course, but this act of preparation was the first step in preparing for Jesus to walk among them in power.

Standing and preaching in the river, John prophesied about another baptism to come, one not of water but of fire, the fire of the Holy Spirit. The cleansing begun in the waters of repentance would continue in the fires of the Spirit. God would raise up children of Abraham from every nation of the world.

And it has been so!

Scriptures:
Matthew 3:7-12
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Corinthians 7:9-11
Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Acts 2:1-4
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Prayer:
O Lord, I want the power of the Spirit! I know it begins with repentance so I repent! I have gone under the water and up again to new and unending life in You. Now I want what John said You would bring—a baptism of fire! I realize how inadequate my gifts are to do the work You have called me to do. I need the Holy Ghost! Please do not leave me to my meager gifts and talents! Anoint me with Your power! Fill me with Your Spirit! “O Lord, send the power just now!” Amen.

Song:
O Lord, Send the Power Just Now
Words and Music: Charles D. Tillman

1. They were in an upper chamber, They were all with one accord,
When the Holy Ghost descended As was promised by the Lord.

Refrain:
O Lord, send the pow’r just now,
O Lord, send the pow’r just now;
O Lord, send the pow’r just now
And baptize every one.

2. Yes, the pow’r from Heav’n descended With the sound of rushing wind;
Tongues of fire came down upon them, As the Lord said He would send.

Refrain

3. Yes, this old-time pow’r was given To our fathers who were true;
This is promised to believers, And we all may have it too.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 6 “Nazareth”

Nazareth

Sometimes it takes an outsider to speak to a closed system.
The leaders in a corrupt system close the doors to outsiders and consolidate their power. Such was the condition down in Jerusalem. It is interesting to note that Jesus and most of His disciples were outsiders, residents of the northern part of Israel, the region of Galilee. The prophet Isaiah called it, “Galilee of the Gentiles.” By the time of the Jesus Story, Galilee was populated mostly by Jews. Also, far removed from the stratified social structure of Jerusalem, a large middle class of merchants and craftsmen, including a thriving fishing industry, developed in Galilee. This was exceptional in the Roman culture of the day. As a craftsman, Joseph fit right in in the Nazareth community.

The People Who Walked in Darkness have seen a Great Light.
The Great Light that would eventually bring the power and presence of God to Jerusalem was Jesus Himself. He would come out of the north and bring the truth to the south, an outsider, the “Messenger of the Covenant who suddenly came to the Temple.” The faithful remnant in that closed, corrupt system to the south will delight in Jesus while the entrenched power brokers will rage against Him. Gentiles were not the only ones walking in darkness!

Out of Egypt; Back to Israel
Joseph’s dreams continued to play a major role in the Jesus Story. When wicked King Herod died, Joseph was informed of this by an angel in a dream and brought his family back to Israel. However, Herod’s replacement was also dangerous so in another angelic dream Joseph is warned of the danger. He turned aside to Galilee, settling in the village of Nazareth in the southern region of Galilee. Fathers today can imagine the joy Joseph took in raising this Boy who was both the Son of God and of Mary. If Jesus’ first word was as it often is today, the Hebrew equivalent of “Dadda,”—probably, “Abba”—Joseph was the recipient of the greeting. Mothers today can imagine the joy of Mary holding Jesus in her arms, seeing His first smile while looking into her face, and knowing before any of us did, His warm touch. These things happened in Nazareth.

The Synagogue in Nazareth
The hometown meeting place in the village of Nazareth will figure large in the Jesus story. It was here, as well as in the home of Joseph and Mary, Jesus memorized the scriptures that spoke of Messiah. He played with the neighborhood children. Surely He was the delight of His teachers. He learned Joseph’s craft by his side in the carpenter’s shop and he learned proper business practices in the community. In other words, Jesus, far removed from an elitist system in Jerusalem, learned the truths of real life, work and worship in the real world. In this, we identify with Him. He truly was one of us, living in a world not unlike ours: family, local worship and education, work and personal responsibility.

What a blessing that “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Scriptures:
Matthew 2:19-23
Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
Isaiah 9:1-2
Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, As when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward more heavily oppressed her, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.
Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the Lord of hosts.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You came to this earth to be one of us. Even in the selection of Your hometown, You chose to live outside of the power structures. You learned life as a boy in school and church just like us. You learned the value of work and honesty in business. You learned real life in a real world. Help me tell Your real story in my real world. Lord, I too, am an outsider in this world. People walk in darkness all around me; help me bring Your light to them. For Your glory, Lord. Amen.

Song:
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Traditional

1. O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

2. O come, O Wisdom from on high, who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show and teach us in its ways to go.

Refrain

3. O come, O come, great Lord of might, who to your tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law in cloud and majesty and awe.

Refrain

4. O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem, unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save, and give them victory o’er the grave.

Refrain
5. O come, O Key of David, come and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road and bar the way to death’s abode.

Refrain

6. O come, O Bright and Morning Star, and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night and turn our darkness into light.

Refrain

7. O come, O King of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease and be yourself our King of Peace.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 5 “Innocents”

Innocents

Everyone knows it is not wise to make a king angry.
He has all kinds of power at his command and he does not hesitate to use it. The Jesus Story is more than singing angels, trembling shepherds, and kneeling wise men. It is the story of evil at its worst seeking to destroy good at its best.

Herod Makes His Move
Deceived by the wise men who saw through his intention to “worship Him, too,” King Herod struck out against this potential rival, this infant who is called Messiah, King of the Jews. While Jesus was still in His mother’s bosom, His young life was threatened. With the assistance of the wise men through their valuable gifts, Joseph and Mary had enough to pay their taxes and make a hastily arranged, clandestine journey to Egypt. Lost in a lumbering caravan through the Sinai, retracing the steps of their ancestors, they escaped Herod’s unreasoning wrath.

Not so the baby boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding regions. In what has come to be called “The Slaughter of the Innocents,” Herod ordered the murder of every boy two years old and younger. Thus, the prophesied cry of weeping mothers became a real sound of lamentation.

Why Would God Allow This?
At first, anyone reading this story will ask why. Why would God allow a wicked king to wreak such destruction? This is another way of asking what is the question of the ages: “Why does God allow evil when He has the power to stop it?” Theologians and philosophers grapple with this question in every generation and have since the beginning. The answers are beyond the scope of this writing. What do we know from Scripture?

  • God is just. (Psalm 37:27-29)
  • God is loving. (1 John 4:16)
  • Death is not the end of life. (Psalm 37:27-29)
  • God’s ways are beyond our understanding. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

These things we can understand and we cling to them by faith when faced with things we cannot understand. God does not run the universe at the level of our understanding. There will always be more questions than answers in this life.

A Fallen Creation
When God put the finishing touches on creation He said it was good, very good. When Adam and Eve believed the lies of the serpent and fell into sin, this perfect world began to rot, to decay from within. Evil stalked the land and has to this day. In the time of the Jesus Story, the world was held in the merciless grip of an evil empire. Israel was in the hands of a puppet king and her worship was led by a corrupt priesthood. Power was the coin of the realm, political power for Rome and the power of spiritual wickedness in the Temple. Power must be grasped and firmly held against all opponents, even a helpless child. What was the sound of weeping mothers to Herod? It was the sound of victory.

Another Child
Down in Egypt, another child nursed at His mother’s breast as a carpenter and his wife made do until it was safe to return to Israel. For Joseph and Mary there was no fear. They knew from experience that God was in control. When news of the slaughter reached them, they wept with the mothers of Bethlehem and held the Boy even closer to their hearts. There would be an answer to such evil.

Scriptures:
Matthew 2:16-18
Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.”
Jeremiah 31:15
Thus says the Lord: “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted for her children, Because they are no more.”
Psalm 37:27-29
Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore. For the Lord loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell in it forever.
1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your ways are higher than my ways. As the Bible says they are “past finding out.” When I have questions about life that I cannot answer, help me review the things I do understand from Your Word and dwell on these things. I trust Your heart, Lord, in things I don’t understand. I know that You are loving and just and that You comfort those who suffer at the hand of the evil in this world. The time is coming when You will make all things right and dry all tears. Thank, You, Lord. Amen.

Song:
When the Morning Comes
Words and Music: Charles Albert Tindley

1. Trials dark on ev’ry hand, and we cannot understand
All the ways that God would lead us  to that blessed Promised Land;
But He’ll guide us with His eye, and we’ll follow till we die;
We will understand it better by and by.

Refrain:
By and by, when the morning comes,
When the saints of God are gathered home,
We will tell the story how we’ve overcome;
We will understand it better by and by.

2. Oft our cherished plans have failed, disappointments have prevailed,
And we’ve wandered in the darkness, heavyhearted and alone;
But we’re trusting in the Lord, and according to His Word,
We will understand it better by and by.

Refrain

3. Temptations, hidden snares often take us unawares.
And our hearts are made to bleed for some thoughtless word or deed.
And we wonder why the test when we try to do our best,
We will understand it better by and by.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 4 “Egypt”

Egypt


The Jesus Story contains one of the strangest and most unlikely of prophecies: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”
Naming the tiny town of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Messiah was odd enough, but to name Egypt as a source for Messiah is odd beyond belief and yet it happened. This story is laden with these amazing incidences of fulfilled prophecy. One of Matthew’s purposes in writing his version of the life of Christ is to point these things out to his Jewish readers. Jesus was a Jew and He was the Jewish Messiah as well as the Savior of the World. Matthew’s account springs from a deep love for God’s Chosen People.

Not the First Time
This was not the first call “out of Egypt” in the plan of God to save the world. Before there could be a Jewish Messiah to save the world, there had to be a Jewish nation. God called Abraham out of his homeland to find a new one and found the Hebrew nation. Generations later, famine drove the children of Israel (Jacob, Abraham’s heir) into Egypt for survival. Safety became slavery when Egyptian leaders came to power who did not know Joseph. Through the stammering lips of Moses, God called His Chosen People out of Egypt. With a mighty hand deliverance was won. It took a generation of faithless wandering in the wilderness for the nation to finally return to the Promised Land. In that wilderness the people learned how to worship God. They learned the laws of the Covenant which would guide them in their re-won homeland. Though they found the land full of enemies, when their worship was right, God’s hand, the same mighty hand that called them out of Egypt, was with them to subdue the land promised to them.

The Lessons of Egypt
Former Egyptian slaves became landowners and craftsmen, people of creativity and commerce. Realize this, the Hebrews went into Egypt a nation of herdsmen. They were called out of Egypt as a nation of craftsman. Craftsmanship has been a mark of God’s people ever since. Work is holy and is another form of worship honoring God. The wonderful Tabernacle they built in the wilderness was manufactured with this formula:

  1. The plans of God from Mt. Sinai,
  2. The materials of Egypt given to the Israelites as they were set free, and
  3. The skills the people had learned in Egypt.

This is still the formula for Christian living today:

  1. The Word of God as our Guide,
  2. The redeemed systems of the fallen world (education, true science, technology, etc,) and
  3. The skills of our own hands (craftsmanship, creativity, hard work, and diligent study.)

With this three-fold blessing, we are called out of the world to minister to the world.

The Holy Family in Egypt
Matthew gives us no details of how long Joseph, Mary, and Jesus stayed in Egypt or what they did while there. No purpose is served if we speculate on these things. The immediate cause was the hostility of King Herod. It was imperative to remove Jesus from the reach of the wicked king. Upon news of his death, they returned to Israel. How ironic that God would use a heathen nation to protect His Son from the King of Israel. Once again, “Out of Egypt…”

Scriptures:
Matthew 2:13-15
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”
Hosea 11:1
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You came so far to find us and redeem us. And when You came to this earth, You were in immediate danger. King Herod was the first but he was not the last to seek Your life. Through it all, You were protected, even by a journey to Egypt, the very symbol of sin. You were, indeed, as the Scripture predicted called out of Egypt. In the end, no one was able to take Your life; You gave it willingly for our sake, for my sake. Then, You were called out of the tomb. Next, You were called out of this world to regain the throne of Heaven. Soon, You will call us out of this world, this Egypt, to be with You forever. Amen and Amen!

Song:
Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne
Words: E. S. Elliot; Music: Timothy R. Matthews

1. Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

2. Heaven’s arches rang when the angels sang,
Proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

3. The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest
In the shade of the forest tree;
But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God,
In the deserts of Galilee.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

4. Thou camest, O Lord, with the living word
That should set Thy people free;
But with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

5. When the heavens shall ring, and the angels sing,
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying “Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for thee.”
My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When Thou comest and callest for me.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 3 “Stars”

Stars

To the ancient mind, stars had to be more than twinkling lights in the night sky. They had to mean something.
They had no idea that stars were really suns and the distances involved were well beyond their understanding. Night after night wise men studied the stars, noting what seemed to be their movements across the sky. With imaginations more highly developed than their science, they created meanings and gave them significance in their own lives.

Wise Men from the East
Matthew tells us of a group of these men of intelligence and careful observation. They saw a new star and determined that it was there to lead them to Messiah. Like the ancient astronomers who filled in the details with their imaginations, Christian tradition has filled in missing details about the Wise Men.

  • Because three gifts are mentioned, there were three Wise Men.
  • They were Kings.
  • Their names were Caspar and Balthazar and their leader, Melchior.
  • In addition to the stars, it is possible they had copies of the writings of the Hebrew prophets left over from the Babylonian Captivity.
  • They arrived the night Jesus was born and joined the shepherds at the manger. The account of Matthew hints that perhaps they came later but the image of kings and shepherds kneeling together at the manger is irresistible and speaks to the meaning of Christmas.

When writing about the Wise Men, these inventions come in handy. In this telling we will hold to the details given by our reporter, Matthew.

Kings and More Kings
If the Wise Men were indeed kings, it makes sense that they consulted with King Herod.

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

If these men had any sense of discernment at all, they sensed that Herod was not a friend of the Child they were seeking. Troubled by their inquiry, Herod assembled his advisors to learn what they knew about where Messiah was to be born. Bethlehem was the place foretold by prophecy. Herod met again with the Wise Men to find out when the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem with a false promise to join them in worship of the child.

Following the Star
Uneasy from their interview with Herod, they followed the star to Bethlehem where it stopped over the house where they found the Christ-child. Forgetting Herod for a moment they rejoiced with great joy. Entering the house they were overcome by the holiness of the presence of Jesus and they fell to the floor in worship. They recovered enough to present their valuable gifts, each one significant in its own way:

  • Gold, a precious metal and provision for the family,
  • Frankincense, a precious resin used in the sacrifices of worship in the Temple, and
  • Myrrh, a holy ingredient in the anointing oil used to indicate God’s choice of an individual.

Being warned in a dream of Herod’s treachery, their scene in the Jesus Story completed, the Wise Men returned to their homes. It is certain they would never be the same. The presence of Jesus does that to people.

Scriptures:
Matthew 2:1-12
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.'” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Micah 5:2
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Morning Star! My guide through this life! I will follow You wherever You lead. Like the Wise Men, I will seek Your face and fall prostrate before You in deepest worship. I will offer to You the best gifts of my life. May Your Spirit give me discernment to see the hearts of those who hate You and avoid their schemes. As I behold Your glory in worship, change me, O Lord, from glory to glory until Your likeness can be seen in me. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

Song:
In Your Presence
Words and Music by J.D. and Stephen Phifer

1. When the chill of life’s cold wind blows ‘round me,
I can call on Your name in my grief.
And You are there every time when I need You.
Wrapping me in a blanket of Peace.

Refrain:
In Your presence, In Your presence, there is joy.
In Your presence, In Your presence, there is peace.
Let me linger, let me stay in Your presence, I pray,
Till Your likeness can be seen in me.

2. O how sweet just to wait in Your presence,
Just to know in my soul You are near.
I’m restored by the touch of Your hand, Lord;
Lifted up when it’s Your voice I hear.

Refrain

3. How we need to spend time in Your presence,
To draw away from this world’s frantic pace.
Let us dwell in the glow of Your nearness,
Hold us close in Your healing embrace.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.

pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 2 “Christ-child”

Christ-child

The miracle of the Incarnation is that God became a man.
The wonder of it all is that He became an infant, the most powerless of all human beings. This is the central mystery and fact of Christianity. It is a fact attested to by the most numerous and ancient of historical sources. No theologian has ever explained how it was done. In the early centuries of the church, leaders expended much effort and time and resources in conferences to try and figure whether Jesus was a man who became God or was He God in the form of man or something in between these possibilities. Various Creeds like the Nicene Creed go into detail to express the nature of God as a confessed belief and this is helpful. Statements of faith are needed but an explanation is not. We simply accept by faith that Jesus was both God and man, both at the same time. In order to become the Christ-child, the pre-incarnate Jesus had to lay aside His divine nature and take up His human nature. This is a mystery not to be explained, but to be believed and to confessed in worship.

The Most Promising Young Couple in Nazareth
In my imagination, they were the pride of the village.

  • Joseph was an excellent craftsman with his own profitable shop. He was a man of integrity in business and piety in his religion. He knew the scriptures so well, the village children would gather into his shop after class to hear his wisdom on the lessons of the day. He specialized in prophecies of Messiah.
  • Mary was as perfect for him as he was for her. She was the model of beauty and modesty. Her cheerful spirit always brightened the mood wherever she went. Most of the young men were intimidated by her and most of the other girls found her so genuine they could not even envy her—except perhaps for her Joseph.

All in all their betrothal was a bit of good news in those troubled times. People found hope for the nation in young people such as these.

“Before they came together…”
They were not yet husband and wife when Mary realized that she was pregnant. We know from other sources that she had been visited by the angel Gabriel and told that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her leaving her with child. It happened just as Gabriel said and Mary had the difficult duty of telling Joseph. As a carpenter, Joseph knew the measure of things and did not believe her story. Brokenhearted, he decided to handle things as discreetly as possible by sending her away. It was not to be. In a dream an angel appeared to him and told him the facts. Awaking from his sleep Joseph obeyed the angel’s words and took Mary as his wife. His love for her was so great, it negated logic and thus their marriage was an act of faith in God.

“Immanuel—God with Us”
When the child was born, they named Him “Jesus” as instructed. In addition, the prophet Isaiah said that He would be called Immanuel, meaning, “God with us.” Jesus means, “Savior.” And thus He came to be! He will go to the cross as a sinless Lamb to save us from the price of our sins and He will be the manifest presence of God in the earth. Mary “brought forth her firstborn Son”—fully God and fully man—the mystery of the ages.

Scriptures:
Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
Isaiah 7:14-15
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Prayer:
The Apostles’ Creed
The Book of Common Prayer (Adapted SRP)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Song:
Emmanuel
Words and Music: Bob McGee

Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
His name is called Emmanuel
God with us, revealed in us
His name is called Emmanuel
(Repeat)

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.

pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 1 “Genealogy”

Genealogy

Just who was this man named Jesus?
Matthew had to prove that Jesus was qualified to be Messiah. To this purpose he did what any creditable historian would do, he consulted the official records. The scribes were excellent record keepers, especially genealogies. If Matthew had cheated in any way, crunching the names the way a crooked accountant can crunch the numbers, he would have been caught. His genealogy of Jesus was a challenge to any who took the history of the nation seriously. The claims of Jesus to be Messiah were sound from the standpoint of the records.

Luke’s genealogy differs from that of Matthew from David to Jesus. From Abraham to David they match up well. Why the differences? Several possible explanations are put forward including the fact that one person may be called by different names. The most likely reason is simple: Matthew traces the line through Joseph and Luke through Mary. Both were descendants of King David. Notice the switch from repeatedly listing fathers who “begot” each succeeding generation to a different process with Mary and Jesus:

“And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born
Jesus who is called Christ.”

Matthew traces the rights of Jesus to the throne through Joseph back to Solomon, but is careful to point out that Mary alone birthed Jesus.

Important connections between Jesus and the heroes of the faith are found in this genealogy.

  • Abraham was the first of the Hebrews, the father of the nation.
  • David was Israel’s greatest King.
  • Solomon was Israel’s wisest King.
  • King Jehoshaphat was the leader who won a battle with praise music.
  • King Uzziah started so young and did so well until he usurped the office of the priests and died from leprosy in a house alone. His death changed the life of young Isaiah. A vision of the pre-incarnate Christ on Heaven’s throne transformed the historian into the prophet of Messiah to come.

Women figure prominently in this list and each is a demonstration of God’s grace, giving us hope that in spite of failures, God can still use the repentant soul.

  • Tamar was a prostitute.
  • Rahab was the harlot who lived on the walls of Jericho.
  • Ruth was the foreigner who loved her adopted nation.
  • Bathsheba had an adulterous affair with King David.
  • Mary was so virtuous she was chosen to bear King Jesus.

Matthew provided the proof needed to make his case for Jesus. One commentary says this:

“Matthew’s genealogy answered the important question a Jew would rightfully ask about anyone who claimed to be King of the Jews. Is He a descendant of David through the rightful line of succession? Matthew answered yes!” (The Bible Knowledge Commentary © 1983, 2000 Cook Communications Ministries)

Just who was this man named Jesus?
He was the virgin-born Son of Mary. He was the legal heir of King David. He was a certified son of Abraham. His story deserves to be told still today. He has the answers to the answerless dilemmas. He has the power of good over evil. He has written a New Covenant between God and man in His own holy blood. He is the firstborn from among the dead. He stands at the door of your heart, knocking and seeking entrance there. If You will let Him come in and take over, peace will be yours and forgiveness. There is no other source of these things. He is the One, the only hope for this earth. Hear His story and be challenged. Behold His glory and be changed!

Scriptures:
Matthew 1: 1-17
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon begot Rehoboam, Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa. Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah. Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah. Hezekiah begot Manasseh, Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah. Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon. And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel begot Abiud, Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor. Azor begot Zadok, Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud. Eliud begot Eleazar, Eleazar begot Matthan, and Matthan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations.
Colossians 1:15-18
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Philippians 2:5-11
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, there is no one like You; there never was before and never will be again. Thank You for the Gospel record that still stands today as indisputable evidence though more than 2000 years old. I believe, Lord, I believe. I believe You. I believe my sins are forgiven and cast far away. I believe in Your call on my life and the work You have commissioned me to do. I will tell Your story till my dying breath. I believe in the life to come You are preparing for me. Thank You, Lord. Yes, I believe. Amen.

Song:
Fairest Lord Jesus
Anonymous

1. Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature,
O thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.

2. Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
robed in the blooming garb of spring:
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer
who makes the woeful heart to sing.

3. Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight,
and all the twinkling starry host:
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
than all the angels heaven can boast.

4. Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
now and forevermore be thine.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.