The Shepherd's Gifts

Song: The Lord's My Shepherd

Scripture: Psalm 23

When Jesus walked upon the earth, He looked at the multitudes following Him and noted that they were like sheep without a shepherd. People are no different today. Men still wander looking for drink, shelter, pasture, contentment, or protection while Jesus, the Good Shepherd, offers all these things.

Contentment. “I shall not want,” is the hope of the disciple. Can you say that and mean it?

Pasture. The Lord gives us green pastures in which to lie. He supplies all the sustenance we need. Are you really drawing your strength from Him?

Drink. Refreshment is given the follower who walks with the Lord “beside quiet waters.” Are you satisfied? Really satisfied? If not, why not?

Guidance. Jesus provides direction “in the paths of righteousness” to His sheep. Are you free from anxiety in your recent decisions? Did you consider what’s best for your soul, and for the souls of your family?

Protection. Those that call on the Lord as Shepherd have no fear in death’s shadow nor in their enemy’s camp. Are you ready to die? Are you sure? Do you pray for your enemies?

If these rewards are the inheritance of the Lord’s flock, we ought to take note when we see that we don’t possess them. In fact, we might wonder just whom we’ve been following.

Jason Moore

Sunday Morning Starters

Tune your heart to sing praises. Here’s how:

Scan the song. Notice the title, the scripture reference, the chorus.

Identify the type of song. Lord’s Supper song? Prayer song? Teaching/admonition song? Invitation song? Reflective song? Worship song?

Notice the images. Picture the scenes. Paint them in your imagination. Understand the sentiment.

Grasp the message. Comprehend it. Reflect on it. Apply it. Tell it.

Jason Moore

Works and the Word of God

Song: Psalm 19

Scripture: Psalm 19

There are two types of revelation God has used to explain Himself to mankind. There is natural revelation and there is special revelation. David describes both of these methods in Psalm 19.

Natural revelation consists of what God reveals about Himself in nature. In the first half of his psalm (vv. 1-6), David describes natural revelation: “The heavens are telling of the glory of God” (v. 1). God’s creation speaks a language that all men can understand—“their line has gone out through all the earth” (v. 4). All men are accountable because of what they can learn from observing God’s creation. Design implies an intelligent Designer. Providence implies a benevolent Provider. Morality implies a moral Governor. Life implies a Life-Giver.

Special revelation, discussed in the second half of David’s psalm (vv. 7-14), consists of what God has spoken through prophets and angels and in His written word. It includes visions and dreams and miracles and all the messages received whenever God has intervened in the affairs of man. While natural revelation can tell us about God’s glory and power, only special revelation can reveal the depth of His love, the greatness of His designs for man, and the manner in which He has wielded His power to save.

Natural revelation leaves man in awe. But special revelation leaves man with hope—it is more desirable than fine gold, and sweeter than honey. Praise God for He has spoken!

Jason Moore

The Citizen Of Zion

Song: We're Marching To Zion

Scripture: Psalm 15

I didn’t make first string in baseball. I didn’t make first string in football. I was cut during the first round of tryouts for basketball. I wasn’t selected for Boy’s State. I didn’t make Phi Theta Kappa in college. There have been many circles in which I desired to have a place, but either lacked the talent or the credentials to be a part.

The hill of Zion is not so exclusive. The tent of Jehovah is not closed to the ungifted. The city of God has room for people of all sorts who seek to excel in the pursuit of righteousness. What is required?

The right walk. The citizen of Zion “walks with integrity.” He is not a pretender. He is not a fake. He is what he appears to be. He is a follower of righteousness in the public and private sector.

The right talk. He does not lie to himself; he does not justify his wrongs but “speaks the truth in his heart.” Envy or vengeance or bribery will not lead him to slay with his tongue and slander his neighbor.

The right look. He does not envy the unrighteous. He does not covet the wicked. He looks with admiration on those who fear the Lord regardless of their station or lack thereof.

The right regard. The inhabitant of God’s holy hill does not abuse his power. He does not take advantage of the poor. He will not succumb to political tactics or partyism.

I think I can fit in here. These are my kind of people. And what’s more, “He who does these things will never be shaken.” I like this place.

Jason Moore

Wisdom's Rewards

Song: Wonderful Words Of Life

Scripture: Proverbs 4:1-13

Wisdom blesses those who seek her. She enriches the man who heeds her counsel.

“She will guard you.” Wisdom protects. She may lead you against the current of society but Wisdom knows what’s downstream. She’ll lead you upstream to safety and protect you from behind.

“She will watch over you.” Wisdom sees the big picture. That’s why her counsel sometimes sounds odd. We see the immediate consequences. She sees the goal in the distance and guides us accordingly.

“She will exalt you.” The forces of the wicked appear to prevail. The advice of the worldly seems to work. The path of folly looks like a shortcut. Don’t be deceived. Wisdom will not betray her followers. When the day is done, only the wise man will be left.

“She will honor you.” She will equip you to give counsel. She will furnish you with the ability to lead. Others will seek your guidance and praise your judgment. More than that, Wisdom will give you the satisfaction of having done right.

“She will place on your head a garland of grace.” Wisdom’s disciple is not promised riches or fame or reputation. She does equip her follower to handle the pitfalls of such prizes. But whatever the station or fortune of her pupil, Wisdom promises him victory in the end. It may not come today. Perhaps not tomorrow. Maybe not this year. But it will come. Because Wisdom works.

Jason Moore

Choices, Choices

Song: Higher Ground

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-8

I never have made a spiritually-based decision that I ever regretted. Never have I made a sacrifice for the Lord that I ever looked back upon wishing that I’d acted differently.

I’m not saying that the sacrifice did not hurt. I’m not saying that in the short term I didn’t worry. At times the decision came with embarrassment. At times I appeared the fool before others. Some did not understand. Some did not support. Some criticized. Some made fun. Some made fun when I wasn’t around. But the decision was for the best. And looking back, there are no regrets.

Even more than no regrets, such life-changing, faith-trying, society-alienating, spiritually-based decisions are the most satisfying ones I’ve ever made. They are the ones that identify me with Abraham when he left Ur, with Caleb when he contradicted the other spies, with Ruth when she told Naomi, “I’m coming with you.” Other choices I’ve forgotten or would like to forget. These I treasure.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” It’s true. It works. The Lord promises. Choosing the kingdom first produces a life without regret. What I regret is not choosing this path more often. Not today. Today I’ll make kingdom choices, choices that God is sure to smile upon and reward.

Jason Moore

I Told You So!

Song: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Scripture: Proverbs 1:24-33

If you live foolishly today, it will not be because you must. Wisdom is not beyond your grasp. She’s made herself accessible to you. If you live foolishly this day, it will be because you’ve chosen folly.

Somebody today will choose to hang with companions who are no good for him. Wisdom will chuckle and roll her eyes because he’s still not learned that “evil companions corrupt good morals.” Someone this day will give way to passion and spark an appetite that will eventually consume him. Wisdom will wash her hands of him. She warned. “Don’t go there!” she counseled. But he spurned her correction.

Another someone will cover his tracks with a lie. Deception will be his chosen vice. Lie will follow lie until the liar himself is deceived or his deception exposed. Wisdom will shake her head and turn her back. The liar will “eat the fruit of his own way.” Wisdom is not beyond your reach today. She’s nearby.

She’s in the street. She shouts from the square. Her voice can be heard over the din of shoppers in the mall and over the noise of the morning traffic. She’s not popular. She’s often ignored. Most pretend not to see her. They swear at her when she gets in the way. But she’s there. Ignore her if you like. But when you fall, remember. She told you so.

Jason Moore

Sunday Morning Starters

Make up your mind to…

Contribute something meaningful in bible class.

Let your children’s teachers know that you appreciate them.

Tell the preacher what point in his sermon really helped you.

Look for someone who looks out of place and make them feel a part.

Send a card to a shut-in or someone who really needs the encouragement.

Jason Moore

Waiting for God's Answer

Song: In His Time

Scripture: Psalm 6

Sometimes the Lord takes so long to answer. Sometimes I wonder, does He hear me? I am not the first to wonder. David did too.

At times His delay is due to the sin of which I’ve not repented. Why should He answer when my faith is too small to obey? I must first repent and pray “O Lord, do not rebuke me in Thine anger.”

He may delay so that I bear the consequences of my wrong and know the emptiness of life away from Him. Then my prayer is more persistent still: “Return, O Lord, rescue my soul.” His slowness may serve to test my faith. Abraham waited for a son. Joseph waited in prison. David waited to be king. When the Lord delays, I’m more grateful when His answer comes. And when the Lord waits, His answer is usually better than I expected. So, “O Lord—how long?” Long enough to make my faith what it needs to be.

And while I’m waiting, others are watching. They watched David. They wondered, “When will He give up?” The Lord waited not just to teach David, but to teach those watching David. “Depart from me,” wrote David, “all you who do iniquity, for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping.” The Lord may be teaching others when He waits to answer my prayers. I still don’t like to wait. But it’s good for me.

Jason Moore

Watch And Pray

Song: Watch And Pray

Scripture: Psalm 5

“In the morning, O Lord, Thou wilt hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch” (v. 3).

If I pray this morning for an opportunity to show some kindness—to spark a smile or fetch a laugh—can the Lord not make a way?

If I pray today for Wisdom’s visit, for her sage counsel in some prickly problem, will the Lord not send her scurrying to cross my path?

If I ask this day for some soul to teach, will the Lord of Harvests who sends forth reapers not send me forth to ripened fields?

If this day I pray for a firmer stand, for wiser speech, for purer thoughts, for cleaner motives, will not the One who feeds the sparrow and clothes the lily furnish me for nobler service? If this morning I pray, then today I’ll watch for Him to answer. If today He’s silent, I’ll ask again tomorrow and rejoice that His delay permits my showing Him faith and persistence. If tomorrow no answer, I’ll ask still again, then check behind the doors and in the closets in case the problem is not His failure to answer but my dullness of hearing.

One thing is certain - unspoken prayers cannot be answered and preoccupied petitioners will not find answers. So I’ll pray and watch, and watch and pray.

Jason Moore

The Sycamore Tree

Song: The Solid Rock

Scripture: Psalm 1

A sycamore tree grew by the bank of the creek that ran through the property of my boyhood home. It was a tall stately tree with roots that sank deep into the rocky creek bed and protected that portion of the bank upon which it grew from the gentle flow of the stream that carried away other portions of the bank inch by inch, year by year.

The sycamore branches were just the right distance apart to make climbing easy. There was a low sturdy branch stretching over a deep pool—the perfect perch for fishing or platform for diving. The broad leaves were just thick enough to hide a boy from passersby but sparse enough that when you climbed the twenty-five feet to “the crow’s nest” you could keep watch over the entire neighborhood as far as the end of Johnson’s field.

The sycamore provided many a day of harmless diversion, many an hour of blithe and carefree amusement, many a refuge for quiet reflection among breeze-kissed branches hanging over a gargling stream. I miss my boyhood playhouse and juvenile getaway. But the sycamore’s solace has been supplanted by a more tranquil retreat—the security of faith. For the righteous I’m told “will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water.” Excuse me, while I go climb for awhile.

Jason Moore

What it Takes to Get the Family Together

Song: Give Me The Bible

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

1. Sobriety. The devil is so subtle. He has made us so busy in our day that we don’t have time for family. He keeps us running so that we are worn to a frazzle because we’ve not knelt to pray, nor stopped for study and meditation. You have to take the Family Together seriously. It’s as important as home security. It is your home security. If you’ve not figured that out, you’ll discover it too late.

2. Determination. You have to make up your mind to do it. You have to decide that getting the family together for a period of worship and devotion is worth the effort. You have to be willing to turn off the evening news or to get the kids out of bed fifteen minutes earlier. If you don’t determine to make it happen, it won’t happen.

3. Persistence. When there’s an interruption in your routine what will you do? If you currently have no routine to your day, will you make one? If you don’t plan now how to handle interruptions to your Family Together time, interruptions will eliminate such time. You’ll find time to squeeze in fifteen minutes of television. You’ll make time for dinner. Be jealous of Family Together time, or it won’t happen.

Jason Moore

The Victory of the Lamb

Song: Hallelujah! What A Savior!

Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14

John, the apostle of the Lord, was banished to the island of Patmos, a leper colony. Persecution against the early Christians had become a policy of the Roman empire, a policy that was to become yet more severe and concerted. The revelation given to John of “things which must shortly take place” (1:1) was to supply strength to the disciples who would suffer persecution in that age and in any age.

Who would be the victor in the struggle? How could the kingdom of God prevail against the armies of Rome which had crushed every army in its path and presently dominated the world? When would God rise up and save His people from the slaughter and injustice of this empire? To answer these questions, the Lord equipped John, not just with words, but with pictures. He presented to the Christians of that age and the ages to follow a “behind the scenes look” at what happens on the world stage. Sure, there was death, destruction, wars, famines, cruelties, injustices, persecution. God was using all of these events to show that His kingdom would be victorious over every enemy.

In the NT age, heaven’s best was pitted against hell’s worst to prove once and for all that the kingdom of God is victorious over the kingdom of Satan. We are heirs of an unshakable kingdom, because the Lamb of God has won the victory over Satan, over Sin, over Death, over the worst of this world. That’s the lesson of Revelation. With that in mind, you’re ready to read the book and to face the day.

Jason Moore

Sunday Morning Starters

"Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15; NASBU)

This Lord's Day present God a thank offering! Lift up your voice in praise! Give Him thanks!

Jason Cicero

Visions Of Grandeur

Song: Oh, The Things We May Do

Scripture: Zechariah 2:1-13

“Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem… then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God which is in Jerusalem” (Ezra 5:1-2). Around 520 BC, Zechariah was appointed the weighty task of stirring the Jews who had become slack in their efforts to rebuild Jerusalem which had been in shambles for 70 years.

His was not an easy task. While the prophet Haggai motivated the people by rebuking their indifference and reminding them of God’s promises, Zechariah conveyed elaborate visions of the plans God had in mind for Israel.

Zechariah’s pictures inspired the people by showing them that their work, which seemed so fruitless, had far reaching results. In our reading, the man measuring Jerusalem in Zechariah’s day would not have been much impressed due to its state of disrepair. But none should be discouraged for the Lord would be both the walls about and the glory within the city. The city, now sparsely populated, would someday run over with citizens.

Such pictures must have puzzled the Jews. The visions would not be clear until the reign of Christ in His kingdom. But the visions gave the Jews confidence that God would be with them and take care of things, even if they didn’t understand how. We see the end they didn’t see though they laid the foundations for its accomplishment. Such ought to inspire us to perform the small deeds today which will redound to God’s glory in the future.

Jason Moore

The Day of the Lord

Song: There's A Great Day Coming

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:1-13

Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah, one of Judah’s good kings. Both the king and the prophet (1:1) were descendants of King Hezekiah, another godly king. Zephaniah likely prophesied in the 630’s or 620’s BC, making him a contemporary of Nahum and Jeremiah also.

The dominant theme of Zephaniah’s prophecy is the “day of the Lord.” The day of the Lord is a time in the future, sometimes distant and sometimes near, when God will visit mankind. The phrase is found frequently in the prophets but finds its fullest expression in Zephaniah’s message.

The day of the Lord is a day of judgment. It is the day when God’s patience finally runs out. Zephaniah reveals that God’s wrath will eventually be executed against Judah and against the other nations who have neglected His will.

The day of the Lord can also be a day of salvation. Zephaniah looks into the future in our text and shows that God will restore a remnant in Israel. It is rare that God ever discloses a specific day that He will visit mankind. He gives warnings and supplies the principles by which His salvation or judgment is executed. He comes when He wills.

Will there be a day of the Lord for the U.S.? That will depend on the conduct of her people. There is certainly a day of the Lord to come for all mankind, the final day of the Lord. It will be both a day of judgment and salvation for all the nations. Get ready for that day. It will surely come.

Jason Moore

A Disciple's Life

Song: I Want To Be A Worker

Scripture: 3 John 1-14

If an apostle were to write you a letter what might he say? John called Gaius his child, perhaps because he had converted him, but we are all children of the apostles being the product of their teaching. John’s letter to Gaius reveals the marks of a disciple who has learned from the fathers well.

“I pray that you may prosper and be in good health just as your soul prospers.” Such a petition would only be desirable for one who has made his soul a priority. If your health prospered like your soul, would you be in the Olympics or in the ICU?

“Brethren came and bore witness to you your truth.” Gaius had acquired a favorable reputation among the brethren as one who walked in the truth. What sort of reputation would have been reported to the apostle about you? Gossip? Indifferent? Undependable? Supporter of the truth?

“You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” Gaius loved the brethren and gave aid to strangers. He had learned Jesus’ teaching that “as you do unto the least of these My brethren, you do unto Me.” He treated them in a manner worthy of God Himself. How is your love for the brethren, for strangers?

“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.” Gaius was not one to be persuaded by the politics that sometimes sours religion, the kind practiced by Diotrophes. How does hypocrisy in religion affect you? Does it make you quit, or resort to the same devices, or make you more dedicated to imitating what is good and godly?

Jason Moore

The Sovereignty of God

Song: Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah!

Scripture: Nahum 1:1-15

Nahum saw the vision that Jonah had hoped to see and deliver, the destruction of Nineveh (612 BC). No certain date can be attached to Nahum’s prophecy other than that the warning was given while Assyria was still enjoying the privileges of empire, and a cruel empire she was. The prophecy of Nahum is a testimony to the sovereignty of God.

The sovereignty of God is simply the notion that God reigns supreme in the universe. Some folks have a concept of sovereignty that eliminates free will. It says that God programs the destinies and so the choices of individuals. The biblical concept of sovereignty is far more majestic. God rules the nations, but does not override the free will of man. In fact, what God seeks is for man to love Him willingly, not because God forces him. He then weaves the free will choices of man, whether good or evil, into His purpose to redeem the world.

Nineveh, the capital city and so the symbol of the Assyrian empire, was used by the sovereign God. He used her to discipline Israel for her sins. He used her evil choices to teach others a lesson. Then God punished Assyria for her cruelty because she had no compassion for man and did not recognize that God had permitted her building of an empire. The humble penitence found in Nineveh in Jonah’s day was gone. She had to be punished. Nahum is the prediction of her judgment to come.

God will use men and nations to accomplish His purpose. The only way to make a significant difference in this life is to align your purposes with God’s. If you don’t He’ll still find a way to use you to help someone else. That’s how powerful He is.

Jason Moore

That You May Know

Song: Whosoever Will

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-17

1 John was written to give the believer assurance. False notions—the miraculous witness of Spirit, the once-saved-always-saved concept, the universalist position (that everyone will be saved), original sin, predestination, and others—are ways of giving man easy assurance. They all eliminate faith by either giving faith help—as in the gift of tongues—or by making faith lazy—as in the once-saved-always-saved and other Calvinist teachings. 1 John supplies the source of true assurance.

The testimony of eyewitnesses. “What we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled…” (1:1) is what John and the other apostles proclaimed to believers. Christians have the assurance of the strongest evidence, eyewitness testimony, in the facts that are the foundation for their faith.

The promises of God. “If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (2:1). We have a book full of promises that God has kept. The promises that He makes to Christians are not made to be broken.

The will of the believer. Given the promises of God and the testimony of eyewitnesses, the final assurance is dependent on the response of the believer himself. “Walk in the light,” “Keep His commandments,” “Love not the world,” “Love one another,” “Test the spirits” are all the tests of true discipleship. Man does not perform these perfectly. We have an Advocate when we fail. Man does his best—and it does require his best. You know when you’re giving your best. God wills your salvation—that’s assured. What’s your will? That’s the question.

Jason Moore

Sunday Morning Starters

"On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread..." (Acts 20:7; NASBU)

On this first day of the week...

Where will you be?

What will you do?

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26; NASBU)

Jason Cicero

More Than A Fish Story

Song: Victory In Jesus

Scripture: Jonah 3:1-10

Jonah lived and prophesied in Israel during the days of Jeroboam II, making him a contemporary of Amos and Hosea. Assyria was in the beginning stages of building an empire, but not the force it would be in later years. Jonah was given the unwelcome task of carrying a message of judgment to the enemies of Israel. It was not fear of his own fate as a messenger that troubled Jonah. He feared that Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, might actually repent and so escape the judgment of God. The lessons of Jonah anticipate the gospel age.

“God is not willing that any should perish,” is a lesson from Jonah. Jonah received one of the greatest responses that a prophet’s message has ever received, yet he pouted (4:1). God’s love for the lost and interest in seeking the lost ought to be shared by His people, His preachers.

“God is no respecter of person.” Even in the OT God had an interest in nations other than Israel. Jonah’s picture of God was too small. You cannot embrace God and at the same time erect fences between you and your neighbor who needs God.

“No sign will be given this generation but the sign of Jonah” was the application Jesus drew from the book. Jonah was “dead” for three days in the belly of the fish, and God delivered him to bring a message of repentance to the Gentiles. This incident in the life of the prophet anticipated Jesus.

Jason Moore

The Power of the Cross

Song: Near The Cross

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-21

Peter addresses his first epistle to a people without a country, at least presently. They have an inheritance that is otherworldly, “reserved in heaven.” It is the cross that makes this alienation bearable. It is the cross that makes the difference for the Christian and in the Christian’s conduct.

Christianity changes everything. Your behavior toward your neighbor, your government, your spouse, your employer is governed by a new standard, a higher standard, the standard of the cross. Since Jesus Christ suffered in the flesh, “arm yourselves with this same purpose,” Peter writes (4:1). The Christian is the representative of a higher standard of conduct that will not shame the Master.

Unconditional love is the greatest power of which freewill agents are possessed. The power of the gospel is the change wrought in stubborn, selfish sinners by the spectacle of God’s Son nailed to a tree. God would necessarily use the wisest, most effective tool in His campaign to save the world. He chose the cross. What better tool is there for the Christian to employ in making a difference? “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (2:21).

Don’t cheapen the cross. The cross ought not to be regarded as a sort of Aladdin’s lamp that one rubs whenever he sins with abandon. An attitude of “I’ll sin now, and repent later,” is not hidden from God. “You were not redeemed with perishable things… but with precious blood,” Peter says.

The cross is both the motive for change and the power for living in the life of the believer. That’s Peter’s lesson for the Christian pilgrim.

Jason Moore

Prophet to the Rich and "Religious"

Song: More Holiness Give Me

Scripture: Amos 4:1-13

The prophets are frequently misunderstood, mostly because they are not read. When they are read, they don’t make sense because the situation in which they wrote is unfamiliar to us. If you read the prophets without being acquainted with Kings and Chronicles, it’s like reading someone else’s mail. You know neither the speaker not the recipient, nor the events on the minds of either one. The prophets have messages that are still timely, for those who take the time to understand their admonitions.

Amos was a contemporary of Hosea. He was sent to prophesy to Israel in the 760’s BC, during the reign of Jeroboam II. It was a time of prosperity, but fading prosperity. Israel was in trouble, but she didn’t know it. Assyria was growing in power as Israel grew in decadence, and God, in one more generation, would turn her over to Assyria’s armies.

The oppression of the poor by the rich is a frequent theme in Amos. The “cows of Bashan” in our reading are the wives of the rich who have been grazing off the poor of the land. A wealthy nation like ours should heed the warnings of Amos. The pretend zeal of an irreligious people is another subject of Amos’ rebuke. Israel loved to offer sacrifices but at altars where the worship of Jehovah had been mixed with the pagan practices of the land. God has never had patience with cut-and-paste ritual and devotion.

The words of the prophets were ignored in their own day. It would be a shame for them to be neglected in our own.

Jason Moore

Hosea, God's Lawyer-Prophet

Song: The Love Of God

Scripture: Hosea 3:1-4:6

“The Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land.” Has a Perry Mason ring to it, doesn’t it? The prophets were in a sense lawyers of God’s covenant. They prosecuted God’s case against His people, and charged them with their breach of His covenant revealed through Moses. “Swearing, deception, murder, stealing, adultery…” were all sins condemned by Moses, but loved by Israel.

Some of God’s lawyer-prophets were sent to Judah, some to Israel, some to both. Hosea was sent by God to the northern kingdom of Israel. He began preaching in the 750’s BC in the reign of Jeroboam II. He continued prophesying for the last 30 years of the northern kingdom, until it fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC, just as Hosea had warned.

Hosea’s call was unique. God asked Hosea to marry a prostitute, and to raise up children by her. It may even by that Hosea raised up children that Gomer, his adulterous wife, conceived by other men (1:2, 9). She left Hosea and returned to her harlotry. In today’s reading, God told Hosea to redeem her from the prostitution in which she apparently worked as a slave or as a member of a pagan cult.

Hosea’s family portrait is the likeness of God and His people, Israel. Israel is unfaithful, worldly, adulterous. Though God could put her away, He will instead redeem her from her harlotry by putting her in captivity. God’s love for man is endless, and His discipline is but an expression of His endless love. That’s one of the great messages of Hosea.

Jason Moore

Heaven's Best

Song: We Have An Anchor

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14 - 5:10

It’s hard to imagine the situation in which Jews who were Christians would be tempted to return to the Law. Perhaps revolt was stirring in Jerusalem and events leading to their last stand against the Romans in 70 AD aroused the sympathies of Jewish believers for their people and awakened ambitions for earthly empire and glory. Perhaps. Whatever the case, they were leaving Christ for that which was inferior. Hebrews was written to Hebrew Christians to stem the tide of backsliding. It has application for Christians in every time.

Jesus is the best of all possible messengers. God sent prophets and angels in times past, but in these last days, He sent His Son. Who else can He send? If you won’t hear Him, who will you hear? Jesus is the best of all possible priests. He not only has experienced all that you have suffered. He has triumphed. Who better to intercede—one beset with his own weaknesses or one who has seen through His own trials so He can see you through yours? If He can’t help you, who can?

Jesus is the best of all possible sacrifices. His death was once and for all. The bulls and goats commanded under the Law, much less the devices men concoct by their own imaginations, cannot take away sin. If the gift of God’s Son doesn’t move you to repentance, what power will?

The gospel is the best of all news for captives of sin, the worst of all maladies. It is the only hope, and the best hope imaginable for sinners.

Jason Moore