Day 60- Exodus 40; Leviticus 1-2; Psalm 27

I have to say that I was ready to end the reading of Exodus and interested in what Leviticus had to bring.  I am sort of bored by lists and this seems to be more lists, but I am interested in the offerings.  Let's see what Matthew Henry has to say about these.

As for Chapter 40, God took possession of the tabernacle by a cloud.  We are about to consecrate our new building, our new church.  So, this intrigues me.  I guess I am excited to see what will happen on that day. 

Note, God will dwell with those that prepare him a habitation. The broken and contrite heart, the clean and holy heart, that is furnished for his service, and devoted to his honour, shall be his rest for ever; here will Christ dwell by faith,

I hope that God joins us in our new church. 

Leviticus starts off as follows:

This book begins with the laws concerning sacrifices, of which the most ancient were the burnt-offerings, about which God gives Moses instructions in this chapter. Orders are here given how that sort of sacrifice must be managed.

The explanation of leaven, honey and salt is interesting.  Do you sort of follow this pattern also? 

Here, I. Leaven and honey are forbidden to be put in any of their meat-offerings: No leaven, nor any honey, in any offering made by fire, v. 11. The leaven was forbidden in remembrance of the unleavened bread they ate when they came out of Egypt. So much despatch was required in the offerings they made that it was not convenient they should stay for the leavening of them. The New Testament comparing pride and hypocrisy to leaven because they swell like leaven, comparing also malice and wickedness to leaven because they sour like leaven, we are to understand and improve this as a caution to take heed of those sins which will certainly spoil the acceptableness of our spiritual sacrifices. Pure hands must be lifted up without wrath, and all our gospel feasts kept with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 2. Honey was forbidden, though Canaan flowed with it, because to eat much honey is not good (Prov. 25:16, Prov. 25:27 ); it turns to choler and bitterness in the stomach, though luscious to the taste. Some think the chief reason why those two things, leaven and honey, were forbidden, was because the Gentiles used them very much in their sacrifices, and God’s people must not learn or use the way of the heathen, but his services must be the reverse of their idolatrous services; see Deu. 12:30, Deu. 12:31 . Some make this application of this double prohibition: leaven signifies grief and sadness of spirit (Ps. 73:21 ), My heart was leavened; honey signifies sensual pleasure and mirth. In our service of God both these must be avoided, and a mean observed between those extremes; for the sorrow of the world worketh death, and a love to the delights of sense is a great enemy to holy love.II. Salt is required in all their offerings, v. 13. The altar was the table of the Lord; and therefore, salt being always set on our tables, God would have it always used at his. It is called the salt of the covenant, because, as men confirmed their covenants with each other by eating and drinking together, at all which collations salt was used, so God, by accepting his people’s gifts and feasting them upon his sacrifices, supping with them and they with him (Rev. 3:20 ), did confirm his covenant with them. Among the ancients salt was a symbol of friendship. The salt for the sacrifice was not brought by the offerers, but was provided at the public charge, as the wood was, Ezra. 7:20-22 . And there was a chamber in the court of the temple called the chamber of salt, in which they laid it up.

And, this Psalm.  It was beautiful.  Henry provides historical insights.

Some think David penned this psalm before his coming to the throne, when he was in the midst of his troubles, and perhaps upon occasion of the death of his parents; but the Jews think he penned it when he was old, upon occasion of the wonderful deliverance he had from the sword of the giant, when Abishai succoured him (2 Sa. 21:16, 2 Sa. 21:17 ) and his people thereupon resolved he should never venture his life again in battle, lest he should quench the light of Israel. Perhaps it was not penned upon any particular occasion; but it is very expressive of the pious and devout affections with which gracious souls are carried out towards God at all times, especially in times of trouble.

Day 59- Exodus 38-39; Psalm 25

Henry points out,

Note, God’s work must be done, in every thing, according to his own will. His institutions neither need nor admit men’s inventions to make them either more beautiful or more likely to answer the intention of them. Add thou not unto his words. God is pleased with willing worship, but not with will-worship.III. They brought all their work to Moses, and submitted it to his inspection and censure, v. 33. He knew what he had ordered them to make; and now the particulars were called over, and all produced, that Moses might see both that they had made all, omitting nothing, and that they had made all according to the instructions given them, and that, if they had made a mistake in any thing, it might be forthwith rectified. Thus they showed respect to Moses, who was set over them in the Lord; not objecting that Moses did not understand such work, and therefore that there was no reason for submitting it to his judgment. No, that God who gave them so much knowledge as to do the work gave them also so much humility as to be willing to have it examined and compared with the model. Moses was in authority, and they would pay a deference to his place.

I think what we get from Chapters 38-39 and some of those before in Exodus, is that we must do things the way God says to do them.  Just because we like and take pride in what we do as laborers does not mean that because it accomplishes the same goal, that it was done the right way.  In worshipping God, its not just the end result, it is, in deed, the means to the end that matters.

The Psalm seems to reiterate this, and again, I can hear a hymn as I read it.

Well, today was a short reading.  See you tomorrow.

Day 58- Exodus 36-37; Psalm 45

I like the end of this commentary by Henry.  "Better late than never."  I guess God would agree with that.  Our gamble, and a bad one at that, is how long until its too late?  Here they talk about building the tabernacle and how they have too much by way of generosity.  So Moses says, thanks, but we have all we need.  That is a wonderful prospect.

Note, Those are to be called to the building of the gospel tabernacle whom God has by his grace made in some measure fit for the work and free to engage in it. Ability and willingness (with resolution) are the two things to be regarded in the call of ministers. Has God given them not only knowledge, but wisdom? (for those that would win souls must be wise, and have their hearts stirred up to come to the work, and not to the honour only; to do it, and not to talk of it only), let them come to it with full purpose of heart to go through with it. The materials which the people had contributed were delivered by Moses to the workmen, v. 3. They could not create a tabernacle, that is, make it out of nothing, nor work, unless they had something to work upon; the people therefore brought the materials and Moses put them into their hands. Precious souls are the materials of the gospel tabernacle; they are built up a spiritual house, 1 Pt. 2:5 . To this end they are to offer themselves a free-will offering to the Lord, for his service (Rom. 15:16 ), and they are then committed to the care of his ministers, as builders, to be framed and wrought upon by their edification and increase in holiness, till they all come, like the curtains of the tabernacle, in the unity of the faith, to be a holy temple, Eph. 2:21, Eph. 2:22 Eph. 4:12, Eph. 4:13 .II. The contributions restrained. The people continued to bring free offerings every morning, v. 3. Note, We should always make it our morning’s work to bring our offerings unto the Lord; even the spiritual offerings of prayer and praise, and a broken heart surrendered entirely to God. This is that which the duty of every day requires. God’s compassions are new every morning, and so must our duty to him be. Probably there were some that were backward at first to bring their offering, but their neighbours’ forwardness stirred them up and shamed them. The zeal of some provoked many. There are those who will be content to follow who yet do not care for leading in a good work. It is best to be forward, but better late than never.

I comment on the Psalm today because it was so pretty.  Henry's description of what it alludes to makes it that much nicer,

This psalm is an illustrious prophecy of Messiah the Prince: it is all over gospel, and points at him only, as a bridegroom espousing the church to himself and as a king ruling in it and ruling for it. It is probable that our Saviour has reference to this psalm when he compares the kingdom of heaven, more than once, to a nuptial solemnity, the solemnity of a royal nuptial, Mt. 22:2 Mt. 25:1 . We have no reason to think it has any reference to Solomon’s marriage with Pharaoh’s daughter; if I thought that it had reference to any other than the mystical marriage between Christ and his church, I would rather apply it to some of David’s marriages, because he was a man of war, such a one as the bridegroom here is described to be, which Solomon was not. But I take it to be purely and only meant of Jesus Christ; of him speaks the prophet this, of him and of no other man; and to him (v. 6, v. 7) it is applied in the New Testament (Heb. 1:8 ), nor can it be understood of any other. The preface speaks the excellency of the song.

Have a great day and I hope you are enjoying reading as much as I am, each day.

Day 57- Exodus 34-35; Psalm 49

As I read Chapter 34, I thought to myself, that is one heck of a facial.  I can see it on the spa menu, The Breath and Grace of God - Free for the takers. Henry describes,

1. He came down enriched with the best treasure; for he brought in his hands the two tables of the law, written with the finger of God, 5:28, 29. It is a great favour to have the law given us; this favour was shown to Israel, Ps. 147:19, Ps. 147:20 . It is a great honour to be employed in delivering God’s law to others; this honour was done to Moses.2. He came down adorned with the best beauty; for the skin of his face shone, v. 29. This time of his being in the mount he heard only what he had heard before, but he saw more of the glory of God, which having with open face beheld, he was in some measure changed into the same image from glory to glory, 2 Co. 3:18 . The last time he came down from the mount with the glory of a magistrate, to frown upon and chastise Israel’s idolatry; now with the glory of an angel, with tidings of peace and reconciliation. Then he came with a rod, now with the spirit of meekness. Now,(1.) This may be looked upon, [1.] As a great honour done to Moses, that the people might never again question his mission nor think nor speak lightly of him. He carried his credentials in his very countenance, which, some think, retained, as long as he lived, some remainders of this glory, which perhaps contributed to the vigour of his old age; that eye could not wax dim which had seen God, nor that face become wrinkled which had shone with his glory. The Israelites could not look him in the face but they must there read his commission. Thus it was done to the man whom the King of kings did delight to honour. Yet, after this, they murmured against him; for the most sensible proofs will not of themselves conquer an obstinate infidelity. The shining of Moses’s face was a great honour to him; yet that was no glory, in comparison with the glory which excelled. We read of our Lord Jesus, not only that his face shone as the sun, but his whole body also, for his raiment was white and glistering, Lu. 9:29 . But, when he came down from the mount, he quite laid aside that glory, it being his will that we should walk by faith, not by sight. [2.] It was also a great favour to the people, and an encouragement to them, that God put this glory upon him, who was their intercessor, thereby giving them assurance that he was accepted, and they through him. Thus the advancement of Christ, our advocate with the Father, is the great support of our faith. [3.] It was the effect of his sight of God. Communion with God, First, Makes the face to shine in true honour. Serious godliness puts a lustre upon a man’s countenance, such as commands esteem and affection. Secondly, It should make the face to shine in universal holiness. When we have been in the mount with God, we should let our light shine before men, in humility, meekness, and all the instances of a heavenly conversation; thus must the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, even the beauty of holiness, that all we converse with may take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus, Acts. 4:13 .(2.) Concerning the shining of Moses’s face observe here, [1.] Moses was not aware of it himself:

Rewind and do it again,  that is what Chapter 35 is.  A second chance at Moses coming down from the Mount and delivering what he hopes to be a well-received message from God.  Henry briefly points this out,

What should have been said and done upon Moses’ coming down the first time from the mount, if the golden calf had not broken the measures and put all into disorder, now at last, when with great difficulty reconciliation was made, begins to be said and done; and that great affair of the setting up of God’s worship is put into its former channel again, and goes on now without interruption.

Psalm 49 was nice for me to hear.  I often have to remind myself that I should not be envious of others and that their loftiness here on earth is not necessarily a sign of their dedication or prosperity to come, but its hard to do that so diligently.  This Psalm could be a good reminder.

This psalm is a sermon, and so is the next. In most of the psalms we have the penman praying or praising; in these we have him preaching; and it is our duty, in singing psalms, to teach and admonish ourselves and one another. The scope and design of this discourse is to convince the men of this world of their sin and folly in setting their hearts upon the things of this world, and so to persuade them to seek the things of a better world; as also to comfort the people of God, in reference to their own troubles and the grief that arises from the prosperity of the wicked.

Have a great day and end to the weekend.  See you tomorrow!

Day 56- Exodus 31-33

As we see in Chapter 31, God and Moses are finishing up their 40 days on the Mount and the people left behind are getting anxious, weary and discouraged.  Henry describes this from what Moses may have been thinking in Chapter 32,

It is a very lamentable interruption which the story of this chapter gives to the record of the establishment of the church, and of religion among the Jews. Things went on admirably well towards that happy settlement: God had shown himself very favourable, and the people also had seemed to be pretty tractable. Moses had now almost completed his forty days upon the mount, and, we may suppose, was pleasing himself with the thoughts of the very joyful welcome he should have to the camp of Israel at his return, and the speedy setting up of the tabernacle among them. But, behold, the measures are broken, the sin of Israel turns away those good things from them, and puts a stop to the current of God’s favours; the sin that did the mischief (would you think it?) was worshipping a golden calf. The marriage was ready to be solemnized between God and Israel, but Israel plays the harlot, and so the match is broken, and it will be no easy matter to piece it again.

One, can you imagine being so one on one with God?  I have to say that Moses was very fortunate.  However, Henry takes an aside that I found very thought provoking.  I share it with you and leave you with this for today,

Note, Those whom God pardons must be made to know what their sin deserved, and how miserable they would have been if they had been unpardoned, that God’s mercy may be the more magnified.

 Another week will be posted in moments.  Good job!

Day 55- Exodus 29-30

Henry speaks of the consecration of the priests,

Now,(1.) The work to be done was the consecrating of the persons whom God had chosen to be priests, by which they devoted and gave up themselves to the service of God and God declared his acceptance of them; and the people were made to know that they glorified not themselves to be made priests, but were called of God, Heb. 5:4, Heb. 5:5 . They were thus distinguished from common men, sequestered from common services, and set apart for God and an immediate attendance on him. Note, All that are to be employed for God are to be sanctified to him. The person must first be accepted, and then the performance. The Hebrew phrase for consecrating is filling the hand (v. 9): Thou shalt fill the hand of Aaron and his sons, and the ram of consecration is the ram of fillings, v. 22, v. 26. The consecrating of them was the perfecting of them; Christ is said to be perfect or consecrated for evermore, Heb. 7:28 . Probably the phrase here is borrowed from the putting of the sacrifice into their hand, to be waved before the Lord, v. 24. But it intimates, [1.] That ministers have their hands full; they have no time to trifle, so great, so copious, so constant is their work. [2.] That they must have their hands filled. Of necessity they must have something to offer, and they cannot find it in themselves, it must be given them from above. They cannot fill the people’s hearts unless God fill their hands; to him therefore they must go, and receive from his fulness. (2.) The person to do it was Moses, by God’s appointment. Though he was ordained for men, yet the people were not to consecrate him; Moses the servant of the Lord, and his agent herein, must do it. By God’s special appointment he now did the priest’s work, and therefore that which was the priest’s part of the sacrifice was here ordered to be his.

As for the prices, the shekels, that are ordered paid, Henry notes,

Note, Those that have the benefit of God’s tabernacle among them must be willing to defray the expenses of it, and not grudge the necessary charges of God’s public worship. Thus we must honour the Lord with our substance, and reckon that best laid out which is laid out in the service of God.

Oftentimes, I hear people say that they don't like to "pay" to go to church.  I think that the point is that you are not paying to go to church, you are paying so that there is a place to worship God.

Day 54- Exodus 27-28; Psalm 10

I want to start off by saying that the sermon at church last night was awesome.  I learned a lot and I will try to enhance those feelings this 40 days and thereafter.

Well, as I read Exodus 27-28, here is what I have to observe, there are a lot of directions and instructions leading to the message that there is a place and purpose for everything.  Based on what I head last night, we need to give ourselves to God to do that.  Are you ready?

Psalm 10 is described by Henry,

Note, God’s withdrawings are very grievous to his people at any time, but especially in times of trouble. Outward deliverance is afar off and is hidden from us, and then we think God is afar off and we therefore want inward comfort; but that is our own fault; it is because we judge by outward appearance; we stand afar off from God by our unbelief, and then we complain that God stands afar off from us.

Do you get that?  I do.  We don't get what we want and we wonder where is God.  I get that we get it wrong.  I just wonder how it is that we go about getting it right?

A Post About Lent

So, as my initial pondering and purpose for this blog, other than reading the whole Bible, was what's the difference between all these different Christian religions?  Interestingly today, a lady in my office made a comment, "At least you don't have to mess with this Lent thing." 

Hmmmm....so I asked, well, what religion are you?  (Do you know the religious beliefs of your co-workers?  Why not?)  She responded that she was "baptised Mormon" but grew up in the Baptist church.  I add south, because I think that is where she grew up -- she always goes back to a family reunion in the south. 

I began to search.  Clearly, the Mormon answer was simple, but I needed a Baptist response.  Seems from my sketchy research, the Baptists separated from the Anglican church and the southern sentiment seems to be as follows:

1) We don't do anything the Catholics do;
2) We are suffering for Christ year-round, why should we be any different for 40 days?
3) Lent is a mockery; and
4) Now, with some education, we are beginning to "celebrate" Lent.

It seems to me that maybe they should pull out their Bible and find a better reason not to observe Lent.  I am really open to any comments or further instruction on this.  Do Presbyterians and Methodists observe Lent?

Day 53- Exodus 25-26; Psalm 19

There is not a lot to say other than these are God's instructions and Moses' understanding of those instructions on the construction of the tabernacle.  I can see some similarities in the furnishings and accessories within my church (my old church) and some in the new church.  My Bible had an actual blue print drawing showing how it might have worked out.  Henry doesn't even have too much to say about it, except to draw this interesting observation,

Now observe here, (1.) That the outside of the tabernacle was coarse and rough, the beauty of it was in the inner curtains. Those in whom God dwells must labour to be better than they seem to be. Hypocrites put the best side outwards, like whited sepulchres; but the king’s daughter is all glorious within (Ps. 45:13 ); in the eye of the world black as the tents of Kedar, but, in the eye of God, comely as the curtains of Solomon, Cant. 1:5 . Let our adorning be that of the hidden man of the heart, which God values, 1 Pt. 3:4 . (2.) That where God places his glory he will create a defence upon it; even upon the habitations of the righteous there shall be a covert, Isa. 6:5, Isa. 6:6 . The protection of Providence shall always be upon the beauty of holiness. God’s tent will be a pavilion, Ps. 27:5 .

Well, its the first day of Lent.  What are you sacrificing to further your pursuit of Jesus?  I find that my greed comes most heavily at the end of the day.  I become lazy, over consume, grumpy...a lot of things that I am good at all day, I let go at the end of the day.  So, I am working on that this year and hope that not only does it stick for 40 days and nights, but from now on.  I think that is eliminating some sin from my life and certainly is a step in the right direction.  What are you thinking about today?

Day 52- Exodus 22-24; Psalm 111

It seems amazing to me that the issues of honesty and greed existed then, with only goats and sheep, to the extent that they do today with situations in which we are entrusted with money to manage for our spouses or parents and the greed causes mismanagement and conversion, Henry indicates,

This teaches us, 1. That we ought to be very careful of every thing we are entrusted with, as careful of it, though it be another’s, as if it were our own. It is unjust and base, and that which all the world cries shame on, to betray a trust. 2. That there is such a general failing of truth and justice upon earth as gives too much occasion to suspect men’s honesty whenever it is their interest to be dishonest. 3. That an oath for confirmation is an end of strife, Heb. 6:16 . It is called an oath for the Lord (v. 11), because to him the appeal is made, not only as to a witness of truth, but as to an avenger of wrong and falsehood. Those that had offered injury to their neighbour by doing any unjust thing, yet, it might be hoped, had not so far debauched their consciences as to profane an oath of the Lord, and call the God of truth to be witness to a lie: perjury is a sin which natural conscience startles at as much as any other. The religion of an oath is very ancient, and a plain indication of the universal belief of a God, and a providence, and a judgment to come. 4. That magistracy is an ordinance of God, designed, among other intentions, to assist men both in discovering rights disputed and recovering rights denied; and great respect ought to be paid to the determination of the judges. 5, .

Bearing false witness, as we are enjoined from doing in Exodus 23, such a necessary injunction, yet so rarely followed.  Henry sets forth,

Bearing false witness against a man, in a matter that touches his life, has in it all the guilty of lying, perjury, malice, theft, murder, with the additional stains of colouring all with a pretence of justice and involving many others in the same guilt. There is scarcely any one act of wickedness that a man can possibly be guilty of which has in it a greater complication of villanies than this has. Yet the former part of this caution is to be extended, not only to judicial proceedings, but to common conversation; so that slandering and backbiting are a species of falsewitness-bearing. A man’s reputation lies as much at the mercy of every company as his estate or life does at the mercy of a judge or jury; so that he who raises, or knowingly spreads, a false report against his neighbour, especially if the report be made to wise and good men whose esteem one would desire to enjoy, sins as much against the laws of truth, justice, and charity, as a false witness does—with this further mischief, that he leaves it not in the power of the person injured to obtain redress. That which we translate, Thou shalt not raise, the margin reads, Thou shalt not receive a false report; for sometimes the receiver, in this case, is as bad as the thief; and a backbiting tongue would not do so much mischief as it does if it were not countenanced. Sometimes we cannot avoid hearing a false report, but we must not receive it, that is, we must not hear it with pleasure and delight as those that rejoice in iniquity, nor give credit to it as long as there remains any cause to question the truth of it.

As we enter into Lent beginning tomorrow, this is a thought provoking passage and one we should concentrate on today,

Doubtless God could have said what he had now to say to Moses in one day, but, for the greater solemnity of the thing, he kept him with him in the mount forty days and forty nights. We are hereby taught to spend much time in communion with God, and to think that time best spent which is so spent. Those that would get the knowledge of God’s will must meditate thereon day and night.

An interesting note from Henry on this Psalm by David,

This is a psalm of praise. The title of it is "Hallelujah—Praise you the Lord,’’ intimating that we must address ourselves to the use of this psalm with hearts disposed to praise God. It is composed alphabetically, each sentence beginning with a several letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in order exactly, two sentences to each verse, and three a piece to the last two. The psalmist, exhorting to praise God.

So, Lent begins tomorrow.  40 days and nights of dedication and listening to God if we follow Moses' path and I think we are set to do so.  What will you commit to or exclude in furtherance of this dedication?  How will that further your journey to follow God's directions?  Had you been considering something selfish and reconsidered?  I had. 

Day 51- Exodus 19-21

Exodus 19 is described as,

This chapter introduces the solemnity of the giving of the law upon mount Sinai, which was one of the most striking appearances of the divine glory that ever was in this lower world.

The first thing I noticed about this chapter was the specificity of the time.  So often in the Bible, we are left to wonder about how long it is in between events.  Henry also noted it,

Here is, I. The date of that great charter by which Israel was incorporated. 1. The time when it bears date (v. 1)—in the third month after they came out of Egypt. It is computed that the law was given just fifty days after their coming out of Egypt, in remembrance of which the feast of Pentecost was observed the fiftieth day after the passover, and in compliance with which the Spirit was poured out upon the apostles at the feast of pentecost, fifty days after the death of Christ. In Egypt they had spoken of a three days’ journey into the wilderness to the place of their sacrifice ch. 5:3 ), but it proved to be almost a two months’ journey; so often are we out in the calculation of times, and things prove longer in the doing than we expected. 2. The place whence it bears date—from Mount Sinai, a place which nature, not art, had made eminent and conspicuous, for it was the highest in all that range of mountains.

Talk about getting the point through.  This was no subtle declaration.  Henry describes,

The extraordinary terror with which the law was given. Never was any thing delivered with such awful pomp; every word was accented, and every sentence paused, with thunder and lightning, much louder and brighter, no doubt, than ordinary. And why was the law given in this dreadful manner, and with all this tremendous ceremony? 1. It was designed (once for all) to give a sensible discovery of the glorious majesty of God, for the assistance of our faith concerning it, that, knowing the terror of the Lord, we may be persuaded to live in his fear. 2. It was a specimen of the terrors of the general judgment, in which sinners will be called to an account for the breach of this law: the archangel’s trumpet will then sound an alarm, to give notice of the Judge’s coming, and a fire shall devour before him. 3. It was an indication of the terror of those convictions which the law brings into conscience, to prepare the soul for the comforts of the gospel. Thus was the law given by Moses in such a way as might startle, affright, and humble men, that the grace and truth which came by Jesus Christ might be the more welcome. The apostle largely describes this instance of the terror of that dispensation, as a foil to set off our privileges, as Christians, in the light, liberty, and joy, of the New-Testament dispensation, Heb. 12:18 , etc.II. The impression which this made, for the present, upon the people; they must have had stupid hearts indeed, if this had not affected them. 1. They removed, and stood afar off, v. 18. Before God began to speak, they were thrusting forward to gaze ch. 19:21 ); but now they were effectually cured of their presumption, and taught to keep their distance. 2. They entreated that the word should not be so spoken to them any more (Heb. 12:19 ), but begged that God would speak to them by Moses.

I find that Chapter 21 is so monotonous after Chapter 20; however, Henry, who did not have much to say on the matter either, summarizes it quite succinctly, as follows:


"The laws recorded in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they are not accommodated to our constitution, especially in point of servitude, nor are the penalties annexed binding on us, yet they are of great use for the explanation of the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. Here are several enlargements, I. Upon the fifth commandment, which concerns particular relations. 1. The duty of masters towards their servants, their men-servants (v. 2-6), and the maidservants (v. 7-11). The punishment of disobedient children that strike their parents (v. 15), or curse them (v. 17). II. Upon the sixth commandment, which forbids all violence offered to the person of a man. Here is, 1. Concerning murder (v. 12-14). Man-stealing (v. 16). Assault and battery (v. 18, v. 19). Correcting a servant (v. 20, v. 21). Hurting a woman with child (v. 22, v. 23). The law of retaliation (v. 24, v. 25). Maiming a servant (v. 26, v. 27). An ox goring (v. 28-32). Damage by opening a pit (v. 33, v. 34). Cattle fighting (v. 35, v. 36)."

Keep that image in your head, thunder, lightning and bursts with each commandment and communication, whew, see you tomorrow!

Something I Wanted to Share

We must teach our children clearly
What is right and what is wrong;
Live before them an example—
Godly, righteous, pure, and strong. —Fitzhugh

To teach your children well, let God teach you.

Day 50- Exodus 16-18

As we have seen God tests us in so many ways.  Here, God does not deprive the sons of Israel of food, but he tests them to  understand that he would provide for them, food, but they had to trust in him.  Do you have faith so strong that you know God will provide?  Henry indicates,

Man being made out of the earth, his Maker has wisely ordered him food out of the earth, Ps. 104:14 . But the people of Israel, typifying the church of the first-born that are written in heaven, and born from above, and being themselves immediately under the direction and government of heaven, receiving their charters, laws, and commissions, from heaven, from heaven also received their food: their law being given by the disposition of angels, they did also eat angels’ food. See what God designed in making this provision for them: That I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law or no. [1.] Thus he tried whether they would trust him, and walk in the law of faith or no, whether they could live from hand to mouth, and (though now uneasy because their provisions were spent) could rest satisfied with the bread of the day in its day, and depend upon God for fresh supplies to-morrow. [2.] Thus he tried whether they would serve him, and be always faithful to so good a Master, that provided so well for his servants; and hereby he made it appear to all the world, in the issue, what an ungrateful people they were, whom nothing could affect with a sense of obligation.

Of Chapter 17, Henry notes,

We may be in the way of our duty, and yet may meet with troubles, which Providence brings us into for the trial of our faith, and that God may be glorified in our relief.

Can you  think of a time you felt tried and God would have been happy in our satisfaction with His answer?  For me, it is hard to distinguish those events, but I have to think that they have occurred.

Put yourself in this position, God has said you be the go-between and enter your in-laws with their advice and counsel.  Truly, not so simple a situation, Henry notes about Moses' handling,

Note, Necessary business must always take place of ceremonious attentions. It is too great a compliment to our friends to prefer the enjoyment of their company before our duty to God, which ought to be done, while yet the other is not left undone. [2.] Though Moses was advanced to great honour, yet he did not therefore take his case and throw upon others the burden of care and business; no, he thought his preferment, instead of discharging him from service, made it more obligatory upon him. Those think of themselves above what is meet who think it below them to do good. It is the honour even of angels themselves to be serviceable. [3.] Though the people had been provoking to him, and were ready to stone him ch. 17:4

I really enjoy the stories about Moses, because he was so entrusted and handled it so well and we can learn a lot from him.

Day 49- Exodus 14-15; Psalm 118

Henry points out that God is telling us in verse 13-14,

"Note, (1.) If God himself bring his people into straits, he will himself discover a way to bring them out again. (2.) In times of great difficulty and great expectation, it is our wisdom to keep our spirits calm, quiet, and sedate; for then we are in the best frame both to do our own work and to consider the work of God."

And, of Exodus 15, Henry points out,

"Note, It is the unspeakable comfort of all God’s faithful subjects, not only that he does reign universally and with an incontestable sovereignty, but that he will reign eternally, and there shall be no end of his dominion."

So, putting these two together, since God will reign forever and we should lean on him in times of conflict and always be willing to do that forever.  Folks, if it is not clear, there is only one saviour and no other one is coming, so faith in God is paramount.

Day 48- Exodus 12-13; Psalm 8

In this chapter we learn about Passover.  And Henry notes,

Note, It is good to begin the day, and begin the year, and especially to begin our lives, with God. 

I suggest to you that I have just completed at least two of these tasks, and so have you.

I think this note from Henry has been my direction this year and the end of last year,

Note, When our heads are fullest of care, and our hands of business, yet we must not forget our religion, nor suffer ourselves to be indisposed for acts of devotion.

Exodus 13 focuses on passing along God's words.  Henry summarizes, 

Note, (1.) Care must be taken betimes to instruct children in the knowledge of God. Here is an ancient law for catechising. (2.) It is particularly of great use to acquaint children betimes with the stories of the scripture, and to make them familiar to them. (3.) It is a debt we owe to the honour of God, and to the benefit of our children’s souls, to tell them of the great works God has done for his church, both those which we have seen with our eyes done in our day and which we have heard with our ears and our fathers have told us: Thou shalt show thy son in that day (the day of the feast) these things. When they were celebrating the ordinance, they must explain it. Every thing is beautiful in its season. The passover is appointed for a sign, and for a memorial, that the Lord’s law may be in thy mouth. Note, We must retain the remembrance of God’s works, that we may remain under the influence of God’s law. And those that have God’s law in their heart should have it in their mouth, and be often speaking of it, the more to affect themselves and to instruct others.

This is more difficult to do then we care to acknowledge and making it a priority is difficult.  I hope to focus more on this as I move forward.

As for the Psalm, Henry describes,

This psalm is a solemn meditation on, and admiration of, the glory and greatness of God, of which we are all concerned to think highly and honourably. It begins and ends with the same acknowledgment of the transcendent excellency of God’s name. It is proposed for proof (v. 1) that God’s name is excellent in all the earth, and then it is repeated as proved (with a "quod erat demonstrandum’’—which was to be demonstrated) in the last verse. For the proof of God’s glory the psalmist gives instances of his goodness to man; for God’s goodness is his glory.

I think that says it all.  See you tomorrow. 

Day 47- Exodus 9-11

Talk about abstinence.  Henry notes, of Exodus 9,

Note, When God’s judgments are abroad, though they may fall both on the righteous and the wicked, yet God makes such a distinction that they are not the same to the one that they are to the other.

Can you imagine being a believer and living in Egypt?  Hmmmm....what will today bring to Pharaoh?

Henry indicates how Satan works in our lives,

Note, Satan does all he can to hinder those that serve God themselves from bringing their children in to serve him. He is a sworn enemy to early piety, knowing how destructive it is to the interests of his kingdom; whatever would hinder us from engaging our children to the utmost in God’s service, we have reason to suspect the hand of Satan in it.

And finally, Henry brings the purpose of these plagues home by summarizing, 

Note, One way or other, God will give redress to the injured, who in a humble silence commit their cause to him; and he will see to it that none be losers at last by their patient suffering any more than by their services

 

 So, you can be saved among the violence and sin of other non-believers.  But, and this is non different from now, it is scary to do so. 

Day 46- Exodus 7-8; Psalm 44

This chapter gives us a great example of bargaining with God and how it gets you nowhere.

The serpent which Aaron’s rod was turned into swallowed up the others, which was sufficient to have convinced Pharaoh on which side the right lay. Note, Great is the truth, and will prevail. The cause of God will undoubtedly triumph at last over all competition and contradiction, and will reign alone.

In Exodus 8, Henry points out,

Note, God does not punish men for sin unless they persist in it.

Here, we see this example of opportunity and missed opportunity. 

Really, this is more of the same as chapter 7.  But such a great strong point.  We should all be so humbled as to remember, that we cannot make a promise to God that we don't keep, because He knows and really, the deal is a lose, lose for us anyhow.

Day 45- Exodus 4-6

Note, Those whom God designs for preferment he clothes with humility; the most fit for service are the least forward.I. Moses objects that in all probability the people would not hearken to his voice (v. 1), that is, they would not take his bare word, unless he showed them some sign, which he had not been yet instructed to do. This objection cannot be justified, because it contradicts what God had said ch. 3:18 ), They shall hearken to thy voice. If God says, They will, does it become Moses to say, They will not? Surely he means, "Perhaps they will not at first, or some of them will not.’’ If there should be some gainsayers among them who would question his commission, how should he deal with them? And what course should he take to convince them? He remembered how they had once rejected him, and feared it would be so again. Note, 1. Present discouragements often arise from former disappointments. Wise and good men have sometimes a worse opinion of people than they deserve. 

I have to say, that I would not think that anyone would listen to my words...heck, I can hardly get my closest friends to listen to me....do you think that you could pass on God's words and people would listen?

Of Exodus 5,  Henry points out,

 Proud men think themselves too good to stoop even to God himself, and would not be under control,

Are you too proud to stoop to God?  I can be too proud for many things, but I don't know that I allow pride to intercede as the issue between me and God.

Remember my purpose in undergoing this Bible study, so I am always seeking guidance on "church."  And here Henry points out, God's purpose in Exodus,

Note, Then the deliverance of God’s church will be accomplished, when God takes the work into his own hands. With a strong hand, that is, being forced to it by a strong hand, he shall let them go. Note, As some are brought to their duty by the strong hand of God’s grace, who are made willing in the day of his power, so others by the strong hand of his justice, breaking those that would not bend.

So, you see, if it comes strictly by the will of man, it ain't gonna make it a church.  And, I don't think God lives by "if you build it, they will come."  God is not "A Field of Dreams." God's world is real and exists by real rules, if God is not the power behind it...His church may not be accomplished.  Where does that leave me?  Pondering until later....see you tomorrow!

Day 44- Exodus 1-3; Psalm 17

Note, [1.] Sometimes God’s providences may seem for a great while to thwart his promises, and to go counter to them, that his people’s faith may be tried, and his own power the more magnified. [2.] Though the performance of God’s promises is sometimes slow, yet it is always sure

Exodus 1 is important to us because it sets forth the patriarchs of Israel and introduces us to the expansion, a fulfillment of God's promises.

On Exodus 2, Henry summarizes,

This chapter begins the story of Moses, that man of renown, famed for his intimate acquaintance with Heaven and his eminent usefulness on earth, and the most remarkable type of Christ, as a prophet, saviour, lawgiver, and mediator, in all the Old Testament. The Jews have a book among them of the life of Moses, which tells a great many stories concerning him, which we have reason to think are mere fictions; what he has recorded concerning himself is what we may rely upon, for we know that his record is true; and it is what we may be satisfied with, for it is what Infinite Wisdom thought fit to preserve and transmit to us.

And he makes the following observation and note,

Observe the beauty of providence: just at the time when Pharaoh’s cruelty rose to this height the deliverer was born, though he did not appear for many years after. Note, When men are projecting the church’s ruin God is preparing for its salvation. Moses, who was afterwards to bring Israel out of this house of bondage, was himself in danger of falling a sacrifice to the fury of the oppressor, God so ordering it that, being afterwards told of this, he might be the more animated with a holy zeal for the deliverance of his brethren out of the hands of such bloody men.

Isn't that the hard part?  Accepting that what we see now will lead to better things.  It may not be realized during our lifetime, but our grace is forthcoming one way or the other. 

Henry notes in Exodus 3,

Note, Things revealed belong to us, and we ought diligently to enquire into them.

Do you feel as though you exemplify your diligence when God reveals Himself to you?  I don't think that I do, and I don't think I know the revelation when I see it.  Let's stop there for today and keep ourselves apprised and alert for God's presence.  Have a peaceful day.

Day 43- Matthew 27-28; Psalm 103

Henry explains that Judas Iscariot is likely thought that he would get the money and Jesus would be saved or talk his way out of the crucifixion, despite the fact that Jesus had told him time and time again that it would happen, and notes,

Note, Those who measure actions by the consequences of them rather than by the divine law, will find themselves mistaken in their measures. The way of sin is down-hill; and if we cannot easily stop ourselves, much less can we stop others whom we have set a going in a sinful way.

You know the story of Jesus' crucifixion, is really the truest example of taking joy in one's tragedy.  Henry indicates the same in his introductory message.  He goes on to point out that the other disciples had also sinned and comments,

The guilt of sin is not so easily transferred as some people think it is. If there were guilt in the matter, they tell Judas that he must look to it, he must bear it. First, Because he had betrayed him to them. His was indeed the greater sin (Jn. 19:11 ); but it did not therefore follow, that theirs was no sin. It is a common instance of the deceitfulness of our hearts, to extenuate our own sin by the aggravation of other people’s sins. But the judgment of God is according to truth, not according to comparison.

 
As Henry points out, other disciples will give us a greater vision of the Resurrection, but Henry points out Matthew gives us four proofs,

"Now the resurrection of Christ being one of the main foundations of our religion, it is requisite that we should have infallible proofs of it; four of which proofs we have in this chapter, which are but a few of many, for Luke and John give a larger account of the proofs of Christ’s resurrection than Matthew and Mark do. Here is, I. The testimony of the angel to Christ’s resurrection (v. 1-8). II. His appearance himself to the women (v. 9, v. 10). III. The confession of the adversaries that were upon the guard (v. 11-15). IV. Christ’s appearance to the disciples in Galilee, and the commission he gave them (v. 16-20)."

I had not pulled the note out of Matthew 27, but Henry had indicated that it is good to have friends that will point out and try to keep you from sin, as the disciples were doing post haste; however, he indicates that the best friend you have in the venture is your own soul.  Then, he points out of the first line of Psalm 103,

David is here communing with his own heart, and he is no fool that thus talks to himself and excites his own soul to that which is good.

It takes a lot to keep  us in check and here in today's readings we are given the best excuses and some guidance.  See you tomorrow, as we begin Exodus.

Day 42- Matthew 26; Psalm 104

There are so many salient points in this Gospel chapter.  I found the anointing, by pouring perfume over Jesus interesting as the disciples found it so offensive, but not Jesus.  In a rather lengthy, but teaching moment, Henry explains, 

Now this may be looked upon,1. As an act of faith in our Lord Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, the anointed. To signify that she believed in him as God’s anointed, whom he had set king, she anointed him, and made him her king. 2. As an act of love and respect to him. Some think that this was he who loved much at first, and washed Christ’s feet with her tears (Lu. 7:38, Lu. 7:47 ); and that she had not left her first love, but was now as affectionate in the devotions of a grown Christian as she was in those of a young beginner. Note, Where there is true love in the heart to Jesus Christ, nothing will be thought too good, no, nor good enough, to bestow upon him.

 On the disciples being offended, he indicates,

II. The offence which the disciples took at this. They had indignation (v. 8, v. 9), were vexed to see this ointment thus spent, which they thought might have been better bestowed.1. See how they expressed their offence at it. They said, To what purpose is this waste? Now this bespeaks,(1.) Want of tenderness toward this good woman, in interpreting her over-kindness (suppose it was so) to be wastefulness. Charity teaches us to put the best construction upon every thing that it will bear, especially upon the words and actions of those that are zealously affected in doing a good thing, though we may think them not altogether so discreet in it as they might be. It is true, there may be over-doing in well-doing; but thence we must learn to be cautious ourselves, lest we run into extremes, but not to be censorious of others; because that which we may impute to the want of prudence, God may accept as an instance of abundant love. We must not say, Those do too much in religion, that do more than we do, but rather aim to do as much as they.(2.) Want of respect to their Master. The best we can make of it, is, that they knew their Master was perfectly dead to all the delights of sense; he that was so much grieved for the affliction of Joseph, cared not for being anointed with the chief ointments, Amos. 6:6 . And therefore they thought such pleasures ill bestowed upon one who took so little pleasure in them. But supposing that, it did not become them to call it waste, when they perceived that he admitted and accepted it as a token of his friend’s love. Note, We must take heed of thinking any thing waste, which is bestowed upon the Lord Jesus, either by others or by ourselves. We must not think that time waste, that is spent in the service of Christ, or that money waste, which is laid out in any work of piety; for, though it seem to be cast upon the waters, to be thrown down the river, we shall find it again, to advantage, after many days, Eccl. 11:1 .

On how the disciples created excuses,

2. See how they excused their offence at it, and what pretence they made for it; This ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. Note, It is no new thing for bad affections to shelter themselves under specious covers; for people to shift off works of piety under colour of works of charity.

And, on Jesus' standing up for the woman's acts,

III. The reproof Christ gave to his disciples for the offence at this good woman (v. 10, v. 11); Why trouble ye the woman? Note, It is a great trouble to good people to have their good works censured and misconstrued; and it is a thing that Jesus Christ takes very ill. He here took part with a good, honest, zealous, well-meaning woman, against all his disciples, though they seemed to have so much reason on their side; so heartily does he espouse the cause of the offended little ones, ch. 18:10 .Observe his reason; You have the poor always with you. Note,1. There are some opportunities of doing and getting good which are constant, and which we must give constant attendance to the improvement of. Bibles we have always with us, sabbaths always with us, and so the poor, we have always with us. Note, Those who have a heart to do good, never need complain for want of opportunity. The poor never ceased even out of the land of Israel, Deu. 15:11 . We cannot but see some in this world, who call for our charitable assistance, who are as God’s receivers, some poor members of Christ, to whom he will have kindness shown as to himself.2. There are other opportunities of doing and getting good, which come but seldom, which are short and uncertain, and require more peculiar diligence in the improvement of them, and which ought to be preferred before the other; "Me ye have not always, therefore use me while ye have me.’’ Note, (1.) Christ’s constant bodily presence was not to be expected here in this world; it was expedient that he should go away; his real presence in the eucharist is a fond and groundless conceit, and contradicts what he here said, Me ye have not always.especially to the household of faith.

On Jesus confirming that this was a good act,

IV. Christ’s approbation and commendation of the kindness of this good woman. The more his servants and their services are cavilled at by men, the more he manifests his acceptance of them. He calls it a good work (v. 10), and says more in praise of it than could have been imagined; particularly,1. That the meaning of it was mystical (v. 12); She did it for my burial. (1.) Some think that she intended it so, and that the woman better understood Christ’s frequent predictions of his death and sufferings than the apostles did; for which they were recompensed with the honour of being the first witnesses of his resurrection. (2.) However, Christ interpreted it so; and he is always willing to make the best, to make the most of his people’s well-meant words and actions. This was as it were the embalming of his body; because the doing of that after his death would be prevented by his resurrection, it was therefore done before; for it was fit that it should be done some time, to show that he was still the Messiah, even when he seemed to be triumphed over by death. The disciples thought the ointment wasted, which was poured upon his head. "But,’’ saith he, "If so much ointment were poured upon a dead body, according to the custom of your country, you would not grudge it, or think it waste. Now this is, in effect, so; the body she anoints is as good as dead, and her kindness is very seasonable for that purpose; therefore rather than call it waste, put it upon that score.’’2. That the memorial of it should be honourable (v. 13); This shall be told for a memorial. This act of faith and love was so remarkable, that the preachers of Christ crucified, and the inspired writers of the history of his passion, could not choose but take notice of this passage, proclaim the notice of it, and perpetuate the memorial of it. And being once enrolled in these records, it was graven as with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever, and could not possibly be forgotten. None of all the trumpets of fame sound so loud and so long as the everlasting gospel. Note, (1.) The story of the death of Christ, though a tragical one, is gospel, glad-tidings, because he died for us. (2.) The gospel was to be preached in the whole world; not in Judea only, but in every nation, to every creature. Let the disciples take notice of this, for their encouragement, that their sound should go to the ends of the earth. (3.) Though the honour of Christ is principally designed in the gospel, yet the honour of his saints and servants is not altogether overlooked. The memorial of this woman was to be preserved, not by dedicating a church to her, or keeping an annual feast in honour of her, or preserving a piece of her broken box for a sacred relic; but by mentioning her faith and piety in the preaching of the gospel, for example to others, Heb. 6:12 . Hereby honour redounds to Christ himself, who in this world, as well as in that to come, will be glorified in his saints, and admired in all them that believe.

On Psalm 104, Henry suggests,

This noble poem is thought by very competent judges greatly to excel, not only for piety and devotion (that is past dispute), but for flight of fancy, brightness of ideas, surprising turns, and all the beauties and ornaments of expression, the Greek and Latin poets upon any subject of this nature.

We should seek daily to find praise for God's works.  Big and small.  Perhaps, we can make that a point for ourselves each day this week.  

Day 41- Matthew 25; Psalm 18

Henry summarizes quite simply the basis of this chapter,

This chapter continues and concludes our Saviour’s discourse, which began in the foregoing chapter, concerning his second coming and the end of the world. This was his farewell sermon of caution, as that, Jn. 14:15, Jn. 14:16 , was of comfort to his disciples; and they had need of both in a world of so much temptation and trouble as this is. The application of that discourse, was, Watch therefore, and be ye also ready. Now, in prosecution of these serious awakening cautions, in this chapter we have three parables, the scope of which is the same—to quicken us all with the utmost care and diligence to get ready for Christ’s second coming, which, in all his farewells to his church, mention was made of, as in that before he died (Jn. 14:2 ), in that at his ascension (Acts. 1:11 ), and in that at the shutting up of the canon of the scriptures, Rev. 22:20 . Now it concerns us to prepare for Christ’s coming;

And then he notes,

Note, Too many good Christians, when they have been long in profession, grow remiss in their preparations for Christ’s second coming; they intermit their care, abate their zeal, their graces are not lively, nor their works found perfect before God; and though all love be not lost, yet the first love is left.

Do you ever see that person at church?  The one who thinks they have already sealed the deal and now they have quit?

I leave you today with Henry's summary of Psalm 18,

Holy faith, and love, and joy, and praise, and hope, are here lively, active, and upon the wing.

And the hymn drafted from it, this reprint of Josh Groban's version,

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord, "My Refuge,
My Rock in Whom I trust."

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear;
Under His Wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
You need not fear the terror of the night,
Nor the arrow that flies by day,
Though thousands fall about you,
Near you it shall not come.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
For to His angels He's given a command,
To guard you in all of your ways,
Upon their hands they will bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

Day 40- Matthew 23-24; Psalm 6

Henry comments within his lengthy disposition on Matthew 23,

Note, 1. The scribes and Pharisees were hypocrites; that is it in which all the rest of their bad characters are summed up; it was the leaven which gave the relish to all they said and did. A hypocrite is a stage-player in religion (that is the primary signification of the word); he personates or acts the part of one that he neither is nor may be, or perhaps the he neither is nor would be. 2, . That hypocrites are in a woeful state and condition. Woe to hypocrites; so he said whose saying that their case is miserable makes it so: while they live, their religion is vain; when they die, their ruin is great.Now each of these woes against the scribes and Pharisees has a reason annexed to it containing a separate crime charged upon them, proving their hypocrisy, and justifying the judgment of Christ upon them; for his woes, his curses, are never causeless.

Have you heard that joke, have I used this one before, about standing in the garage no more makes you a car then sitting in church makes you a Christian?  Don't we encounter these hypocrites in all walks of life and everyday? 

 No; they were to proud to stoop to his meanness, too formal to be reconciled to his plainness; they did not like a religion which insisted so much on humility, self-denial, contempt of the world, and spiritual worship. Repentance was the door of admission into this kingdom, and nothing could be more disagreeable to the Pharisees, who justified and admired themselves, than to repent, that is, to accuse and abase and abhor themselves; therefore they went not in themselves; but that was not all.

Does this make you think, why is it so important to dress up for church?  Why is a fancier church a greater cause for a priest or other disciple of God's word cause for "fuss?" I don't know, but I know it happens that way.

I found myself intrigued in Matthew 24.  This has been so much an idea in the news recently, and I honestly had no took it upon myself to find no authority to lead me in one way or the other.  Henry summarizes it nicely, but I thought to myself, this is one that I should tab for future and frequent reference.

Christ’s preaching was mostly practical; but, in this chapter, we have a prophetical discourse, a prediction of things to come; such however as had a practical tendency, and was intended, not to gratify the curiosity of his disciples, but to guide their consciences and conversations, and it is therefore concluded with a practical application. The church has always had particular prophecies, besides general promises, both for direction and for encouragement to believers; but it is observable, Christ preached this prophetical sermon in the close of his ministry, as the Apocalypse is the last book of the New Testament, and the prophetical books of the Old Testament are placed last, to intimate to us, that we must be well grounded in plain truths and duties, and those must first be well digested, before we dive into those things that are dark and difficult; many run themselves into confusion by beginning their Bible at the wrong end.

Interesting, that we might start at the end.  More and more I see that the Bible is not one of those page turners where you are interested to see what the last page says.  You really need to know the beginning pretty well, before you can understand any further. 

Day 39- Matthew 21-22; Psalm 5

To set ourselves in the right time frame,

All the four evangelists take notice of this passage of Christ’s riding in triumph into Jerusalem, five days before his death. The passover was on the fourteenth day of the month, and this was the tenth; on which day the law appointed that the paschal lamb should be taken up (Ex. 12:3 ), and set apart for that service; on that day therefore Christ our Passover, who was to be sacrificed for us, was publicly showed. So that this was the prelude to his passion.

Henry goes on summarily to speak about the way we must travel to honor God - by meanness - the way Jesus rode an uncomfortable and ugly "ass."  And further comments on the questions posed upon Jesus,

Note, Some that are willing to honour Christ, and bear their testimony to him, yet labour under mistakes concerning him, which would be rectified if they would take pains to inform themselves.

The other day there were items for sale set up in our chapel.  We are in a transitory position, you see, and there is really no other room.  I was bothered by it, but did not really know why.  It just did not seem right. 

The great Redeemer appear as a great Reformer, that turns away ungodliness, Rom. 11:26 . Here we are told,1. What he did (v. 12); He cast out all them that sold and bought; he had done this once before (Jn. 2:14, Jn. 2:15 ), but there was occasion to do it again. Note, Buyers and sellers driven out of the temple, will return and nestle there again, if there be not a continual care and oversight to prevent it, and if the blow be not followed, and often repeated.(1.) The abuse was, buying and selling, and changing money, in the temple. Note, Lawful things, ill timed and ill placed, may become sinful things. That which was decent enough in another place, and not only lawful, but laudable, on another day, defiles the sanctuary, and profanes the sabbath. This buying and selling, and changing money, though secular employments, yet had the pretence of being in ordine ad spiritualia—for spiritual purposes.

From Matthew 22, let's discuss this point,

Note, The business and profit of worldly employments prove to many a great hindrance in closing with Christ: none turn their back on the feast, but with some plausible excuse or other, Lu. 14:18 . The country people have their farms to look after, about which there is always something or other to do; the town’s people must tend their shops, and be constant upon the exchange; they must buy, and sell, and get gain. It is true, that both farmers and merchants must be diligent in their business but not so as to keep them from making religion their main business.

Now, how often in your life, does work, no matter what kind, take you away from God? 

Psalm 5 is described as,

The psalm is a prayer, a solemn address to God, at a time when the psalmist was brought into distress by the malice of his enemies. Many such times passed over David, nay, there was scarcely any time of his life to which this psalm may not be accommodated, for in this he was a type of Christ, that he was continually beset with enemies, and his powerful and prevalent appeals to God, when he was so beset, pointed at Christ’s dependence on his Father and triumphs over the powers of darkness in the midst of his sufferings.

He points out that David was wise to be more cautious and more devout when faced with his enemies, citing,

Thus, by wisdom and grace, good may come out of evil.

Do you wonder, what good comes from the evils we hear about in the news daily?  What good comes from the death of those two boys, 5 and 7?  What good comes from a 12 year old girl finding it thrilling to kill a 9 year old child?  What good comes from those evils?

Day 38- Matthew 19-20; Psalm 69

Henry indicates that this is Jesus moving on from Gallilee where most of his sermons had been up to this point and says,

As Christ’s faithful ministers are not taken out of the world, so they are not removed from any place, till they have finished their testimony in that place, Rev. 11:7 . This is very comfortable to those that follow not their own humours, but God’s providence, in their removals, that their sayings shall be finished before they depart. And who would desire to continue any where longer than he has work to do for God there?

Have you ever felt like your work was done in one place and now you were ready to move on?  I think that this year has been like that for me.  We could go on and on with respect to the discourse of marriage here, but I have decided that one Bible Study period I will devote, some year, not this one, entirely to the discourse of sex, marriage, adultery and divorce in the Bible.  That should be interesting.

This story of the laborers is interesting.  How often do we feel like we deserve more than the other person?  Why does it matter if they get more or less than you?  You get what you need and they get what they need and so it is...easier said than done.  Henry summarizes,

Note, First, The church is God’s vineyard; it is of his planting, watering, and fencing; and the fruits of it must be to his honour and praise. Secondly, We are all called upon to be labourers in this vineyard. The work of religion is vineyard-work, pruning, dressing, digging, watering, fencing, weeding. We have each of us our own vineyard to keep, our own soul; and it is God’s and to be kept and dressed for him. In this work we must not be slothful, not loiterers, but labourers, working, and working out our own salvation. Work for God will not admit of trifling. A man may go idle to hell; but he that will go to heaven, must be busy.

I had best earn my keep now.  See you tomorrow!

Day 37- Matthew 16-18

Do you ever find yourself asking for a sign, receive it and then question whether it was a sign or coincidence?  Henry suggests of the Pharisees and Sadducee's,

Observe,I. Their demand, and the design of it.1. The demand was of a sign from heaven; this they desired him to show them; pretending they were very willing to be satisfied and convinced, when really they were far from being so, but sought excuses from an obstinate infidelity.

For Matthew 17 and 18, Henry points out,

The gospels are, in short, a record of what Jesus began both to do and to teach. In the foregoing chapter, we had an account of his doings, in this, of his teachings; probably, not all at the same time, in a continued discourse, but at several times, upon divers occasions, here put together, as near akin. 

Henry describes Matthew 18 further, explaining, how he was teaching and how we should learn,

Note, Humility is a lesson so hardly learned, that we have need by all ways and means to be taught it. When we look upon a little child, we should be put in mind of the use Christ made of this child. Sensible things must be improved to spiritual purposes....Note, Converting grace makes us like little children, not foolish as children (1 Co. 14:20 ), nor fickle (Eph. 4:14 ), nor playful ch. 11:16 ); but, as children, we must desire the sincere milk of the word (1 Pt. 2:2 ); as children, we must be careful for nothing, but leave it to our heavenly Father to care for us ch. 6:31 ); we must, as children, be harmless and inoffensive, and void of malice (1 Co. 14:20 ), governable, and under command (Gal. 4:2 ); and (which is here chiefly intended) we must be humble as little children, who do not take state upon them, nor stand upon the punctilios of honour; the child of a gentleman will play with the child of a beggar (Rom. 12:16 ), the child in rags, if it have the breast, is well enough pleased, and envies not the gaiety of the child in silk; little children have no great aims at great places, or projects to raise themselves in the world; they exercise not themselves in things too high for them; and we should in like manner behave, and quiet ourselves, Ps. 131:1, Ps. 131:2 . As children are little in body and low in stature, so we must be little and low in spirit, and in our thoughts of ourselves. This is a temper which leads to other good dispositions; the age of childhood is the learning age.

I best make like a child and hit the hay!  Goodnight. 

Day 36- Matthew 14-15; Psalm 22

Henry starts off describing this section as follows:

Note, God will honour those that are despised for his sake. And the gospel, like the sea, gets in one place what it loses in another. Christ had now been preaching and working miracles above two years; yet, it should seem, Herod had not heard of him till now, and now only heard the fame of him. Note, It is the unhappiness of the great ones of the world, that they are most out of the way of hearing the best things.

And then goes on to point out,

Note, Ministers may be silenced, and imprisoned, and banished, and slain, but the word of God cannot be run down.

Isn't it an interesting dynamic that in chapter 14, we see the "wealthy" and "powerful" causing destruction and then in 15 we see the poverty stricken and unhealthy people having the most faith? 

Note, External privileges, if they be not duly improved, commonly swell men up the more with pride and malignity.

He then speaks of the foolishness of thinking your rules have anything to do with honoring God,

Note, Those who are most zealous of their own impositions, are commonly most careless of God’s commands; which is a good reason why Christ’s disciples should stand upon their guard against such impositions, lest, though at first they seem only to infringe the liberty of Christians, they come at length to confront the authority of Christ. 

I was delivered this message, just after I finished posting today and thought...I have to share it,

Lord, give us wisdom. We know it’s good to follow
the example of our godly leaders, but help us not to
think so highly of them that we worship them
instead of You. Amen.

Keeping in tune with Christ keeps harmony in the church.

I think that this noteworthy comment of Henry is a good parting comment as I continue to encourage all of us to not only read, but examine and understand further,

Note, That which men say, even great men, and learned men, and men in authority, must be examined by that which God saith; and if it be found either contrary or inconsistent, it may and must be rejected. 

Day 35- Matthew 13; Psalm 37

I can understand these parables and find that sometimes you have to ponder the idea and reason with it before it makes sense.  Here Jesus gives them something to ponder.  Are you like the seed that falls and gets eaten up right away?  You didn't hear the message.  The seed that yields growth, but with no roots?  You hear the message, but don't have enough stamina to have faith in it.  Or the seed that yields substantial growth?  You hear the message and spread the message?  In the end will you be thrown to the fire as a bad seed, or will you be the good seed?

I liked this Psalm. "The steps of a man are established by the Lord. And he delights in His way."  Henry explains that this is called "Maschil—a teaching psalm" and indicates that it is a calculated sermon aimed at giving you content for conversation.

Wow!  Another week down! Good job! Let's see what next week has in store for us.

Day 34- Matthew 12; Psalm 35-36

Friends, today is a guest blog....I am reading...but felt this was important to share with you...

Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?By Jason Carlson and Ron Carlson 5/25/11

During a question and answer session at a recent speaking engagement, a university student asked me, "Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?" Now this is a very interesting question; and probably one of the most important questions any Christian could ask himself. What is so special, so unique about the Bible that Christians believe it is literally the inspired word of God?

In answering this student's question, I encouraged him to consider the following facts about the Bible:

First, the Bible is not just one single book. This is a more common misconception than many people realize, especially with people who do not come from a Judeo-Christian background. Rather than being a single book, the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of scriptures. These 66 books contain a variety of genres: history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and apocalyptic just to name a few.

Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others. And most of these authors never knew one another personally.

Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.

Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages. In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.

And finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe . Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God's people.

Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents. What's more, this collection of books shares a common storyline - the creation, fall, and redemption of God's people; a common theme - God's universal love for all of humanity; and a common message - salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions. God's word truly is an amazing collection of writings!

After I had shared the above facts with this student, I offered him the following challenge: I said to him, "If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, then I challenge you to a test." I said to the student, "I challenge you to go to any library in the world, you can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible. You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents. However, they must share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions." I went on to say, "If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word of God." The student's reply was almost instantaneous, he emphatically stated, "But that's impossible!"

It truly is impossible, for any collection of human writings. However, the Bible passes this test. The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no historical errors or contradictions. The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration.

The next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, try sharing this challenge with them. Better yet, don't wait until you're asked, just go ahead and share this challenge with a friend today... You don't even have to mention the Bible up front, just ask them if they think it would be realistic to assemble such a collection of books.

Day 33- Matthew 9-11

Well, if I saw all of these miracles, I would have no choice but to believe too.  But we are asked to believe and are not sure that we are seeing these miracles so regularly.  Henry points out that some competency is required to come to the Lord,

Note, Even the halt and the lame may be brought to Christ, and they shall not be rejected by him. If we do as well as we can, he will accept of us. Christ had an eye to their faith. Little children cannot go to Christ themselves, but he will have an eye to the faith of those that bring them, and it shall not be in vain.

And, on how you should notice these miracles,

Note, Others’ mercies should be our praises, and we should give him thanks for them, for we are members one of another. Though few of this multitude were so convinced, as to be brought to believe in Christ, and to follow him, yet they admired him, not as God, or the Son of God, but as a man to whom God had given such power. Note, God must be glorified in all the power that is given to men to do good. For all power is originally his; it is in him, as the Fountain, in men, as the cisterns.

On Matthew 10, Henry indicates,

This chapter is an ordination sermon, which our Lord Jesus preached, when he advanced his twelve disciples to the degree and dignity of apostles. In the close of the foregoing chapter, he had stirred up them and others to pray that God would send forth labourers, and here we have an immediate answer to that prayer: while they are yet speaking he hears and performs. What we pray for, according to Christ’s direction, shall be given,

Have you ever heard a priest or bishop be ordained?  It is quite a rivaling event and this sounds just like it.

Are you revved up for the rest of Matthew and the Psalms?  See you tomorrow on that. 

Day 32- Matthew 6-8

On Matthew 6, Henry writes,

Christ having, in the former chapter, armed his disciples against the corrupt doctrines and opinions of the scribes and Pharisees, especially in their expositions of the law (that was called their leaven, 16:12), comes in this chapter to warn them against their corrupt practices, against the two sins which, though in their doctrine they did not justify, yet in their conversation they were notoriously guilty of, and so as even to recommend them to their admirers: these were hypocrisy and worldly-mindedness, sins which, of all others, the professors of religion need most to guard against, as sins that most easily beset those who have escaped the grosser pollutions that are in the world through lust, and which are therefore highly dangerous. We are here cautioned

So, do not worry for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Explained by Henry, the rich and lustful worry about tomorrow.  Tomorrow will give you enough time to worry about the evils of the day, worry about today's evils today.

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.

The gist of Henry's dialogue on this is that we spend a lot of time yearning after, caring for and wanting things that are not what God wants for us.  If we travel the path of holiness, keeping in mind that the end is with our Lord, then we must only seek the path to righteousness and God will see that we get what we need along the way.

Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.

Now, (1.) The general scope of this parable teaches us that the only way to make sure work for our souls and eternity is, to hear and do the sayings of the Lord Jesus, these sayings of his in this sermon upon the mount, which is wholly practical; some of them seem hard sayings to flesh and blood, but they must be done; and thus we lay up in store a good foundation for the time to come (1 Tim. 6:19 ); a good bond, so some read it; a bond of God’s making, which secures salvation upon gospel-terms, that is a good bond; not one of our own devising, which brings salvation to our own fancies. They make sure the good part, who, like Mary, when they hear the word of Christ, sit at his feet in subjection to it: Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. (2.) The particular parts of it teach us divers good lessons.[1.] That we have every one of us a house to build, and that house is our hope for heaven. It ought to be our chief and constant care, to make our calling and election sure, and so we make our salvation sure; to secure a title to heaven’s happiness, and then to get the comfortable evidence of it; to make it sure, and sure to ourselves, that when we fail, we shall be received into everlasting habitations. Many never mind this: it is the furthest thing from their thoughts; they are building for this world, as if they were to be here always, but take no care to build for another world. All who take upon them a profession of religion, profess to enquire, what they shall do to be saved; how they may get to heaven at last, and may have a well-grounded hope of it in the mean time.[2.] That there is a rock provided for us to build this house upon, and that rock is Christ.

Sounds like a good beginning and ending point for me....see ya tomorrow!