Way to Repentance

WAY TO REPENTANCE   

                         

Tenth of twelve devotions in Advent Parallel Bible Study series

Isaiah 2:2-4, Luke 24:47

Luke 24:46-47:  “He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’”

          Repentance is pure sorrow. Repentance is admitting and turning away from the sin that now disgusts us.  The disgusting thing glowers at us.  “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. (Psalm 51:3).  Repentance is the only way we can make the disgusting thing disappear.

          Jeremy blurted out, “Ms. Deturk has the face of a turkey—with those wobbly things dangling from her chin,” when their teacher stepped outside of their fifth grade classroom.  The class laughed out loud.  Jeremy was pleased.  Then Jeremy noticed Ms. Deturk standing in the doorway.

          She looked straight into Jeremy’s eyes.

          Jeremy sighed, quickly sitting down.  The whole class went silent.

          Ms. Deturk walked to the first student and handed her a stack of paper.  “Missy, please hand these out to the class.” she said.  She wrote on the white board, “North Carolina is a ________ place to live because…”  She instructed the class, “Finish that sentence with what North Carolina is and tell why.  I’ll choose one to display in our school.  Whoever wrote it will win an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbin’s”.

          Did Ms. Deturk overhear Jeremy?

          Jesus lived perfectly.  He willingly died for the sins of all people.  He rose from the dead on the third day, then ascended to heaven.  Now Jesus intercedes for believers’ best every day.  Jesus offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life to whomever chooses Him as Lord of their lives.  Because Christians love Jesus, we willingly repent (confess, then turn away from) our sins. 

          Jesus is the only way to repentance and forgiveness.

          When believers understand the importance of forgiveness and eternal life—gifts we didn’t know we needed, nor requested—our response ought to be repenting our sin.

          How do you think Jeremy felt?

Take Home Nugget

          The night Jesus was arrested, Peter bragged, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33).

          Luke 23:60-62 tells the story: After being recognized as having been with Jesus, “Peter replied, ‘Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!’  Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 

          “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.  Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown Me three times.’  And he went outside and wept bitterly.”  

  

Jesus’ gifts are of utter importance;

Jesus is the way to repentance.

J.D. Griffith

                                                        

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Righteous King

RIGHTEOUS KING   

                                

Ninth of twelve devotions in Advent Parallel Bible Study series

Psalm 45:1-7, Hebrews 1:8-9

Hebrews 1:8-9: “But about the Son He [God] says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of Your kingdom.  You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has set You above Your companions by anointing You with the oil of joy.’”

          “Righteous” is defined as: moral, good, just, blameless or honest.  Scepter is a rod or sword that a king holds.  It represents how the king rules.   A righteous king rules by serving all that is right.    

   

          To see how this relates to us, consider nine year old Miguel, and his mixed- breed dog, Buddy.  Sweet potato pies and other deserts were on a table in a different room from where the family ate Thanksgiving Day dinner.  But when it was time for desert, one pie was missing.  The empty dish and Buddy’s mess were scattered on the floor.

          “Bad dog!” Miguel yelled.  Buddy dropped his head, approaching his master with tail between his legs.   He saw Miguel’s one hand raised up high—and licked his other hand.  Miguel wanted to spank Buddy for eating the pie, but couldn’t.  Miguel forgot to watch Buddy during dinner.  Buddy just did what dogs do—what they are created to do—and messed up.

          Miguel’s yelling to scold Buddy was right.  Not spanking Buddy was also the right thing to do.  Miguel acted righteously.  It wasn’t Buddy’s fault that his nose told him that something yummy was available.  Buddy acted like a dog, and ate the yummy thing.   Buddy’s drooped head showed sorrow for messing up.  Miguel forgave him, and didn’t spank him. 

          Does this sound like how Jesus hears our confession and forgives us when we mess up?

 

Take Home Nugget

          The parallel Scripture, Psalm 45:6-7, is almost identical: “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.  You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” (Emphasis mine).

          Justice has many of the same meanings as righteousness: honesty, integrity, uprightness or fair.  But also, lawfulness, truthfulness, impartiality or fairness.   The difference between the two seems slight, but is profound.

          The Old Testament’s use of justice refers to the law.  The New Testament’s use of the word righteousness refers to grace.  Jesus came to earth to fulfill the Law.  Today, Christians are now under God’s new covenant of grace.

Righteous King of the universe is just.

If He were a king of justice, we’d all be dead from our sins.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

  J.D. Griffith

                                                        

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Heir to David's Throne

HEIR TO DAVID’S THRONE    

                  

Eighth of twelve devotions in Advent Parallel Bible Study series

1 Chronicles 17:11-14, Hebrews 1:8

1 Chronicles 17:11-14:  “When your days are over and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom.  He is the one who will build a house for Me, and I will establish his throne forever.  I will be his Father and he will be My son.  I will never take My love away from him, as I took it away from your predecessor [Saul].  I will set him over My house and My kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever.”

          God just told King David that Solomon will be the one who’ll build a house for Him (1 Kings 5:7, 2 Chronicles 2:5).  The Father/Son relationship, and “forever” is language that includes the future Messiah. 

          God is not limited by time. 

          God speaks an eternal language.  He anchors the present—then His next breath rolls the present into the future—that only He knows.  God promised to make Abraham into a great nation. (Genesis 22:17).  But Abraham was over a hundred years old, and Sarah was in her nineties before Isaac was born!  When humans think it’s taking a long time for God to deliver promises, we agree that we received them at exactly the right time.   

           Would you want to serve a God that you understand, a God that you’re just as smart, or even smarter than?  Shudder!  Human minds need help to understand God!  Believers are enlightened by His indwelling Spirit to show God’s truth. (John 16:7-10).  I doubt that King David fully understood what God was telling him in the opening Scripture.

           How could Solomon reign on David’s throne forever?  Eternal Branch devotion showed that Jesus descended from King David’s shoot, a branch of the royal tree.

Matthew chapter one shows Jesus’ genealogy.  Thirteen generations separate Abraham and King David.  Then Jesus arrived thirteen generations later, as heir to David’s throne forever.  Won’t it be fun to meet our ancestors in heaven?

Take Home Nugget

          Hebrews 1:8 says, “About the Son He says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of Your kingdom.’”   What does “righteousness will be a scepter of Your kingdom” mean?  Revelation 19:15 says, “He will rule the with an iron scepter.”

          Scepter is rod or sword.  Jesus’ eternal kingdom will be governed by righteousness.  It will be just, honest and upright.  But when Jesus comes back, His sword will be iron—to strike down the nations who’re unjust.    

Holy Father, help us understand Your Word, so that we understand You, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

  J.D. Griffith

                                                        

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Eternal Branch

ETERNAL BRANCH  

                                

Seventh of twelve devotions in Advent Parallel Bible Study series

Zechariah 6:12-13, Hebrews 7:23-28

Zechariah 6:12-13:  “Tell this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Here is the man whose name is the Branch and he will branch out from his place and build a temple for the Lord.  It is he who will build a temple of the Lord, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne.  And he will be a priest on his throne.  And there will be harmony between the two.’”

          Harmony between what two?  Zechariah is talking about an earthly priest, Joshua, from verse eleven.  “Branch” is a Messianic title.  Zechariah 3:8 says, “Listen, O high priest Joshua and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring My Servant, the Branch.”  Joshua’s associates were other priests.  They heard their prophet Zechariah informing them who would eventually take their place. 

          Jesus is the Branch.  There will be harmony between earthly priests and Jesus.  “Branch” defines an offshoot of the priestly Hebrew family of Levites.  Jesus descended from King David, as God’s chosen in 1 Samuel 16:12.  The Branch of Jesse [David’s father] is found in Isaiah 11:1:  “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots, a Branch will bear fruit.”  Matthew 1:1-16 shows the genealogy of Jesus. 

          The third previous devotion taught that Jesus will be priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.  Hebrews 7:15-22 says, “And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of power of an indestructible life.  For it is declared: ‘You are a priest forever, on the order of Melchizedek.’ 

          “The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.  And it was made without an oath!  Others became priests without an oath, but He became priest with an oath when God said to Him: ‘The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’  Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.”

Take Home Nugget

          Hebrews 7:26-28 shows that all former priests had to sacrifice animals for their own sins, and for the sins of their people. They all died.  But Jesus will live forever interceding for believers.  Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was the last sacrifice.  The eternal Branch Jesus is the only one holy, perfect and blameless!    

                                                 

              Jesus, the Branch of David through Jesse, is believers’ eternal priest. 

 J.D. Griffith

                                                                      

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Dearly Beloved

DEARLY BELOVED      

                             

Sixth of twelve devotions in Advent Parallel Bible Study series

Isaiah 42:1-4, Matthew 12:16-21

Isaiah 42:1:  “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, My chosen one in whom I delight; I will put My Spirit in Him and He will bring justice to the nations.”

          Advent introduces Jesus, here named God’s servant. 

          Just like human parents love their children, God the Father loves His Son Jesus.   Jesus fulfilled every Law, and finished everything the Father sent Him to do.  He obeyed every command, living out the Father’s will without ever sinning.  Jesus mirrors the Father.

          Matthew 12 shows Jesus and His disciples walking through grain fields on the Sabbath.  His disciples were hungry, so they began picking heads of grain to munch on.  The Pharisees—teachers of the Law—saw this.  They attacked Jesus for breaking the Sabbath Law of doing no work.

          Jesus defended His disciples, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?  He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests.  Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent?  I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.  If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.  For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:3-8).

          A man with a shriveled hand was at the synagogue.  Again, the Pharisees confronted Jesus.  “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” they asked. 

          Jesus patiently illustrated, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?  How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!  Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”  Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”  The man stretched out his hand.  It was miraculously restored.  (Matthew 12:11-13).

          Jesus only did the Father’s will.

Take Home Nugget

          Ten year old Jeremy followed his dad’s instructions when washing the family’s car.  When the job was done, his dad checked it out.  “Good job, son” he said.  “I’m very proud of you!”

          Matthew 12:18 shows God’s praise of His Son, (parallel to the opening Scripture), “Here is My servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations.”   Check the lesson linked below, for more parallel Scripture.

Everyone who believes in Jesus is also dearly beloved by the Father.

 J.D. Griffith

                                                                       

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Light in the Darkness

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS   

                     

Fifth of twelve devotions in Advent Parallel Bible Study series

Isaiah 9:1-2, Luke 2:32

Isaiah 9:2:  “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

            

           God created the sun, moon and the stars to bring light to the earth.  People figured out how to bring fire to light the darkness.  Electricity and the light bulb also brought light into the darkness.  Now we have lights everywhere. 

          This is artificial [art-i-FISH-al] means fake, or a reproduction of light.

          As long as there’s sin in the world, we live in darkness.

          Real light is supernatural.  Jesus said in John 8:12:  “‘I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”   The light of life!  Not artificial, but REAL light. 

          Living in Jesus’ light of life is why Christians believe in, follow and serve Him.  1 Peter 2:9 describes us:  “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” 

That’s every believer in Christ!

          God’s Holy Spirit shines light into dark places of the heart, convicting us of sin (John 16:8-9).  He fulfills Jesus’ promise, “taking from what is Mine and making it known to you.” (John 16:14). 

          Apostle Paul says, “However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him,’ but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10a).

          The Holy Spirit reflects the Lord’s glory and transforms believers into His likeness with ever increasing glory, (2 Corinthians 3:18).  God’s Spirit is Divine Light that reveals sin, God’s truth and His glory.  Let’s be careful not to resist the Spirit (Acts 7:51), quench Him (1 Thessalonians 5:19) or grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30). 

          Jesus’ light of life was revealed at His transfiguration (Matthew 17:2).  “There He was transfigured before them.  His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.” 

Take Home Nugget

          Sin brings darkness.  There won’t be sin in heaven.  Revelation 21:23 says, “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light and the Lamb is its lamp.”  The Lamb is Jesus.  Jesus is the light of life.

          The parallel Bible verse is Luke 2:32:  “…a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel.”

Jesus’ light of life is how Christians find their way in the darkness.

                                                                                                                                         J.D. Griffith

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Melchizedek

MELCHIZEDEK

Fourth of twelve devotions in Advent Parallel Bible Study series

Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 5:5-6

Psalm 110:4:  “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’”

          Melchizedek: [mel-KIZ-i-dek] is a mystery.  His name means “my king is righteousness” or “king of righteousness” (Hebrews 7:2).  We first meet him with Abram in Genesis 14:18.  Abram and allied (partner) kings just defeated Kedorlaomer.  Victorious four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah—including Abram’s nephew Lot—who was living in Sodom.  After the victory, the kings returned with Abram. 

          Melchizedek—a priest of God Most High—was the king of Salem.  He brought out bread and wine and blessed Abram, “‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.  Blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’  Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”  (Genesis 14:19-20). 

          Salem is a shortened form of Jerusalem (Psalm 76:2), and is Hebrew for “peace.”  Hebrews 7:2 says that Melchizedek was king of peace.  He had no father or mother.  There is no record of Melchizedek’s birth or death.  Just like Jesus, he “remains a priest forever.”  Abram gave him a tenth of everything, (God’s command of tithe). 

          And yet, Melchizedek does not trace his descent to Levi and Israel’s priests, the Levites.  Without doubt, the lesser man was blessed by the greater man.  A tenth is collected from the one who’d die.  And isn’t the one who collects the tenth alive?  Could one say that Levi paid his tenth through Abram?  Another mystery.

Take Home Nugget

          The opening Scripture shows God the Father speaking to His Son Jesus.  He establishes Jesus, His anointed, as king-priest in Zion (Israel), to be priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.  This “forever priest” and “forever reign” was God’s covenant with Jesus’ ancestor, David.  God promised David in 2 Samuel 7:13, “He [Solomon, David’s son] is the one who will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” 

          God promised to maintain David’s line on the throne from Solomon to Jesus Christ…and forever.  Psalm 89:29: “I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure.”  Jesus’ Father is God.  His mother came from the eternal reign of David’s line. (1 Chronicles 17:12-14, Psalm 132:11-12).

          Hebrews 5:5-6 says, “So Christ also did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest.  But God said to Him, ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’  And He says in another place, ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’” 

The Bible has mysteries.  Who can understand Most High God, Creator of the universe?

J.D. Griffith

                                                                                                                                                     

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Never Changing

NEVER CHANGING 

 

Third of twelve devotions in Advent Parallel Bible Study series

Psalm 102:25-27, Hebrews 1:10-12

Hebrews 1:10-12:  “And He says, ‘In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.  They will perish; but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment.  You will roll them up like a robe; like   a garment they will be changed.  But you remain the same, and Your years will never end.’”

          Cassie dribbled a basketball at recess from her fifth grade classroom.  “Want to play one-on-one?” she asked her best-friend classmate, Missy.

          “No,” Missy responded.  “I don’t want to do anything.”

          Cassie shook her head.  She carried the basketball, following Missy to the swing set.  “What’s up, Missy?” she wondered.

          Missy looked away.  “Don’t bother me, Cassie.  I want to be left alone.” Missy whispered to empty space. 

          “Okay.” Cassie relented.  “If you’re sure….”Cassie dribbled the basketball to the basketball court to shoot baskets by herself.

          People change.  Sometimes our friends act weird, and we have no explanation why.  What do we do about that?  If we’re a good friend, we wait until she is ready to let us inside.  Honoring a friend’s request is doing what she wants.  Sometimes people need space.

           Sometimes they are dealing with issues we know nothing about.  We respect another’s privacy.  When she’s ready, she’ll open up and things can return to normal.  These are things kids learn early in life.  People are unpredictable.  [Un-pre-DIKT-a-bal] means erratic, fickle or changeable.

          The longer we know someone, the easier it is to figure out what he or she wants.   That’s the whole point about why God gave us His Word.  The Bible is full of stories about God.  It shows what God wants.  It shows what God loves.  It shows what God hates.  It shows how God handles difficult people.  It shows God’s discipline.  It also shows God’s grace and mercy.  

That’s why He sent Jesus to earth.

          This Advent Parallel Bible Study hopes to teach that God never contradicts Himself throughout the Bible’s Old and New Testaments.  This includes reference to Jesus in both Testaments, too.  The better we know God, (and Jesus representing the Father), the faster we can figure out how to please Him.   

Take Home Nugget

          God is totally predictable.  God was always the same yesterday as He is today and will be tomorrow.  Jesus came to show us the Father (John 14:7).

          Missy wandered onto the playground basketball court.  Cassie was still shooting baskets. Missy retrieved the basketball and shot a layup.  “Sorry for my bad mood.  I’m   better now,” she said.

          Cassie smiled.  “I knew you’d be back!” 

Not understanding God is no excuse when we refuse to read the Bible.

J.D. Griffith

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Redeemer

REDEEMER

Second of twelve devotions in Advent Parallel Bible Study series

Isaiah 59:20, Galatians 4:4-5

Galatians 4:4-5:  “But when the time had finally come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”

          The word “Advent” means beginning or start.  Jesus started a new covenant (Luke 22:20).  (We don’t have to live under the law anymore).  The first sin in the Garden of Eden proved that people cannot successfully live under the law (Genesis 3).  So, God planned for a redeemer to save people from their sins.  Isaiah 59:20 prophesized, “The redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins.”

          Many people don’t fully appreciate living in the new covenant.  Check out just a few benefits that faith in our Redeemer Jesus brings: We have the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ (Colossians 2:2-3).  Faith in Christ brings healing.  Because 1 Peter 2:24 says, “by His stripes, [wounds, blood] we are healed.”  We’re the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).  

          What will we eat?  What will we wear?  Are these not what unbelievers in the world chase after?  Believers have no need to worry about such things.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  Life really can be that simple.  Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

          So, Jesus offers His followers the Holy Spirit:  “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him.  But you will know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17).

          The last three paragraphs list many guarantees followers of Jesus have.  Living in peace and joy is priceless!

Take Home Nugget

                                                                      How more wise would you need when you have the knowledge and wisdom of Christ?  Believe that you are healed by faith through Jesus’ stripes.  Repeat that daily.  Take whatever meds your doctor prescribes, and thank God for

your healing. 

          You are the righteousness of God in Christ.  Yes, you are—if you believe in Jesus.  The Holy Spirit lives within you.  Trust God when Jesus said that the Holy Spirit gives believers righteousness, peace and joy.  You’re living the kingdom of God already while on earth!  

Thank You, heavenly Father, for making it simple to live with Your kingdom while still on earth!

J.D. Griffith

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