Seeing then that we have a great High priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Hebrews 4:14
Now, what is the Christ of verse 14? A Christ crucified? No, Christ glorified. You are made partakers of Christ in the kingdom if you hold fast by Christ crucified. Holding to a crucified Christ is my title to the rest of a glorified Christ.
Two things contest this with you--sin and unbelief. Do you not recognize these two enemies as you pass along? Shall I continue in sin? Am I to give place to one wrong thought? I may be overtaken, but am I to treat them other than as enemies? Then unbelief is an action of the soul towards God. You and I do not know what saintly character is--what it is to be between Egypt and Canaan--if we are not aware that those two things stand out to withstand our passage every day.
Christ glorified--rest glorious. He has us out of "Egypt". The exhortation attaches to a people out of "Egypt". We have passed the blood sprinkled lintel. The glorious Canaan is before us. The gospel not only of the blood of Christ, but of the glory of Christ. It took one form in the ear of the Israelites and it takes another form to us; but to them, as to us, rest was preached. The blessed Creator provided Himself a rest after creation. He promised Himself a rest in Canaan after bringing them through the wilderness.
Adam disturbed His creation-rest. Israel disturbed His Canaan-rest. Is He, therefore, disappointed in His rest? No; He has found it in Christ when man in every way had disappointed Him. Christ is the One who has worked out that rest, and who holds it now, and it remains with Him both for God, and for His saints. Musings on Hebrews - J. G. Bellett
N.J. Hiebert - 8924
August 1
I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. Job 42:5
Job was a good man already. He feared God and eschewed [shunned] evil, and God called him "My servant Job" and said of him, "There is none like him in the earth." (Job 1:8)
Job had heard and had believed. That is good enough to start with. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Moreover, Job had lived an exemplary life. But, like many who have come that far, he needed to see God, not in a vision or manifestation to the senses but in a personal, overwhelming, humbling, pride-shattering consciousness of the very presence of God Himself.
Through the ages, such an experience, though wide and diverse in its patterns, has marked the men God has used most. Too many have heard and believed and lived but have not seen. God brings us to where we can say, "I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee" (Job 42:5)
Faith is a very simple thing, tho' little understood;
It frees the soul from death's dread sting, by resting on the blood.
It looks not on the things around, nor on the things within;
It takes its flight to scenes above, beyond the sphere of sin.
It sees upon the the throne of God a victim that was slain;
It rests its all on His shed blood, and says, "I'm born again."
Faith is not what we see or feel; It is a simple trust
In what the God of love has said of Jesus as the Just. Asa Hull
Day by Day with Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8925
Job was a good man already. He feared God and eschewed [shunned] evil, and God called him "My servant Job" and said of him, "There is none like him in the earth." (Job 1:8)
Job had heard and had believed. That is good enough to start with. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Moreover, Job had lived an exemplary life. But, like many who have come that far, he needed to see God, not in a vision or manifestation to the senses but in a personal, overwhelming, humbling, pride-shattering consciousness of the very presence of God Himself.
Through the ages, such an experience, though wide and diverse in its patterns, has marked the men God has used most. Too many have heard and believed and lived but have not seen. God brings us to where we can say, "I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee" (Job 42:5)
Faith is a very simple thing, tho' little understood;
It frees the soul from death's dread sting, by resting on the blood.
It looks not on the things around, nor on the things within;
It takes its flight to scenes above, beyond the sphere of sin.
It sees upon the the throne of God a victim that was slain;
It rests its all on His shed blood, and says, "I'm born again."
Faith is not what we see or feel; It is a simple trust
In what the God of love has said of Jesus as the Just. Asa Hull
Day by Day with Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8925
August 2
BEING USABLE
"If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21
Have we any prayer like "Use me, O Lord," in the Bible? We have it in hymns; I expect we have often prayed to be used. But as I looked through my Bible for an answer to this strange question, I could not find any such prayer anywhere.
The word in 2 Timothy 2:21 simply says that if the vessel be clean it will be ready for the Master to use; and in Isaiah 6, the "Send me" was in answer to the question,"Who will go?"
It is at least interesting and suggestive to find many other verbs occurring in prayer--Teach me, lead me, bless me, and so on--and not this verb which we would naturally expect. Is it that there is no need for it?
If the vessel be clean and ready to hand, the Master will use it. It is not necessary that it should ask Him to do so. The Captain will use the soldier if he be prepared for use; words of beseeching on the soldier's part are not required. The one thing that matters is that we should be usable.
Each day brings us, like a new gift, a quite new opportunity. Our precious handful of days may be partly or almost wholly spent, but God does not, as earthly masters often do, pay off a worker saying, "You are no use to me now"; He gives us each day a new chance.
Thou Givest...They Gather - Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 8926
"If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21
Have we any prayer like "Use me, O Lord," in the Bible? We have it in hymns; I expect we have often prayed to be used. But as I looked through my Bible for an answer to this strange question, I could not find any such prayer anywhere.
The word in 2 Timothy 2:21 simply says that if the vessel be clean it will be ready for the Master to use; and in Isaiah 6, the "Send me" was in answer to the question,"Who will go?"
It is at least interesting and suggestive to find many other verbs occurring in prayer--Teach me, lead me, bless me, and so on--and not this verb which we would naturally expect. Is it that there is no need for it?
If the vessel be clean and ready to hand, the Master will use it. It is not necessary that it should ask Him to do so. The Captain will use the soldier if he be prepared for use; words of beseeching on the soldier's part are not required. The one thing that matters is that we should be usable.
Each day brings us, like a new gift, a quite new opportunity. Our precious handful of days may be partly or almost wholly spent, but God does not, as earthly masters often do, pay off a worker saying, "You are no use to me now"; He gives us each day a new chance.
Thou Givest...They Gather - Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 8926
August 3
A brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? Philemon 16
Though we are to pray for all saints, yet some call for a more special remembrance at our hands: for instance, those that are near to us by bond of nature as well as of grace. (Philemon 16) You are to pray particularly for those that are in distress: whoever you forget, remember these: this is a fit season for love.
A friend for adversity is as proper as fire for for a winter's day: Job's friends chose the right time to visit him, but took not the right course of improving their visit: had they spent the time in praying for him which they did in hot disputes with him, they would have profited him, and pleased God more.
Prayer and Thanksgiving. Prayer is a means to dispose the heart to praise. When David begins a psalm with prayer, he commonly ends it with praise. That Spirit which leads a soul out of itself to God for supply, will direct to the same God with His praise. We do not borrow money of one man and return it to another.
If God has been your strength, surely you will make Him your song. The thief comes not to thank a man for what he steals out of his yard. Mercies ill got are commonly as ill spent, because they are not sanctified, and so become fuel to feed lusts.
As, a necessary ingredient in all our prayers: "...with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6). This spice must be in all our offerings. He that prays for a mercy he wants, and is not thankful for mercies received, may seem mindful of himself, but is forgetful of God, and so takes the wrong course. God will not put His mercies into a torn purse; and such is an unthankful heart. Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall 1617-1679
N.J. Hiebert - 8927
Though we are to pray for all saints, yet some call for a more special remembrance at our hands: for instance, those that are near to us by bond of nature as well as of grace. (Philemon 16) You are to pray particularly for those that are in distress: whoever you forget, remember these: this is a fit season for love.
A friend for adversity is as proper as fire for for a winter's day: Job's friends chose the right time to visit him, but took not the right course of improving their visit: had they spent the time in praying for him which they did in hot disputes with him, they would have profited him, and pleased God more.
Prayer and Thanksgiving. Prayer is a means to dispose the heart to praise. When David begins a psalm with prayer, he commonly ends it with praise. That Spirit which leads a soul out of itself to God for supply, will direct to the same God with His praise. We do not borrow money of one man and return it to another.
If God has been your strength, surely you will make Him your song. The thief comes not to thank a man for what he steals out of his yard. Mercies ill got are commonly as ill spent, because they are not sanctified, and so become fuel to feed lusts.
As, a necessary ingredient in all our prayers: "...with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6). This spice must be in all our offerings. He that prays for a mercy he wants, and is not thankful for mercies received, may seem mindful of himself, but is forgetful of God, and so takes the wrong course. God will not put His mercies into a torn purse; and such is an unthankful heart. Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall 1617-1679
N.J. Hiebert - 8927
August 4
Jesus said unto him, verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in paradise...When Jesus had cried with a loud voice, He said, "Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, He gave up the ghost. Luke 23:43,46
Jesus, the sinless Son of Man, was hanging on the cross between two guilty criminals. Those who passed by wagged their heads and said, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save" (Matthew 27:42) This reminds us of the words of the prophet Jeremiah, "Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto My sorrow, which is done unto Me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted Me in the day of His fierce anger." Lamentations 1:12.
The two thieves had witnessed the silent suffering of Jesus, and they had heard Him pray, "Father, forgive them." (Luke 23:34) One thief turned in faith to the Saviour, acknowledging his guilt and and claiming that forgiveness. We are not told his name; indeed, he represents all who believe. One moment he feared eternal separation from God, and the next moment he received the promise to be with the Saviour "today." This newborn man now becomes a gospel preacher to the other thief on the cross, and this story still preaches to you today. Have you come to the Saviour? Come right now, for you may not have a tomorrow!
Luke records these last words of Jesus, as He cried with a loud voice, "Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit." The very first words of Jesus are also recorded in (Luke 2:49) after Jesus was found in the temple and said to His mother, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business."
Jesus was about His Father's business from first to last. He went about doing good, healing the sick, and opening the eyes of the blind. In every circumstance, even in the garden of Gethsemane, He submitted in perfect obedience to the Father's will. With all our hearts, we agree with the centurion who saw what happened on that cross and glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous Man!
(Luke 23:47) Jacob Redekop
N.J. Hiebert - 8928
Jesus, the sinless Son of Man, was hanging on the cross between two guilty criminals. Those who passed by wagged their heads and said, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save" (Matthew 27:42) This reminds us of the words of the prophet Jeremiah, "Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto My sorrow, which is done unto Me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted Me in the day of His fierce anger." Lamentations 1:12.
The two thieves had witnessed the silent suffering of Jesus, and they had heard Him pray, "Father, forgive them." (Luke 23:34) One thief turned in faith to the Saviour, acknowledging his guilt and and claiming that forgiveness. We are not told his name; indeed, he represents all who believe. One moment he feared eternal separation from God, and the next moment he received the promise to be with the Saviour "today." This newborn man now becomes a gospel preacher to the other thief on the cross, and this story still preaches to you today. Have you come to the Saviour? Come right now, for you may not have a tomorrow!
Luke records these last words of Jesus, as He cried with a loud voice, "Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit." The very first words of Jesus are also recorded in (Luke 2:49) after Jesus was found in the temple and said to His mother, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business."
Jesus was about His Father's business from first to last. He went about doing good, healing the sick, and opening the eyes of the blind. In every circumstance, even in the garden of Gethsemane, He submitted in perfect obedience to the Father's will. With all our hearts, we agree with the centurion who saw what happened on that cross and glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous Man!
(Luke 23:47) Jacob Redekop
N.J. Hiebert - 8928
August 5
"I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: . . ." Luke 22:32
Christian, take good care of thy faith, for recollect, that faith is the only means whereby thou canst obtain blessings. Prayer cannot draw down answers from God's throne except it be the earnest prayer of the man who believes.
Faith is the telegraphic wire which links earth to Heaven, on which God's messages of love fly so fast that before we call, He answers, and while we are yet speaking, He hears us. (Isaiah 65:24) But if that telegraphic wire of faith be snapped, how can we obtain the promise?
Am I in trouble? I can obtain help for trouble by faith. Am I beaten about by the enemy? My soul on that dear Refuge leans by faith.
But take faith away, then in vain I call to God. There is no other road between my soul and heaven. Blockade the road, ahow can I communicate with the Lord? Faith links me wit Divinity. Faith clothes me with the power of Jehovah. Faith insures every attribute of God in my defence. It helps me to defy the hosts of hell. It makes me march triumphant over the necks of my enemies. But without faith how can I receive anything from the Lord?
Oh then, Christian, watch well thy faith. "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." Mark 9:23 C.H. Spurgeon
"Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, and looks to that alone,
Laughs at impossibilities, and cries, 'It shall be done!' "
Queen Victoria said, "We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat. They do not exist!"
N.J. Hiebert - 8929
Christian, take good care of thy faith, for recollect, that faith is the only means whereby thou canst obtain blessings. Prayer cannot draw down answers from God's throne except it be the earnest prayer of the man who believes.
Faith is the telegraphic wire which links earth to Heaven, on which God's messages of love fly so fast that before we call, He answers, and while we are yet speaking, He hears us. (Isaiah 65:24) But if that telegraphic wire of faith be snapped, how can we obtain the promise?
Am I in trouble? I can obtain help for trouble by faith. Am I beaten about by the enemy? My soul on that dear Refuge leans by faith.
But take faith away, then in vain I call to God. There is no other road between my soul and heaven. Blockade the road, ahow can I communicate with the Lord? Faith links me wit Divinity. Faith clothes me with the power of Jehovah. Faith insures every attribute of God in my defence. It helps me to defy the hosts of hell. It makes me march triumphant over the necks of my enemies. But without faith how can I receive anything from the Lord?
Oh then, Christian, watch well thy faith. "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." Mark 9:23 C.H. Spurgeon
"Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, and looks to that alone,
Laughs at impossibilities, and cries, 'It shall be done!' "
Queen Victoria said, "We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat. They do not exist!"
N.J. Hiebert - 8929
August 6
I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:1-2
Sunshine is essential. Without it the branches bear "--nothing but leaves"--leaves in perfusion, but leaves only. It is not enough for us to be connected by a living faith to Jesus: we must hold fellowship with Him, sunning ourselves in His smile communing with Him, and surrendered to His companionship; so only can we hope to bear something more than the leaves.
But though the branches need sunshine, they must also have the darkness. During the night it is said to rest: it does not grow; but it recuperates itself and prepares for the putting forth of fresh energy. And this may suggest why sometimes after periods of much activity the great Husbandman draws down the blinds and plunges us into the black night of sorrow, or solitude.
The fruitfulness, of the branches largely depends on the care with which it is pruned. There is no tree pruned so mercilessly and incessantly, first with a sharp knife, and then with scissors. The Lord has many such implements. There is the golden pruning knife of His Word by which He would prune us if we would let Him (John 15:3), so escaping the iron pruning knife of affliction.
Our Lord uses the knife, with its sharp clean strokes, which cut deep into our nature, and leaves scars which it will take years to heal, or even to conceal. And there are also scissors in His hand--cross events, daily circumstances which appear contrary to each other, but which nevertheless work together in the end for good.
What a comfort it is that the Vine-dresser leaves the pruning to no apprentice hand! No hand but the most skilled may handle the knife. "My Father is the Husbandman." F. B. Meyer
N.J. Hiebert - 8930
Sunshine is essential. Without it the branches bear "--nothing but leaves"--leaves in perfusion, but leaves only. It is not enough for us to be connected by a living faith to Jesus: we must hold fellowship with Him, sunning ourselves in His smile communing with Him, and surrendered to His companionship; so only can we hope to bear something more than the leaves.
But though the branches need sunshine, they must also have the darkness. During the night it is said to rest: it does not grow; but it recuperates itself and prepares for the putting forth of fresh energy. And this may suggest why sometimes after periods of much activity the great Husbandman draws down the blinds and plunges us into the black night of sorrow, or solitude.
The fruitfulness, of the branches largely depends on the care with which it is pruned. There is no tree pruned so mercilessly and incessantly, first with a sharp knife, and then with scissors. The Lord has many such implements. There is the golden pruning knife of His Word by which He would prune us if we would let Him (John 15:3), so escaping the iron pruning knife of affliction.
Our Lord uses the knife, with its sharp clean strokes, which cut deep into our nature, and leaves scars which it will take years to heal, or even to conceal. And there are also scissors in His hand--cross events, daily circumstances which appear contrary to each other, but which nevertheless work together in the end for good.
What a comfort it is that the Vine-dresser leaves the pruning to no apprentice hand! No hand but the most skilled may handle the knife. "My Father is the Husbandman." F. B. Meyer
N.J. Hiebert - 8930
August 7
He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad. Matthew 12:30
Make sure that you are not just for Christ but first of all with Him; your life hid with Christ in God. Without Him, you can do nothing. Then, when death comes, you depart to be with Him. "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain ...with Christ which is far better." Philippians 1:21,23.
When He returns, all sleep in Jesus He will bring with Him. "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord...shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air...for the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the arch angel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17). "With them--With Him!"
Our Lord said to the penitent thief, "Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise." (Luke 23:43) Blessed with-ness! Make sure of it here and hereafter!
All The Days - Vance Havner.
N.J. Hiebert - 8931
Make sure that you are not just for Christ but first of all with Him; your life hid with Christ in God. Without Him, you can do nothing. Then, when death comes, you depart to be with Him. "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain ...with Christ which is far better." Philippians 1:21,23.
When He returns, all sleep in Jesus He will bring with Him. "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord...shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air...for the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the arch angel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17). "With them--With Him!"
Our Lord said to the penitent thief, "Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise." (Luke 23:43) Blessed with-ness! Make sure of it here and hereafter!
All The Days - Vance Havner.
N.J. Hiebert - 8931
August 8
FOR OUR CHILDREN
For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him: therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:27,28
FATHER, hear us, we are praying,
Hear the words our hearts are saying,
We are praying for our children.
Keep them from the powers of evil,
From the secret, hidden peril,
From the whirlpool that would suck them,
From the treacherous quicksand, pluck them.
From the worldling's hollow gladness
From the sting of faithless sadness
Holy Father, save our children.
Through life's troubled waters steer them,
Through life's bitter battle cheer them,
Father, Father, be Thou near them.
Read the language of our longing,
Read the wordless pleadings thronging,
Holy Father, for our children.
And wherever they may bide,
Lead them Home at evertide.
Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 8932
For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him: therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:27,28
FATHER, hear us, we are praying,
Hear the words our hearts are saying,
We are praying for our children.
Keep them from the powers of evil,
From the secret, hidden peril,
From the whirlpool that would suck them,
From the treacherous quicksand, pluck them.
From the worldling's hollow gladness
From the sting of faithless sadness
Holy Father, save our children.
Through life's troubled waters steer them,
Through life's bitter battle cheer them,
Father, Father, be Thou near them.
Read the language of our longing,
Read the wordless pleadings thronging,
Holy Father, for our children.
And wherever they may bide,
Lead them Home at evertide.
Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 8932
August 9
PROPHESIES AND THEIR FULFILMENT
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:16,17
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:21
The great bulk of the prophecies of the Old Testament refer to the coming of the Son of God into this world as Man in order to be the Redeemer. They refer to His Person as God and Man, the place and manner of His birth, the wonder of His life, and above all His death and its sacrificial meaning and His glorious resurrection.
- He was born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Fulfilment Luke 2:4-6.
- He was to be born of a virgin. Isaiah 7:14 Fulfilment Matthew 1:125.
- He was to be sold for thirty pieces of silver. Zechariah 11:12
Fulfilment Matthew 26:14-15.
This money was to be cast to the potter. It was to be silver and thirty pieces, and thrown down in the house of the Lord. Fulfilment Matthew 27:3-10).
-His hands and feet were to be pierced. Psalm 22:16 Fulfilment John 20:24-29.
- His side was to be pierced. Zechariah 12:10 Fulfilment John 19:34-37.
- His garments were to be divided among the soldiers, who crucified Him, and for His vesture they were to cast lots. Psalm 22:18. Fulfilment John 19:23,24.
- They were to give Him gall and vinegar as He hung on the cross. Psalm 69:21. Fulfilment. Matthew 27:34.
- He was to be buried in a rich man's tomb. Isaiah 53:9. Fulfilment Matthew 27:57.
Why I Believe the Bible - A. J. Pollock
N.J. Hiebert - 8933
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:16,17
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:21
The great bulk of the prophecies of the Old Testament refer to the coming of the Son of God into this world as Man in order to be the Redeemer. They refer to His Person as God and Man, the place and manner of His birth, the wonder of His life, and above all His death and its sacrificial meaning and His glorious resurrection.
- He was born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Fulfilment Luke 2:4-6.
- He was to be born of a virgin. Isaiah 7:14 Fulfilment Matthew 1:125.
- He was to be sold for thirty pieces of silver. Zechariah 11:12
Fulfilment Matthew 26:14-15.
This money was to be cast to the potter. It was to be silver and thirty pieces, and thrown down in the house of the Lord. Fulfilment Matthew 27:3-10).
-His hands and feet were to be pierced. Psalm 22:16 Fulfilment John 20:24-29.
- His side was to be pierced. Zechariah 12:10 Fulfilment John 19:34-37.
- His garments were to be divided among the soldiers, who crucified Him, and for His vesture they were to cast lots. Psalm 22:18. Fulfilment John 19:23,24.
- They were to give Him gall and vinegar as He hung on the cross. Psalm 69:21. Fulfilment. Matthew 27:34.
- He was to be buried in a rich man's tomb. Isaiah 53:9. Fulfilment Matthew 27:57.
Why I Believe the Bible - A. J. Pollock
N.J. Hiebert - 8933
August 10
The Lord is far from the wicked: but He heareth the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29
The lawless have no title to expect anything from the Lord; He makes no pledge to heed their cry. When the day of their distress comes they find none on whom to call. Of old, when idolatrous Israel turned to Him in their troubles, He refused to be entreated of them and referred them to the gods they had served, in order that they might realize what it meat to have turned the back upon Him.
But He has pledged Himself to hear the prayer of the righteous; and with Him to "hear" is to answer. The man who delights himself in God when all is bright will find him a Friend nigh at hand when darkness enshrouds the soul. But let him not forget that it is written, "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7).
H. A. Ironside - Notes on Proverbs
Abide with me: fast falls the even tide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide:
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me!
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changes not, abide with me!
I need Thy presence every passing hour: What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Thro'cloud and sunshine, O abide with me!
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine thro' the gloom, and point me to the skies: Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee--In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me! H. F. Lyte
N.J. Hiebert - 8934
The lawless have no title to expect anything from the Lord; He makes no pledge to heed their cry. When the day of their distress comes they find none on whom to call. Of old, when idolatrous Israel turned to Him in their troubles, He refused to be entreated of them and referred them to the gods they had served, in order that they might realize what it meat to have turned the back upon Him.
But He has pledged Himself to hear the prayer of the righteous; and with Him to "hear" is to answer. The man who delights himself in God when all is bright will find him a Friend nigh at hand when darkness enshrouds the soul. But let him not forget that it is written, "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7).
H. A. Ironside - Notes on Proverbs
Abide with me: fast falls the even tide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide:
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me!
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changes not, abide with me!
I need Thy presence every passing hour: What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Thro'cloud and sunshine, O abide with me!
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine thro' the gloom, and point me to the skies: Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee--In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me! H. F. Lyte
N.J. Hiebert - 8934
August 11
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, IT IS FINISHED: and He bowed His head, and gave up the Ghost. John 19:30
"Tis finished," Jesus said, My Lord on Calvary bled,
Conscience may not condemn, white are my sins once red,
I now can enter in where foes can never tread,
Through Christ our living head.
Hark! God's beloved Son
Cried, "Finished!" all is done.
Oh! Praise and never cease
The glory of His grace.
Grace, matchless grace, so free:
He won the victory.
Hallelujah! 'tis done.
"Tis finished!"--Hark the strain, we're cleansed from every strain,
By blood we're sanctified, made holy, without blame,
Tell! Tell it! far and wide; Praise! Praise! His glorious Name,
JESUS, who for us died.
"Tis finished!" Jesus cried, and from His wounded side,
The blood and water flowed. Now God is satisfied.
No more of God afraid, by faith I'm justified.
Christ is my righteousness.
Complete in Him we stand, all Death and Hell demand
Is fully satisfied. And now at God's right hand
Our risen Saviour pleads, For us He intercedes,
For us He ever lives.
(I. Lo - Translated from Chinese by Dorothy Dear)
N.J. Hiebert - 8935
"Tis finished," Jesus said, My Lord on Calvary bled,
Conscience may not condemn, white are my sins once red,
I now can enter in where foes can never tread,
Through Christ our living head.
Hark! God's beloved Son
Cried, "Finished!" all is done.
Oh! Praise and never cease
The glory of His grace.
Grace, matchless grace, so free:
He won the victory.
Hallelujah! 'tis done.
"Tis finished!"--Hark the strain, we're cleansed from every strain,
By blood we're sanctified, made holy, without blame,
Tell! Tell it! far and wide; Praise! Praise! His glorious Name,
JESUS, who for us died.
"Tis finished!" Jesus cried, and from His wounded side,
The blood and water flowed. Now God is satisfied.
No more of God afraid, by faith I'm justified.
Christ is my righteousness.
Complete in Him we stand, all Death and Hell demand
Is fully satisfied. And now at God's right hand
Our risen Saviour pleads, For us He intercedes,
For us He ever lives.
(I. Lo - Translated from Chinese by Dorothy Dear)
N.J. Hiebert - 8935
August 12
THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER
"He shall glorify Me: for He shall received of Mine, and shall show it unto you. John 16:14
Blest, Thy Spirit's touch well known, to the heart's oft silent strings;
Wakening them to Thee alone, while my spirit of Thee sings.
Bright the vision He doth bring, of Thyself before my sight;
Fit eclipse of everything, every earthly joy or light.
Whether for walk, conflict, testimony or worship, our only and all-sufficient power is in the Holy Ghost. The maintenance of constant dependence is a necessary condition of continued spiritual power.
There are many of the Lord's people who have learned in a measure their weakness, but who know nothing of the source of power as provided in the Holy Spirit; There are others who believe in the provision, but who have scarcely any skill in drawing upon it for use; there are others again who act even in the christian life as if everything depended upon themselves.
It must not be forgotten that power does not act independently of our spiritual condition. The Holy Spirit dwells within, so that our bodies are His temples. If we are careless, not watchful, if we seek our pleasure in the world, rather than in Christ, let us not for one moment suppose that He will condescend to use us as vessels of His power...
But, on the other hand, if the eye be single, and a single eye sees nothing but Christ, if He is the object of our lives, the Holy Spirit then ungrieved will sustain us in every position in which we are placed, and bring us victoriously out of the very conflict through which we may pass. Let us not rest until we know practically something of being channels for the manifestation of divine power even in this world. Footprints for Pilgrims - Edward Dennett
N.J. Hiebert - 8936
"He shall glorify Me: for He shall received of Mine, and shall show it unto you. John 16:14
Blest, Thy Spirit's touch well known, to the heart's oft silent strings;
Wakening them to Thee alone, while my spirit of Thee sings.
Bright the vision He doth bring, of Thyself before my sight;
Fit eclipse of everything, every earthly joy or light.
Whether for walk, conflict, testimony or worship, our only and all-sufficient power is in the Holy Ghost. The maintenance of constant dependence is a necessary condition of continued spiritual power.
There are many of the Lord's people who have learned in a measure their weakness, but who know nothing of the source of power as provided in the Holy Spirit; There are others who believe in the provision, but who have scarcely any skill in drawing upon it for use; there are others again who act even in the christian life as if everything depended upon themselves.
It must not be forgotten that power does not act independently of our spiritual condition. The Holy Spirit dwells within, so that our bodies are His temples. If we are careless, not watchful, if we seek our pleasure in the world, rather than in Christ, let us not for one moment suppose that He will condescend to use us as vessels of His power...
But, on the other hand, if the eye be single, and a single eye sees nothing but Christ, if He is the object of our lives, the Holy Spirit then ungrieved will sustain us in every position in which we are placed, and bring us victoriously out of the very conflict through which we may pass. Let us not rest until we know practically something of being channels for the manifestation of divine power even in this world. Footprints for Pilgrims - Edward Dennett
N.J. Hiebert - 8936
August 13
Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business...and He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them... Luke 2:49,51.
Luke reminds us He "was subject unto [Mary and Jospeh]". This was another way of loveliness in Him as a child of twelve years. After the episode in the temple, and His gentle reproof, "Know ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" it is recorded that He went down with Joseph and Mary, "and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them". He declared that God was His Father, and that His business was all important to Him, but nevertheless recognized His earthly relationship and was subject to Joseph and Mary. That subjection of His own voluntary will was lovely in Him.
Joseph and Mary had the manifest token that He fully comprehended His Sonship of God and His exalted mission, but that did not change His moral perfection as subject to those whose care God had entrusted Him. This one incident when He was twelve years of age is on record to reveal the consistent moral perfection of our Lord as He grew up in the family of Joseph the carpenter.
When our Lord was "sitting in the midst of the doctors" (Luke 2:46) in the temple, He again like charity, did not behave Himself unseemly (1 Corinthians 13:5). He was "hearing them, and asking them questions." It does not say, He was teaching them or answering their questions. He did not pose as a teacher, though there dwelt in Him "all the treasures of wisdom knowledge" (Colossians 2:3) "All that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers."
He was the true speaker of Psalm 119:99, "I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation." All His life, Isaiah 50:4 was true of Him: "He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned." Thus, His childhood and youth were passed in quiet, loving fellowship with God, hearing His voice and responding to His love. A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J. Hiebert - 8937
Luke reminds us He "was subject unto [Mary and Jospeh]". This was another way of loveliness in Him as a child of twelve years. After the episode in the temple, and His gentle reproof, "Know ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" it is recorded that He went down with Joseph and Mary, "and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them". He declared that God was His Father, and that His business was all important to Him, but nevertheless recognized His earthly relationship and was subject to Joseph and Mary. That subjection of His own voluntary will was lovely in Him.
Joseph and Mary had the manifest token that He fully comprehended His Sonship of God and His exalted mission, but that did not change His moral perfection as subject to those whose care God had entrusted Him. This one incident when He was twelve years of age is on record to reveal the consistent moral perfection of our Lord as He grew up in the family of Joseph the carpenter.
When our Lord was "sitting in the midst of the doctors" (Luke 2:46) in the temple, He again like charity, did not behave Himself unseemly (1 Corinthians 13:5). He was "hearing them, and asking them questions." It does not say, He was teaching them or answering their questions. He did not pose as a teacher, though there dwelt in Him "all the treasures of wisdom knowledge" (Colossians 2:3) "All that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers."
He was the true speaker of Psalm 119:99, "I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation." All His life, Isaiah 50:4 was true of Him: "He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned." Thus, His childhood and youth were passed in quiet, loving fellowship with God, hearing His voice and responding to His love. A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J. Hiebert - 8937
August 14
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