March 10
THE INCARNATION OF THE SON OF GOD
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary...thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name JESUS...the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall over shadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:30-35
When the fulness of time had come, that is the appointed time, the Son of God appeared on earth in the form of man. The Word which was in the beginning, the Word that was with the Father, the Word that was God, the Word by whom all things were made, that Word was made flesh and dwelt on earth. He who subsisted in the form of God, emptied Himself and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.
The incarnation is a deep mystery, the depths of which human reason can never fathom. "No man knoweth the Son, but the Father." (Matthew 11:27). We must approach it in the spirit of deep reverence. In Luke 1, we have the record of the divine announcement of the incarnation as it was made to the virgin, who had found favour in the sight of God. Was there ever such a message given to Gabriel before? Great as the revelation was which he was commissioned to carry to praying Daniel, (Daniel 9:21) the communication to the virgin Mary here is far greater. A. C. Gaebelein
Thou wast "the image," in man's lowly guise, of the invisible to mortal eyes;
Come from His bosom, from the heavens above, we see in Thee incarnate, "God is love."
Thy lips the Father's name to us reveal; what burning power in all Thy words we feel,
When to our raptured hearts we hear Thee tell the heavenly glories which Thou know'st so well.
No curse of law, in Thee was sovereign grace, and now what glory in Thine unveiled face!
Thou didst attract the wretched and the weak, Thy joy the wand'rers and the lost to seek.
N.J. Hiebert - 8781
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary...thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name JESUS...the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall over shadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:30-35
When the fulness of time had come, that is the appointed time, the Son of God appeared on earth in the form of man. The Word which was in the beginning, the Word that was with the Father, the Word that was God, the Word by whom all things were made, that Word was made flesh and dwelt on earth. He who subsisted in the form of God, emptied Himself and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.
The incarnation is a deep mystery, the depths of which human reason can never fathom. "No man knoweth the Son, but the Father." (Matthew 11:27). We must approach it in the spirit of deep reverence. In Luke 1, we have the record of the divine announcement of the incarnation as it was made to the virgin, who had found favour in the sight of God. Was there ever such a message given to Gabriel before? Great as the revelation was which he was commissioned to carry to praying Daniel, (Daniel 9:21) the communication to the virgin Mary here is far greater. A. C. Gaebelein
Thou wast "the image," in man's lowly guise, of the invisible to mortal eyes;
Come from His bosom, from the heavens above, we see in Thee incarnate, "God is love."
Thy lips the Father's name to us reveal; what burning power in all Thy words we feel,
When to our raptured hearts we hear Thee tell the heavenly glories which Thou know'st so well.
No curse of law, in Thee was sovereign grace, and now what glory in Thine unveiled face!
Thou didst attract the wretched and the weak, Thy joy the wand'rers and the lost to seek.
N.J. Hiebert - 8781
March 11
Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
Just after the end of WW II some dear Christians were preaching the gospel on the streets of downtown Ottawa, Canada. A young man dressed in a military uniform stopped to listen. After the preaching had ended, some spoke to him and found that he was a dear and warmhearted believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, just returned from combat in Europe. He had served as a chaplain near the front lines, seeking to comfort soldiers brought in to the field hospital, who had been wounded in battle.
The army chaplain recounted a most heart warming incident that took place during heavy fighting. He began by mentioning that before going into combat, he had been trained when dealing with wounded soldiers, to find out "what faith" each was of so that he could "more effectively" be a comfort to them.
One night, at the height of the battle, a seriously wounded soldier was carried into the field hospital. The chaplain immediately made his way to the young soldier's cot and leaning over, asked his standard question; "What church do you attend?" There was silence for a moment and then a whispered response; "I'm of Paul's persuasion".
This puzzled the chaplain very much for he had never heard of such a church group before. "This must be of some new denomination" he thought to himself. Turning to others in the ward, he asked if anyone there had ever heard of a church named "Paul's Persuasion" and if so, could they tell him anything about its beliefs. But no one in the ward had ever heard of such a church.
Leaning back over the wounded soldier, he again asked him to try and describe the church or denomination to which he belonged. In a weak but steady whisper the wounded young man replied: "...I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38,39).
May we too be thus "persuaded"--"...I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is abe to keep that which I have committed unto Him..." (2 Timothy 1:12). The Christian Shepherd - 2005
N.J. Hiebert - 8782
Just after the end of WW II some dear Christians were preaching the gospel on the streets of downtown Ottawa, Canada. A young man dressed in a military uniform stopped to listen. After the preaching had ended, some spoke to him and found that he was a dear and warmhearted believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, just returned from combat in Europe. He had served as a chaplain near the front lines, seeking to comfort soldiers brought in to the field hospital, who had been wounded in battle.
The army chaplain recounted a most heart warming incident that took place during heavy fighting. He began by mentioning that before going into combat, he had been trained when dealing with wounded soldiers, to find out "what faith" each was of so that he could "more effectively" be a comfort to them.
One night, at the height of the battle, a seriously wounded soldier was carried into the field hospital. The chaplain immediately made his way to the young soldier's cot and leaning over, asked his standard question; "What church do you attend?" There was silence for a moment and then a whispered response; "I'm of Paul's persuasion".
This puzzled the chaplain very much for he had never heard of such a church group before. "This must be of some new denomination" he thought to himself. Turning to others in the ward, he asked if anyone there had ever heard of a church named "Paul's Persuasion" and if so, could they tell him anything about its beliefs. But no one in the ward had ever heard of such a church.
Leaning back over the wounded soldier, he again asked him to try and describe the church or denomination to which he belonged. In a weak but steady whisper the wounded young man replied: "...I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38,39).
May we too be thus "persuaded"--"...I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is abe to keep that which I have committed unto Him..." (2 Timothy 1:12). The Christian Shepherd - 2005
N.J. Hiebert - 8782
March 12
A MIND AT PERFECT PEACE
Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Are there any tyrants more harassing than our own thoughts? Control of deeds and words seems a small thing in comparison; but have we not been apt to fancy that we really cannot help our thoughts? Instead of our dominating them, they have dominated us; and we have not expected nor even thought it possible, to be set free from the manifold tyranny of vain thoughts, and still less of wandering thoughts.
Yet, all the time, here has been God's Word about this hopeless, helpless matter only where has been our faith? It is very strong language that the inspiring Spirit uses here--not "thoughts" in general but definitely, and with no room for distressing exceptions, "every thought." Must it not be glorious rest to have every thought of day and night brought into sweet, quiet, complete captivity to Jesus, entirely "obedient to the faith," to His holy and loving influence, to His beautiful and perfect law?
We should not have dared to hope or dream of such a rest to our souls; we should not have guessed it included in that promise to those who take the yoke of Christ upon them; and if we could find one text stating that it was not any part of God's infinitely gracious purpose for us, we should only say, "Of course, for it stands to reason it could not be!"
Not yet thou knowest what I do within thine own weak breast
To mold thee to My image true, and fit thee for My rest.
But yield thee to My loving skill; the veiled work of grace,
From day to day progressing still, it is not thine to trace.
(Opened Treasures - Frances Ridley Havergal)
N.J. Hiebert - 8783
Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Are there any tyrants more harassing than our own thoughts? Control of deeds and words seems a small thing in comparison; but have we not been apt to fancy that we really cannot help our thoughts? Instead of our dominating them, they have dominated us; and we have not expected nor even thought it possible, to be set free from the manifold tyranny of vain thoughts, and still less of wandering thoughts.
Yet, all the time, here has been God's Word about this hopeless, helpless matter only where has been our faith? It is very strong language that the inspiring Spirit uses here--not "thoughts" in general but definitely, and with no room for distressing exceptions, "every thought." Must it not be glorious rest to have every thought of day and night brought into sweet, quiet, complete captivity to Jesus, entirely "obedient to the faith," to His holy and loving influence, to His beautiful and perfect law?
We should not have dared to hope or dream of such a rest to our souls; we should not have guessed it included in that promise to those who take the yoke of Christ upon them; and if we could find one text stating that it was not any part of God's infinitely gracious purpose for us, we should only say, "Of course, for it stands to reason it could not be!"
Not yet thou knowest what I do within thine own weak breast
To mold thee to My image true, and fit thee for My rest.
But yield thee to My loving skill; the veiled work of grace,
From day to day progressing still, it is not thine to trace.
(Opened Treasures - Frances Ridley Havergal)
N.J. Hiebert - 8783
March 13
What shall I do to inherit eternal life?...Sell all that thou hast, and distribute to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven." Luke 18:18,23
In the cathedral at Freiburg there was a wonderful organ. One day a man entered and asked the custodian if he might play upon the great instrument. The old keeper finally granted permission, grudgingly. The stranger sat down and slowly began to play. The attention of the old sexton was arrested; he dropped into a seat and listened spellbound; soon tears coursed down his wrinkled face. He had never head such music before.
The stranger arose to go, and the custodian followed him silently to the door. Finally he managed to ask, "Who are you?" The visitor answered simply, "I am Mendelssohn." And all that the old man could do was to throw up his hands and cry, "And to think I almost refused to let you play the organ!" Every man is the custodian of the organ of his soul. What pitiful discords we make when we try to play our own instruments unaided, try to live our own lives by our own strength. Everywhere worn faces, weary hearts, broken spirits tell the story; the custodian cannot play his own organ.
But One who is greater than Mendelssohn asks to sit at the keyboard of your heart. He will bring forth music from it that you never dreamed could be there--melody instead of melancholy, hallelujahs instead of heartaches. Not only will it thrill you but others will be drawn to hear for they will perceive that you have quit playing and that the Master plays instead.
Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore; touched by a loving heart,
Wakened by kindness, chords that are broken will vibrate once more.
Doubly true is that when His heart and hand take us in charge! I think of the rich young man who came to Jesus. What a magnificent keyboard of possibilities he carried! But he chose to be his own musician and went away sorrowful "for he had great possessions." But of what use is an organ if it cannot be played, and of what use is a life abounding in promise if we deny Him who alone can make anything of it?
Jesus is passing by. Through the ages He has been bringing heavenly harmony from even the most unsightly organs. Who else could have made anything of Simon Peter? What a harsh instrument was Saul of Tarsus! Think of Augustine, the slave of lust; what an unpromising prospect was Moody, the shoe salesman; what melody could be expected of Gipsy Smith?
Mind you, we never were meant to be the organists of our souls. We cannot play but we are the custodians; we can let Jesus play or refuse Him. All the trouble in human lives begins when the custodian tries to be organist. The playing is God's part; the permission is ours.
In Tune With Heaven - Vance Havner - August 23,1936
N.J. Hiebert - 8784
In the cathedral at Freiburg there was a wonderful organ. One day a man entered and asked the custodian if he might play upon the great instrument. The old keeper finally granted permission, grudgingly. The stranger sat down and slowly began to play. The attention of the old sexton was arrested; he dropped into a seat and listened spellbound; soon tears coursed down his wrinkled face. He had never head such music before.
The stranger arose to go, and the custodian followed him silently to the door. Finally he managed to ask, "Who are you?" The visitor answered simply, "I am Mendelssohn." And all that the old man could do was to throw up his hands and cry, "And to think I almost refused to let you play the organ!" Every man is the custodian of the organ of his soul. What pitiful discords we make when we try to play our own instruments unaided, try to live our own lives by our own strength. Everywhere worn faces, weary hearts, broken spirits tell the story; the custodian cannot play his own organ.
But One who is greater than Mendelssohn asks to sit at the keyboard of your heart. He will bring forth music from it that you never dreamed could be there--melody instead of melancholy, hallelujahs instead of heartaches. Not only will it thrill you but others will be drawn to hear for they will perceive that you have quit playing and that the Master plays instead.
Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore; touched by a loving heart,
Wakened by kindness, chords that are broken will vibrate once more.
Doubly true is that when His heart and hand take us in charge! I think of the rich young man who came to Jesus. What a magnificent keyboard of possibilities he carried! But he chose to be his own musician and went away sorrowful "for he had great possessions." But of what use is an organ if it cannot be played, and of what use is a life abounding in promise if we deny Him who alone can make anything of it?
Jesus is passing by. Through the ages He has been bringing heavenly harmony from even the most unsightly organs. Who else could have made anything of Simon Peter? What a harsh instrument was Saul of Tarsus! Think of Augustine, the slave of lust; what an unpromising prospect was Moody, the shoe salesman; what melody could be expected of Gipsy Smith?
Mind you, we never were meant to be the organists of our souls. We cannot play but we are the custodians; we can let Jesus play or refuse Him. All the trouble in human lives begins when the custodian tries to be organist. The playing is God's part; the permission is ours.
In Tune With Heaven - Vance Havner - August 23,1936
N.J. Hiebert - 8784
March 14
And David rose up early in the morning...and went, as Jesse had commanded him... (1 Samuel 17:20)
He comes into the camp, where his brothers accuse his confidence in God and his faith, of being pride and naughtiness of heart (v.28). We too can ever expect the same treatment ourselves in following the simple path of faith. Our relatives can no more understand our motives than the Lord's brothers could understand His.
David answers Eliab: "What have I now done?" "Was it not laid upon me"? (v.29). What had he done to deserve being insulted? Did he not have a reason for going down to his brothers, when the God of Israel was daily being insulted by the enemy?
David asks "what shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel?" (v.26). He learns that "the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel." (v.25).
But it is not to obtain this reward that he enters the campaign; it is for God, for Israel's deliverance, to make the Lord known in all the earth, and that all the congregation should know how the Lord saves (vv.46-47). Doubtless his victory gives him, like Christ, great riches, a bride, and the liberation of his father's house, but this the result rather than the purpose of his work.
David announces to Saul what he is going to accomplish (v.32). The king, who can think of nothing but human methods, wants to provide him with his own armour; but David cannot go with weapons belonging to the flesh, and he has never even tried them. He wants no other weapons than those a shepherd uses to defend or regather his sheep. As for us, the Word is that weapon that faith alone can use; it overthrows Satan. Human labour can have no part in such a conflict. (2 Samuel - H. L. Rossier)
N.J. Hiebert - 8785
He comes into the camp, where his brothers accuse his confidence in God and his faith, of being pride and naughtiness of heart (v.28). We too can ever expect the same treatment ourselves in following the simple path of faith. Our relatives can no more understand our motives than the Lord's brothers could understand His.
David answers Eliab: "What have I now done?" "Was it not laid upon me"? (v.29). What had he done to deserve being insulted? Did he not have a reason for going down to his brothers, when the God of Israel was daily being insulted by the enemy?
David asks "what shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel?" (v.26). He learns that "the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel." (v.25).
But it is not to obtain this reward that he enters the campaign; it is for God, for Israel's deliverance, to make the Lord known in all the earth, and that all the congregation should know how the Lord saves (vv.46-47). Doubtless his victory gives him, like Christ, great riches, a bride, and the liberation of his father's house, but this the result rather than the purpose of his work.
David announces to Saul what he is going to accomplish (v.32). The king, who can think of nothing but human methods, wants to provide him with his own armour; but David cannot go with weapons belonging to the flesh, and he has never even tried them. He wants no other weapons than those a shepherd uses to defend or regather his sheep. As for us, the Word is that weapon that faith alone can use; it overthrows Satan. Human labour can have no part in such a conflict. (2 Samuel - H. L. Rossier)
N.J. Hiebert - 8785
March 15
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them...and there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep...and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. Acts 20:7-10
What is before us now is the "break of day." (Acts 20:11). This is the Christian's to-morrow. "The Morning Star" (Revelation 2:28) illumines the sky, and we wait for our departure. Paul "talked a long while even till break of day, so he departed." And so the church will depart. As Paul departed just before the day dawned, so it will be with the Church. All true members of the Body of Christ will depart at dawn, before God's final judgments overtake this world, and in order that the saints may appear with their Lord when He comes to reign.
"And they brought the young man alive and were not a little comforted." (Acts 20:12). Why should it tell us this except it be for our own comfort? As Paul says with reference to his doctrine of the Coming: "Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Eternal youth will characterize the Church, as Him, whose bride and companion she will be and of whom it is written: "Thou hast the dew of thy youth." (Psalm 110:3). As sharers of His life, no mark of age, or sorrow or change will ever be upon us.
The midnight darkness will be over; the storm and stress of the Church's pilgrim journey will be ended, and the "break of day" (Song of Solomon 2:17) for her will be that which finally will be ushered in. "Let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." (1 Thessalonians 5:6). We are not of the night nor of darkness, and at the break of day we shall depart. This is the period for which we wait. The Church's pilgrim journey is almost over; her sad history is almost ended; "let us lift up our heads for our redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:28) Break of Day - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 8786
What is before us now is the "break of day." (Acts 20:11). This is the Christian's to-morrow. "The Morning Star" (Revelation 2:28) illumines the sky, and we wait for our departure. Paul "talked a long while even till break of day, so he departed." And so the church will depart. As Paul departed just before the day dawned, so it will be with the Church. All true members of the Body of Christ will depart at dawn, before God's final judgments overtake this world, and in order that the saints may appear with their Lord when He comes to reign.
"And they brought the young man alive and were not a little comforted." (Acts 20:12). Why should it tell us this except it be for our own comfort? As Paul says with reference to his doctrine of the Coming: "Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Eternal youth will characterize the Church, as Him, whose bride and companion she will be and of whom it is written: "Thou hast the dew of thy youth." (Psalm 110:3). As sharers of His life, no mark of age, or sorrow or change will ever be upon us.
The midnight darkness will be over; the storm and stress of the Church's pilgrim journey will be ended, and the "break of day" (Song of Solomon 2:17) for her will be that which finally will be ushered in. "Let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." (1 Thessalonians 5:6). We are not of the night nor of darkness, and at the break of day we shall depart. This is the period for which we wait. The Church's pilgrim journey is almost over; her sad history is almost ended; "let us lift up our heads for our redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:28) Break of Day - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 8786
March 16
For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving. . . . 1 Timothy 4:4-7
The Apostle has set before us certain dangers against which the Spirit expressly warns us. Timothy was to put the brethren in remembrance of these things, and so doing would prove himself to be a good servant of Jesus Christ nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine with which he was fully acquainted. The seducing spirits, of which the Holy Spirit speaks, sought to exalt man with a sense of religious importance and sanctity. The true servant seeks to exalt Christ by ministering the truth.
To be a good servant of Jesus Christ, it is not enough to know the truth, and hold the truth; we need to be nourished by the truth, and, in practise, to follow up fully the truth. Our own souls must be fed if we are to feed others. We must be nourished, not simply in the words of teachers, however true, but "with the words of the faith" which convey to us "the good teaching" of Christianity and, if followed up, will produce a practical effect in our lives, preserving us from the evils of the later times. (v.6)
Having exhorted us to follow the truth, the Apostle warns us to refuse all that which is outside "the words of faith" (v.6). The imaginations of men will always tend to profanity and foolishness which the Apostle characterises with contempt as "old wives' fables" (v.7). Our great "exercise" should be to be found walking in piety.
The good servant will exercise himself unto piety that he may be "meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21). We may, at times, like the Corinthian saints, be very active in service, and boast in our gifts, and like them be very unspiritual through not exercising ourselves unto piety.
(Piety is that individual confidence in God that takes up every circumstance of life in relation to God) 1 Timothy - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8787
The Apostle has set before us certain dangers against which the Spirit expressly warns us. Timothy was to put the brethren in remembrance of these things, and so doing would prove himself to be a good servant of Jesus Christ nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine with which he was fully acquainted. The seducing spirits, of which the Holy Spirit speaks, sought to exalt man with a sense of religious importance and sanctity. The true servant seeks to exalt Christ by ministering the truth.
To be a good servant of Jesus Christ, it is not enough to know the truth, and hold the truth; we need to be nourished by the truth, and, in practise, to follow up fully the truth. Our own souls must be fed if we are to feed others. We must be nourished, not simply in the words of teachers, however true, but "with the words of the faith" which convey to us "the good teaching" of Christianity and, if followed up, will produce a practical effect in our lives, preserving us from the evils of the later times. (v.6)
Having exhorted us to follow the truth, the Apostle warns us to refuse all that which is outside "the words of faith" (v.6). The imaginations of men will always tend to profanity and foolishness which the Apostle characterises with contempt as "old wives' fables" (v.7). Our great "exercise" should be to be found walking in piety.
The good servant will exercise himself unto piety that he may be "meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21). We may, at times, like the Corinthian saints, be very active in service, and boast in our gifts, and like them be very unspiritual through not exercising ourselves unto piety.
(Piety is that individual confidence in God that takes up every circumstance of life in relation to God) 1 Timothy - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8787
March 17
I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? If He will contend with Him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand. He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against Him, and hath prospered? Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which over-turneth them in His anger. Job 9:2-5
We would ask ourselves the question: How is it possible that God's power works for salvation, that His good news goes out to all and is received in faith by repentant sinners without distinction of race, position or status? In Romans 1:16 and the following verses, Paul mentions that in his message of the good news God's righteousness is revealed and applied.
Later on we find how this is possible (Romans 3:21-31), namely, on the basis of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus accomplished once and for all. These passages answer Job's question of how man can be righteous with God (Job 9:2). They also explain that this declaration of righteousness, which was impossible under the old covenant, is now made possible and makes us acceptable and precious to God.
What is the basis for this message? "For He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in HIm." (2 Corinthians 5:21). Blessed effect of His sacrifice, praise God!
A. E. Bouter
The perfect righteousness of God is witnessed in the Saviour's blood;
'Tis in the cross of Christ we trace His righteousness, yet wondrous grace.
The sinner who believes is free, can say, "The Saviour died for me:"
Can point to the atoning blood, and say, "This made my peace with God."
A. Midlane
N.J. Hiebert - 8788
We would ask ourselves the question: How is it possible that God's power works for salvation, that His good news goes out to all and is received in faith by repentant sinners without distinction of race, position or status? In Romans 1:16 and the following verses, Paul mentions that in his message of the good news God's righteousness is revealed and applied.
Later on we find how this is possible (Romans 3:21-31), namely, on the basis of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus accomplished once and for all. These passages answer Job's question of how man can be righteous with God (Job 9:2). They also explain that this declaration of righteousness, which was impossible under the old covenant, is now made possible and makes us acceptable and precious to God.
What is the basis for this message? "For He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in HIm." (2 Corinthians 5:21). Blessed effect of His sacrifice, praise God!
A. E. Bouter
The perfect righteousness of God is witnessed in the Saviour's blood;
'Tis in the cross of Christ we trace His righteousness, yet wondrous grace.
The sinner who believes is free, can say, "The Saviour died for me:"
Can point to the atoning blood, and say, "This made my peace with God."
A. Midlane
N.J. Hiebert - 8788
March 18
Charity suffereth long...rejoiceth not in iniquity. 1 Corinthians 13:4,6.
The apostle here unfolds love's true character. The first eight qualities of love show that love leads to the entire renunciation of self with its impatience, lack of consideration, jealousy, aggressiveness, self-importance, lack of courteousness, selfishness, and quarrelsomeness.
1. Love has long patience. The flesh is ever impatient, but love can suffer long and wait God's time. Fleshly endurance is soon exhausted; love does not wear out.
2. Love is kind. The flesh, even if it waits, will often do so in a fretful and resentful spirit; but love, while waiting, can retain a kindly spirit of consideration for others.
3. Love is not emulous of others. The flesh ever seeks a place above others, and is jealous of favour or position bestowed on others rather than self. Love can delight without a thought of envy in honours bestowed upon another.
4. Love is not insolent and rash. The flesh is aggressive, rashly pushing itself into prominence. Love is not self-assertive, but rather retiring and reticent.
5. Love is not puffed up. The flesh is often vain and filled with self-importance. Love takes the lowly place in service to others.
6. Love does not behave in an unseemly manner. The flesh, even upper class flesh, can be rude and unmannerly. Love will lead the highest by birth, as well as the lowest, to be courteous.
7. Love does not seek what is its own. The flesh is ever selfish and seeks its own interest. Love is unselfish and disinterested, seeking the good of others.
8. Love is not quickly provoked. The flesh is ever touchy and quick to take offence and resent insults. Love is slow to anger and not easily provoked. Love, indeed, can be provoked, for we are warned that it is possible to provoke the Lord, but the Lord is slow to anger, He is not quickly provoked. H. Smith.
N.J. Hiebert - 8789
The apostle here unfolds love's true character. The first eight qualities of love show that love leads to the entire renunciation of self with its impatience, lack of consideration, jealousy, aggressiveness, self-importance, lack of courteousness, selfishness, and quarrelsomeness.
1. Love has long patience. The flesh is ever impatient, but love can suffer long and wait God's time. Fleshly endurance is soon exhausted; love does not wear out.
2. Love is kind. The flesh, even if it waits, will often do so in a fretful and resentful spirit; but love, while waiting, can retain a kindly spirit of consideration for others.
3. Love is not emulous of others. The flesh ever seeks a place above others, and is jealous of favour or position bestowed on others rather than self. Love can delight without a thought of envy in honours bestowed upon another.
4. Love is not insolent and rash. The flesh is aggressive, rashly pushing itself into prominence. Love is not self-assertive, but rather retiring and reticent.
5. Love is not puffed up. The flesh is often vain and filled with self-importance. Love takes the lowly place in service to others.
6. Love does not behave in an unseemly manner. The flesh, even upper class flesh, can be rude and unmannerly. Love will lead the highest by birth, as well as the lowest, to be courteous.
7. Love does not seek what is its own. The flesh is ever selfish and seeks its own interest. Love is unselfish and disinterested, seeking the good of others.
8. Love is not quickly provoked. The flesh is ever touchy and quick to take offence and resent insults. Love is slow to anger and not easily provoked. Love, indeed, can be provoked, for we are warned that it is possible to provoke the Lord, but the Lord is slow to anger, He is not quickly provoked. H. Smith.
N.J. Hiebert - 8789
March 19
And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told Him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. Mark 6:30.
Surely we could not do better than follow the example of the apostles in this respect. How much we should learn if we did so, and how gently He would remind us of many a failure to present the truth, or if we presented it correctly, how much we have failed to preach it in the power of the Spirit.
But we have to do with One who loves us, and this gives us confidence in telling Him everything. It is even so in human relationships, for when we are assured of one another's love we do not hesitate to tell everything. Much more should it be so when we speak to the Lord.
If we would wash another's feet aright our motive, like that of Jesus, must spring from love. "Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end." (John 13:1).
The measure of our love indicates the measure of our usefulness. As the apostle teaches us--we may spend the whole of our substance in philanthropic work, and yet without love it is of no avail.
"Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth." (1 Corinthians 8:1) I have noticed in small meetings, when love is strongly developed in the Christians, they grow, though there is no gifted teacher among them.
"And whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. (Luke 10:35). Spend anything you like on a child of God, and He will undertake to repay you.
Love to Christ is the mainspring of holiness. (Edward Dennett)
N.J. Hiebert - 8790
Surely we could not do better than follow the example of the apostles in this respect. How much we should learn if we did so, and how gently He would remind us of many a failure to present the truth, or if we presented it correctly, how much we have failed to preach it in the power of the Spirit.
But we have to do with One who loves us, and this gives us confidence in telling Him everything. It is even so in human relationships, for when we are assured of one another's love we do not hesitate to tell everything. Much more should it be so when we speak to the Lord.
If we would wash another's feet aright our motive, like that of Jesus, must spring from love. "Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end." (John 13:1).
The measure of our love indicates the measure of our usefulness. As the apostle teaches us--we may spend the whole of our substance in philanthropic work, and yet without love it is of no avail.
"Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth." (1 Corinthians 8:1) I have noticed in small meetings, when love is strongly developed in the Christians, they grow, though there is no gifted teacher among them.
"And whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. (Luke 10:35). Spend anything you like on a child of God, and He will undertake to repay you.
Love to Christ is the mainspring of holiness. (Edward Dennett)
N.J. Hiebert - 8790
March 20
Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church...he killed James...he proceeded further to take Peter also...and when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him. Acts 12:1- 4
Whose man are you? Face this question honestly. A thousand times better is it to be "the prisoner of Jesus Christ," (Ephesians 3:1) as our beloved Peter was here, than be apparently a free man, and yet all the while be the prisoner of Satan; lust, passion, and sin forming, not two, but countless unseen chains, that bind the soul in a veritable condemned cell--the world--and ensure the execution of its final judgment at the hand of God.
But the prayer of faith on earth, had moved the hand of God on high, and the time was now come for Him to step in, and do His will. No sentry said, "Ho! who goes there?" as the angel of the Lord entered the cell of the soundly sleeping Peter and "a light shined in the prison." (Acts 12:7)." God always brings in light. "In Him is no darkness at all," (1 John 1:5) is the character of His nature. I presume Peter's two keepers slept too, for they saw not the light, nor heard the voice, "Arise up quickly," which the now awakened Peter heeds, for he had been aroused by the angel's touch, ere he "raised him up." (v.7)
It would appear that as Peter obeys the call to rise, "his chains fell off from his hands." (v.7) No turnkey or smith's tool effects this. When God sets Himself to unlock man's fetters, how noiseless, rapid, and effectual is the work; and even the clanking chains, as they fall on the floor, arouse not the insensible keepers.
"Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals," (v.8) is the next command. There is no undue hurry; all is orderly. Peter obeys, and then hears, "Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me." (v.8) Thinking he "saw a vision," (v.9) and not knowing "that it was true which was done by the angel," he nevertheless accompanies him. The first and second guard are safely passed without interruption, and then "they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city, which opened to them of his own accord; and they went out and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him" (v.10). "He came to the house of Mary...where many were gathered together praying. (v.12). W.T.P Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 8791
Whose man are you? Face this question honestly. A thousand times better is it to be "the prisoner of Jesus Christ," (Ephesians 3:1) as our beloved Peter was here, than be apparently a free man, and yet all the while be the prisoner of Satan; lust, passion, and sin forming, not two, but countless unseen chains, that bind the soul in a veritable condemned cell--the world--and ensure the execution of its final judgment at the hand of God.
But the prayer of faith on earth, had moved the hand of God on high, and the time was now come for Him to step in, and do His will. No sentry said, "Ho! who goes there?" as the angel of the Lord entered the cell of the soundly sleeping Peter and "a light shined in the prison." (Acts 12:7)." God always brings in light. "In Him is no darkness at all," (1 John 1:5) is the character of His nature. I presume Peter's two keepers slept too, for they saw not the light, nor heard the voice, "Arise up quickly," which the now awakened Peter heeds, for he had been aroused by the angel's touch, ere he "raised him up." (v.7)
It would appear that as Peter obeys the call to rise, "his chains fell off from his hands." (v.7) No turnkey or smith's tool effects this. When God sets Himself to unlock man's fetters, how noiseless, rapid, and effectual is the work; and even the clanking chains, as they fall on the floor, arouse not the insensible keepers.
"Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals," (v.8) is the next command. There is no undue hurry; all is orderly. Peter obeys, and then hears, "Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me." (v.8) Thinking he "saw a vision," (v.9) and not knowing "that it was true which was done by the angel," he nevertheless accompanies him. The first and second guard are safely passed without interruption, and then "they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city, which opened to them of his own accord; and they went out and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him" (v.10). "He came to the house of Mary...where many were gathered together praying. (v.12). W.T.P Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 8791
March 21
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 1 Corinthians 3:13
The sins and iniquity of the Christian can never be brought into judgment. (Hebrews10:17) Christ has already borne their judgment on the cross, and put them all away forever by the sacrifice of Himself. There will be no second judgment of the believer's sins.
But this trial of the quality of our works should not be thought of with fear and dread, but as one of our greatest privileges; because then shall be fulfilled that precious word. "But then shall I know even as also I am known."
God is light and God is love. He is all love--all light for His children. But His love will have them in the light as He is Himself. This will be perfect blessedness; because we shall then be in the perfect light as well as the perfect love of God. "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5) Our new, our divine nature loves the light--delights in it. The least darkness would be an insupportable burden.
To be in the light, is to be manifested, for light makes manifest. Nothing can be concealed there. And we would not, blessed be His name, have one moment of our history with His tender, gracious dealings towards us, left in the dark. The heart shrinks from the very thought, notwithstanding all our weakness.
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in His body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10) When the whole course of my life is manifested in the perfect light of God--of God in Christ. "Then shall I know even as also I am known." (1 Corinthians 13:12) My judgment of all that was good and bad in that life, will be according to the perfect judgment of God. Andrew Miller
N.J. Hiebert - 8792
The sins and iniquity of the Christian can never be brought into judgment. (Hebrews10:17) Christ has already borne their judgment on the cross, and put them all away forever by the sacrifice of Himself. There will be no second judgment of the believer's sins.
But this trial of the quality of our works should not be thought of with fear and dread, but as one of our greatest privileges; because then shall be fulfilled that precious word. "But then shall I know even as also I am known."
God is light and God is love. He is all love--all light for His children. But His love will have them in the light as He is Himself. This will be perfect blessedness; because we shall then be in the perfect light as well as the perfect love of God. "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5) Our new, our divine nature loves the light--delights in it. The least darkness would be an insupportable burden.
To be in the light, is to be manifested, for light makes manifest. Nothing can be concealed there. And we would not, blessed be His name, have one moment of our history with His tender, gracious dealings towards us, left in the dark. The heart shrinks from the very thought, notwithstanding all our weakness.
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in His body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10) When the whole course of my life is manifested in the perfect light of God--of God in Christ. "Then shall I know even as also I am known." (1 Corinthians 13:12) My judgment of all that was good and bad in that life, will be according to the perfect judgment of God. Andrew Miller
N.J. Hiebert - 8792
March 22
"Why standest Thou afar off, O Lord?" (Psalm 10:1)
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
But He permits trouble to pursue us, as though He were indifferent to its overwhelming pressure, that we may be brought to the end of ourselves, and led to discover the treasure of darkness, (Isaiah 45:3) the unmeasurable gains of tribulation (Romans 5:3-5).
We may be sure that He who permits the suffering is with us in it. It may be that we shall see Him only when the trial is passing; but we must dare to believe that He never leaves the crucible.
Our eyes are holden; and we cannot behold Him whom our soul loveth. It is dark--the bandages blind us so that we cannot see the form of our High Priest; but He is there, deeply touched. Let us not rely on feeling, but on faith in His unswerving fidelity; and though we see Him not, let us talk to Him.
Directly we begin to speak to Jesus, as being literally present, though His presence is veiled, there comes an answering voice which shows that He is in the shadow, keeping watch upon His own.
Your Father is as near when you journey through the dark tunnel (Psalm 23:4) as when under the open heaven! Selected
"What though the path be all unknown?
What though the way be drear?
Its shades I traverse not alone
When steps of Thine are near."
N.J. Hiebert - 8793
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
But He permits trouble to pursue us, as though He were indifferent to its overwhelming pressure, that we may be brought to the end of ourselves, and led to discover the treasure of darkness, (Isaiah 45:3) the unmeasurable gains of tribulation (Romans 5:3-5).
We may be sure that He who permits the suffering is with us in it. It may be that we shall see Him only when the trial is passing; but we must dare to believe that He never leaves the crucible.
Our eyes are holden; and we cannot behold Him whom our soul loveth. It is dark--the bandages blind us so that we cannot see the form of our High Priest; but He is there, deeply touched. Let us not rely on feeling, but on faith in His unswerving fidelity; and though we see Him not, let us talk to Him.
Directly we begin to speak to Jesus, as being literally present, though His presence is veiled, there comes an answering voice which shows that He is in the shadow, keeping watch upon His own.
Your Father is as near when you journey through the dark tunnel (Psalm 23:4) as when under the open heaven! Selected
"What though the path be all unknown?
What though the way be drear?
Its shades I traverse not alone
When steps of Thine are near."
N.J. Hiebert - 8793
March 23
But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him....And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf." (Genesis 8:9-11)
God knows just when to withhold from us any visible sign of encouragement, and when to grant us such a sign. How good it is that we may trust Him anyway! When all visible evidences that He is remembering us are are withheld, that is best; He wants us to realize that His Word, His promise of remembrance, is more substantial and dependable than any evidence of our senses.
When He sends the visible evidence, that is well also; we appreciate it all the more after we have trusted Him without it. Those who are readiest to trust God without other evidence than His Word always receive the greatest number of visible evidences of love. C. G. Trumbull
Believing Him; if storm-clouds gather darkly 'round,
And even if the heaven seem brass, without a sound?
He hears each prayer and even notes the sparrow's fall.
And praising Him; when sorrow, grief, and pain are near,
And even when we lose the thing that seems most dear?
Our loss is gain. Praise Him; in Him we have our ALL.
Our hand in His; e'en though the path seems long and drear
We scarcely see a step ahead, and almost fear?
He guides aright. He has it thus to keep us near.
And satisfied; when every path is blocked and bare,
And worldly things are gone and dead which were so fair?
Believe and rest and trust in Him, He comes to stay.
Delays are not refusals; many a prayer is registered, and underneath it the words: "My time is not yet come." God has a set time as well as a set purpose, and He who orders the bounds of our habitation orders also the time of our deliverance. Selected
N.J. Hiebert - 8794
God knows just when to withhold from us any visible sign of encouragement, and when to grant us such a sign. How good it is that we may trust Him anyway! When all visible evidences that He is remembering us are are withheld, that is best; He wants us to realize that His Word, His promise of remembrance, is more substantial and dependable than any evidence of our senses.
When He sends the visible evidence, that is well also; we appreciate it all the more after we have trusted Him without it. Those who are readiest to trust God without other evidence than His Word always receive the greatest number of visible evidences of love. C. G. Trumbull
Believing Him; if storm-clouds gather darkly 'round,
And even if the heaven seem brass, without a sound?
He hears each prayer and even notes the sparrow's fall.
And praising Him; when sorrow, grief, and pain are near,
And even when we lose the thing that seems most dear?
Our loss is gain. Praise Him; in Him we have our ALL.
Our hand in His; e'en though the path seems long and drear
We scarcely see a step ahead, and almost fear?
He guides aright. He has it thus to keep us near.
And satisfied; when every path is blocked and bare,
And worldly things are gone and dead which were so fair?
Believe and rest and trust in Him, He comes to stay.
Delays are not refusals; many a prayer is registered, and underneath it the words: "My time is not yet come." God has a set time as well as a set purpose, and He who orders the bounds of our habitation orders also the time of our deliverance. Selected
N.J. Hiebert - 8794
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