bible

Reflection on Romans 16:25-27

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Scripture

All glory to the only wise God, though Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

Observation

The Good News, the gospel of Jesus Christ, was hidden in the past but is now made plain. The message is now preached to the Gentiles everywhere.

Praise be to God!

Application

Hallelujah! God’s grace is open to everyone, not just Jews but every human being is able to respond to the gospel and brought into God’s kingdom.

People from every tribe, tongue and nation will be in God’s kingdom. Nobody is excluded except by their own choice.

Prayer

What an awesome God you are Father! You love everyone and have made salvation open to all. Thank you. Amen

Reflection on 2 Samuel 7:1-16

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2Sam7

Scripture

“Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time and your throne will be secure for ever.”

Observation

King David decides that he should build a temple, a house for the Lord. At first the prophet Nathan thinks this is fine, for the Lord is with David. But that night the Lord speaks to Nathan.

David is not to build a house for the Lord, but his son will. Better still, God will build a house for David- his kingdom will continue for ever.

Application

Sometimes we get an idea that we want to serve God. Like David, our passionate love for the Lord drives us to express itself in service.

We need to make sure that we are serving God in His way and not just doing something that we think is a good idea.

Even when God’s plans are different to what we expect, His grace is enormous. David wanted to build a house for the Lord, but God build David a house, a dynasty that culminates in Jesus.

David could not have begun to imagine what God would promise in return for a desire to serve Him.

The power of grace is seen in this- whenever we sincerely seek to obey God, we get it right, even when we get it wrong.

Prayer

How awesome you are Lord. Please help me to honour you by doing the deeds you want and not just doing good deeds. Amen.

Reflection on John 1:19-28

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Scripture

John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming.’”

Observation
John is preaching and baptising in the wilderness. The Jewish leaders send people to ask him who he is.

John replies that he is not the Messiah. This perplexes them. John tells them he is the one clearing the way for the Lord.

The Pharisees ask John what right does he have to baptise. John tells them that right there in their midst is one coming after him whose sandals he is not worthy to untie.

Application
John was very clear that his role was to announce the Messiah not to be the Messiah. Everything he did was to point people to Jesus.

This is the core reason for our existence on earth- to point people to Jesus.

Not many of us are called to preach and baptise in the desert, living on locusts and wild honey. But we are all called to bear witness to Jesus the Lord, Saviour and Messiah.

Prayer
Father, may all of my words and actions speak to others about the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

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Scripture

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances. This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Observation
This section is headed “Final Exhortations” in my bible as if they are tacked on at the end of the main body of the letter. On the contrary, they are vital to christian living.

We are to rejoice, pray and give thanks at all times. This is God’s will for us.

The Holy Spirit must not be quenched nor prophecies scoffed at. Rather we must test every word and hold on to what is good.

Application
Life in the Spirit is meant to be both joyful and realistic.

The joy is not happy-clappy plastic smiles covering over a life of disappointment or tragedy. It is the steady hope that comes from faith in Jesus- even in the mists of tragedy or suffering.

The realism is that while we are supposed to be open to the Holy Spirit, Paul recognises that sometimes we get it wrong so that flesh is manifested not Spirit. When that happens we just evaluate what a person is saying. If it is from the Lord, receive it and if not then ignore it.

Whatever we do, we must not quench the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is given to draw individuals and whole congregations closer to the Father, so let’s exercise that ministry.

Prayer
Lord, grant me your joy, that confidence that knows nothing can separate me from your love, and let your Holy Spirit flow out of me to lead others to you. Amen.

Reflection on Mark 1:1-8

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Scripture

“I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”

Observation
Isaiah the prophet wrote, “I will send my messenger to prepare the way.” Mark tells us this messenger was John.

John appeared, baptising in the wilderness and preaching repentance and forgiveness of sins. Everyone came out to confess their sins and be baptised.

John told them that someone more powerful and more praiseworthy than him was coming. While John baptised with water, the Messiah would baptise with the Holy Spirit.

Application
John was the one who prepared the way for Jesus to come in. He prepared the hearts of the people for a new move of God.

John was not the main player. He pointed people to Jesus who would baptise with the Holy Spirit.

We are not required to convert people, but just to point them to Jesus. It takes a Saviour and the Holy Spirit to bring a person to salvation. All we can do is show the way.

Prayer
Thank you Lord for John the Baptist whose role was to prepare people for what was to come. Help me to likewise show the people around me that they need Jesus. Amen.

Reflection on 2 Peter 3:8-15

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trust

Scripture

But in keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

Observation

With the Lord, a thousand years is the same as a day. He is not slow to keep His promise. Rather He is patient, holding back the day of judgement until all who are willing come to repentance.

The Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly like a thief. The old earth and heavens will be destroyed and replaced by a new earth and heaven.

We ought to live as the people of light not in darkness, looking for eternity and being spotless and blameless.

Application

We live in the end times. Jesus could return at any time. We think it’s been a long time, but from God’s perspective we are only in the third day.

We think that God is slow to keep His promises. The problem is with our appetite for instant solutions and our inability to see the long term. We need to learn to look at time in the light of eternity.

Prayer

Thank you Lord that you are working in my life. Sometimes I can’t see this because I want quick fixes. Please help me to trust in your timing. Amen.

Reflection on Psalm 85

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Revive this land Lord

Restore us to you

O God our Saviour

Grant us repentance

Show us salvation

Our fathers knew you

Our mothers walked in faith

But this generation

Flees the way of God

Revive us Lord

Let faith and holiness meet

Right here

In this dry and thirsty land.