bible

Reflection on 1 Peter 3:18-22

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noah-cross

Scripture

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he has been raised to life in the Spirit.

Observation

Christ was sinless, but He died to bring us sinners to God.

In His time of death, Jesus preached to the imprisoned spirits, rebels from before the time of Noah. Just as Noah and his family alone were saved by God from the judgement, now God saves us through the waters of baptism.

Application

Jesus saves us and His power to save is limitless.

He saves us from God’s judgement on sin because His blood washes away our sin.

He saves us from evil spirits because He is stronger than any of them.

He saves us from death because He rose from the grave and now sits in the place of authority in heaven.

Prayer

Thank you Jesus for your power to save us from judgement, death and evil. I receive your grace now. Amen.

Reflection on Genesis 9:8-17

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Scripture

“I establish my covenant with you. Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy life on earth.”

Observation
God calls Noah and his family out of the ark where He makes a covenant with them and with every living creature. He promises that He will never again send a flood to cut off all life on the earth.

The sign of this promise is the rainbow which God sets in the clouds to remind both God and His people that there will not be another flood.

Application
It is interesting the number of times that this covenant is mentioned in this short passage and in the chapter as a whole.

God’s covenant with the planet is being emphasised. He will not break this promise.

No matter how severe a local flood event might be, we can be sure that it will not spread to the whole earth.

God’s grace is such that whenever there is discipline it comes to an end. God does not keep on whacking us. The floods recede and a rainbow appears.

Sometimes it seems like a time of difficulty will never end, but God’s rainbow reminds us to put our trust in Him and to know that He is good.

Prayer
Thank you Father that you do show us rainbows to remind us of your goodness. Amen.

Reflection on Mark 9:1-9

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Scripture

His clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them.

Observation
Jesus takes Peter, James and John up to a high mountain. There, Jesus’ appearance is transformed and his clothes become whiter than any bleach could make them.

Elijah and Moses appear and talk with Jesus. Peter talks about building shelters. A cloud comes over and God speaks from the cloud.

Then it’s over. Jesus tells them not to tell anyone until after He has risen from the dead. They don’t tell anyone but they do wonder about what Jesus means by “rising from the dead.”

Application
The heavens break into a normal day.

Peter, James and John go up a mountain with Jesus expecting to get some extra teaching, maybe to pray. Instead heaven breaks in.

The veil is lifted and they see for the first time the true glory of Christ. Then God the Father speaks from a cloud, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to Him.”

Heaven is always just literally a footstep away; the presence of the glory of God constantly surrounds us.

In a sense nothing changed on that day, except that the disciples’ eyes were opened to see true reality.

Christians are charged with bringing heaven to earth, the kingdom of God present in the affairs of men.

We need to pray for an unveiling of our eyes to see what God is really doing around us.

Prayer
Open my eyes Lord that I might see you as you really are. Amen.

Reflection on 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

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d8a9e-cirrus-clouds_thumb

Scripture

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of God.

Observation

Paul does not lose heart because his ministry is from God. He does not use deception or distort the word of God, but sets out the truth of the gospel clearly.

The gospel is veiled to those who are perishing because the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the glory of Christ. The God who said “Let light come out of the darkness” is the one who puts the light into our hearts so that we can see the glory of Christ.

Application

The gospel has to be received as a revelation of God. Otherwise it is impossible for us to receive it.

I have seen people who have been opposed to the gospel suddenly get it and receive it. I have seen others in whom a light of revelation comes on for a short time and then is extinguished before the person receives Jesus.

Preaching to people, sharing the gospel, witnessing, is good. But we also need to prepare the soil for the gospel seed by fervent prayer for the person to be open to a revelation from God.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for making it possible for me to see your glory and to respond to the gospel. Please do this for my unsaved friends that their hearts may be enightened by you. Amen.

Reflection on 2 Kings 2:1-12

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elijah

Scripture

“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

Observation

Elijah is soon to be taken up to heaven. He embarks on a journey, along with Elisha whom Elijah keeps on encouraging to stay, but Elisha insists on following him.

At Bethel, the company of prophets comes out and tells Elisha that the Lord is going to take Elijah away. Elijah tells them not to speak about this. This scenario is repeated at Jericho.

Elijah and Elisha cross the Jordan river at Jericho. Elijah asks Elisha what he can do for him. Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.

A fiery chariot and horses come down and separate Elijah from Elisha, and Elijah is taken up in a whirlwind.

Application

Elisha is a true spiritual son to Elijah, and this is shown in his behaviour on this last day of Elijah’s life.

* he refuses to leave Elijah’s side as it becomes clear that Elijah is about to leave the earth

* he refuses to listen to those who self-importantly prophesy Elijah’s departure.

* he asks for the son’s inheritance- the “double portion”

* he is genuinely distressed when Elijah is taken up, more concerned about the relationship than his own promotion as the nation’s chief prophet.

Prayer

Lord stir up the spirit of sonship in me so that I might have the same love, loyalty and dedication to my leaders that Elisha had for Elijah. Amen.

Reflection on Mark 1:29-39

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Scripture

So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases and he cast out many demons. But, because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.

Observation
Simon’s mother-in-law is sick with high fever, so Jesus goes to her bedside and He heals her.

That evening many sick and demonised people are brought to Jesus and He heals them.

The next morning Jesus rises before daybreak to go to a lonely place to pray. Then He sets off travelling throughout Galilee preaching and casting out demons.

Application
Jesus was a man of action and not just theory. He preached, “The Kingdom of God is here” and demonstrated it with healing and casting out demons.

In the midst of the ministry, Jesus always took time out for prayer. In this passage He goes off before dawn to commune with the Father. At other times we read of Jesus drawing away to pray or spending whole nights in prayer.

I am sure that the two biggest reasons that we see so few healings in Australia are lack of faith and lack of prayer. By and large we don’t seek the Father enough. And we don’t believe that He will heal us or our friends who need healing.

Prayer
Lord I believe; help my unbelief. Build in me the faith in you that moves mountains, heals the sick and raises the dead. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 9:16-23

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Scripture

Preaching the good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News.

Observation
Paul preaches because it is God’s compulsion and calling . How terrible it would be for him to deny that calling.

If this was his own idea, Paul could demand payment for services rendered, as a right. But it is God’s call and therefore it is Paul’s privilege to preach without payment.

Paul lives in such a way as to open the doors for the Gospel, trying to find common ground with everyone to gain the right to save some.

Application
Paul preaches the Good News because it is a passion planted in him by the Lord.

We all need to find the one thing that God has planted us on this planet to do, and then go and do it with all our heart.

I have heard of young women going to remote parts of Africa and feeling that they have arrived home, and then achieving the most amazing things for God’s kingdom.

I have been called by God to Narrabri to pastor a congregation here, and I will do that for as long as I have the strength to do it, or until the Lord says it is time to move on.

When God calls is to a mission, He gives us all the resources and the passion to persevere until the job is done.

Prayer
Thank you Lord for the calling you have placed on my life. May I ever walk in that calling and be faithful to you in that. Amen.

Reflection on Isaiah 40:21-31

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eagle

Scripture

He gives power to the weak

and strength to the powerless.

Even youths will become weak and tired

and young men will fall in exhaustion

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength

They will soar high like eagles

They will run and not grow weary

They will walk and not faint.

Observation

The Lord is great and mighty, sitting high over the earth. People are just like grasshoppers to Him. He judges the princes and mighty ones of the world, blowing them away like chaff in the wind.

There is no one like the Lord who calls the stars by name, arranging them like a mighty army.

For those who trust Him, The Lord is their strength. He will raise them up on wings like eagles, and they will not grow weary.

Application

The Lord is greater than we can imagine- so powerful that He calls all the stars by name. He raises up princes and world leaders, and He pulls them down again.

This same God knows me by name too. When I trust Him, He renews my strength. When I turn to Him, He brings refreshment and energy to thrive in the midst of difficulties.

God is big enough to know the names of the stars, and to overthrow political and military powers.

He is big enough to know my name, to hear my prayers, and to overcome all the obstacles and bondages in my life.

Prayer

Lord you are amazing. I thank you for your great love for me. Help me to put my trust in you and to let you renew my strength. Amen.

Reflection on Mark 1:21-28

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Scripture

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching- and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.”

Observation
The disciples go to Capernaum where Jesus goes to the synagogue to teach. The people are amazed because He teaches with authority.

A demonised man cries out “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” Jesus commands the demon to be silent and then to come out of him.

The people are amazed by His authority over demons as well as His authority in teaching.

Application
Jesus, the Son of God, has authority to teach. He is the Truth, and His words carry the truth about God. Because He is the Truth, there is no lie, deception or error in His words.

Jesus also has authority in His deeds. He is the Creator and sustains all things. The winds and the waves obey Him, as do the evil spirits- they are all a part of His creation.

Jesus gives us the same authority. To the extent that we surrender ourselves to Him, we also can cast out demons and speak truthfully about God.

Prayer
Lord Jesus you alone are the Way, the Truth and the Life. Please help me to align my thoughts with your authority. Amen.