Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 6:1–7:20, Mark 15:16–47, Prov 6:20–27

Today’s Theme: Jesus Crucified

The most important thing we read about today is the crucifixion and suffering of Jesus, which He endured primarily because He loves His Father, and secondly to save us from the curse and penalty of sin.

Think on the suffering and death He endured for us today, it is core and essential to His mission, our faith and the church.

Other themes today include having faith in God and living in purity, both are appropriate to the cross.

2 Kings 6:1–7:20

Make room

So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees.(2 Kings 6:4, ESV)

I love the practical nature of these prophets, they rolled up their sleeves and cut down trees making a way for themselves.

I think about this in terms of our church and the building we need, the place we are now is too small and we need to get to work (building fund, Virgo setup etc), to make a space and place for us.

A true miracle

Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float.(2 Kings 6:6, ESV)

With true miracles like this, the laws of physics can be suspended.

Those who are with us are more

He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”(2 Kings 6:16, ESV)

What an encouraging truth, we have written songs about this and say it all the time, but if we take a moment to really think about it, this should give us great confidence as God’s people.

Open our eyes

Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.(2 Kings 6:17, ESV)

Lord, may our eyes be open to the reality of the spiritual world and our place in it, on the winning side, with You and Your host of angels.

Approach God with respect

And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha.(2 Kings 6:18, ESV)

I love the way Elisha prays, it is not a stamping demand, he says please or I pray, this is the right way to approach God, we are appealing to His mercy and power, not demanding He do anything. When I hear some prayers today and the attitude in which they are said, it makes me shudder.

God answers this gracious prayer of faith and strikes the enemy with blindness.

Service earns respect

As soon as the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I strike them down? Shall I strike them down?”(2 Kings 6:21, ESV)

Look at the great respect Elisha had earned over his years of service before God, he was the real deal and had a real heart for people and even for the king, so much so that the king even calls him father.

Be led by God’s Spirit and wisdom

He answered, “You shall not strike them down. Would you strike down those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.”(2 Kings 6:22, ESV)

Elisha was led by the Spirit of God and showed great mercy and wisdom in the way he dealt with this army and answered his king.

The endgame

So he prepared for them a great feast, and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel.(2 Kings 6:23, ESV)

Endgame objective achieved, they stopped coming to raid Israel.

Self preservation

And the king asked her, “What is your trouble?” She answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give your son, that we may eat him today, and we will eat my son tomorrow.’(2 Kings 6:28, ESV)

What a disgusting spirit of self-preservation. Lord, keep us from this darkness.

A true leader feels the pain of his people

When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes—now he was passing by on the wall—and the people looked, and behold, he had sackcloth beneath on his body—(2 Kings 6:30, ESV)

The king felt the pain of his people and walked in affliction and humility, this is how a leader should be… the only problem is that the king took all the burden on his own head and did not seek the Lord, so ends up lashing out at the man of God.

Don’t be unbelieving

Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned said to the man of God, “If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” But he said, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”(2 Kings 7:2, ESV)

This is the lot for those who doubt and do not believe.

God deals with the enemy

For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians hear the sound of chariots and of horses, the sound of a great army, so that they said to one another, “Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to come against us.”(2 Kings 7:6, ESV)

The Lord will cause the enemy to flee when no one pursues. Stand on that truth as you go about your normal tasks today.

Don’t be selfish

Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come; let us go and tell the king’s household.”(2 Kings 7:9, ESV)

They were at first acting selfishly, storing up only for themselves, we must not be like this.

God is sovereign

Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Syrians. So a seah of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the Lord.(2 Kings 7:16, ESV)

Our sovereign God performs His word.

Mark 15:16–47

The crown of the curse

And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him.(Mark 15:17, ESV)

This would have put Jesus through excruciating pain. The Jerusalem thorn is a very long and hard thorn. It is significant that thorns speak of the curse which Jesus came to absorb and reverse.

The thorns driven in

And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him.(Mark 15:19, ESV)

This in addition to the crown of thorns, would have been unbearable as the thorns are driven deeper into the head of Jesus.

Mocked for our salvation

And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.(Mark 15:20, ESV)

Jesus’ mockery endured for our salvation should leave us humbled and make us bold in our stand, knowing that we should be prepared to be mocked for Him.

Simon, likely a believer

And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.(Mark 15:21, ESV)

The naming of these men is an indication that they were likely known by the original readers and were probably Christians. Will we, like Simon, bear our part of the cross today?

Jesus crucified

And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take.(Mark 15:24, ESV)

“They crucified him” Three words, if we pause for a minute and think about this, Jesus was crucified for us.

The final temptation

save yourself, and come down from the cross!”(Mark 15:30, ESV)

A final temptation from Satan.

Jesus forsaken

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”(Mark 15:34, ESV)

It seems that in those three hours, the sins of the elect were all placed on Jesus, it is at this point that He cries out. Jesus became the ultimate sin offering for us.

Testimony in death

And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”(Mark 15:39, ESV)

Even in His death, Jesus testified to the truth.

Women honoured

When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.(Mark 15:41, ESV)

This is unusual for the time, women were given a place of recognition and honour not found in the secular or religious world of the day.

Proverbs 6:20–27

Learn truth

When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.(Proverbs 6:22, ESV)

The truth we learn will lead us, guard us and speak back to us.

Adultery is a heart issue

Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes;(Proverbs 6:25, ESV)

This is what Jesus deals with in the NT, adultery is a heart issue. If we desire a woman in our heart, we have already committed adultery.

Adultery is evil

for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life.(Proverbs 6:26, ESV)

An adulterous woman is worse than a prostitute.

Don’t play with fire

Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned?(Proverbs 6:27, ESV)

If you play with the fire of lust, you will be burned.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 15

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 4:18–5:27, Mark 14:51–15:15, Prov 6:12–19

Today’s Theme: Lying vs Truth

There is a strong theme today dealing with the evil, folly and danger of lies and dishonesty. We see this in the selfish and greedy lies of Gehazi, the denial of Peter and the proverbs.

On the other side, we see Jesus testify to the truth that He is God.

Lying always leads to more pain and suffering, truth always leads to life and freedom, so walk in truth and in faith today.

Take time to meditate on the suffering Jesus endured for us today.

2 Kings 4:18–5:27

Faith in God

And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.”(2 Kings 4:23, ESV)

This was not “Word of Faith”, where the truth is not confessed and is denied for fear of the sheer power of our words, creating or destroying something or accepting current circumstances. This is essentially lying, we are called to honestly face the facts, in faith.

The fact is she had faith in God that her son could be raised from the dead and she knew her husband and did not want to cause him to panic or be worried.

We too must walk in actual faith toward God, not the power of our words, and be sensitive to the lack of faith or emotional state of those around us.

Sensitive to the needs of others

And when she came to the mountain to the man of God, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to push her away. But the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me.”(2 Kings 4:27, ESV)

Elisha was caring enough to see that she was in distress, maybe the Lord hid it from him so that their faith could be exercised. Ask God to make you sensitive to the needs of others today.

Ritual alone is dead

Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was no sound or sign of life. Therefore he returned to meet him and told him, “The child has not awakened.”(2 Kings 4:31, ESV)

Following the rituals is not enough, especially when your heart is wicked.

Sensitive, private ministry

So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the Lord.(2 Kings 4:33, ESV)

He was not doing a circus show like the TV preachers today, he went to minister to the boy in privacy.

Be careful about what you eat

One of them went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine and gathered from it his lap full of wild gourds, and came and cut them up into the pot of stew, not knowing what they were.(2 Kings 4:39, ESV)

Not just anyone and anybody can cook :), there is also a spiritual principle, the teacher of God’s word should not use ingredients he has not tested and tired. Just because a book, website or TV show said something, don’t throw it into the mix of your spiritual diet, it could make you sick.

God’s miraculous blessing

But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” So he repeated, “Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’ ”(2 Kings 4:43, ESV)

This is like the miracle that Jesus performed, God provides living bread for the men, this is symbolic of His word which we are filled with.

Also notice the lack of faith in Gehazi.

A good friend

But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”(2 Kings 5:13, ESV)

What a good servant and friend. Lord, help us to help our brothers see sense, thank you for the friends that help us to see sense when offence, pride, rage etc. seeks to ensnare us.

It was only though humility that Naaman could receive his miracle.

A prophet of integrity

But he said, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he > refused.(2 Kings 5:16, ESV)

Nothing like the so called prophets in the WOF today, who only prophesy for money.

True riches

Then Naaman said, “If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the Lord.(2 Kings 5:17, ESV)

This is awesome; because Elisha would not take the riches, Namann was able to receive the true riches of salvation and worshiping God.

The evil of lying

And he said, “All is well. My master has sent me to say, ‘There have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’ ”(2 Kings 5:22, ESV)

This was a blatant lie which will only lead to shame and punishment. Don’t tell lies.

Deception and greed

Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow.(2 Kings 5:27, ESV)

A warning to all those who would take money and be dishonest, selfish and greedy, in the name of the ministry.

Mark 14:51–15:15

Standing vs Naked Shame

but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.(Mark 14:52, ESV)

This actually happened! There is a lesson for us in it being recorded, if we run from Jesus when the world comes to attack Him, we will end up running in shame and disgrace, this is why Paul encourages us to stand.

I am

And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”(Mark 14:62, ESV)

To all the detractors that say that Jesus never said He was God, here it is in plain English. Jesus’ answer to the question is clear.

Jesus is very God of very God

You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death.(Mark 14:64, ESV)

There was no ambiguity in their minds, Jesus was claiming to be the son of God, very God of very God, He was claiming to be God.

The title of this point is taken from the Athanasian Creed which affirms God as a Triune Being.

Jesus suffers shame and abuse

And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.(Mark 14:65, ESV)

This is one of the most painful verses, that the Son of Man was spat upon and struck, it is said in just a few words but must have been an horrific experience. This was man at his worst and God at His best.

Pause and read this again, stop and meditate on the suffering that Jesus endured for our salvation and God’s glory. Let those thoughts lead you to adoration, worship and service.

Don’t deny Jesus

And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.(Mark 14:72, ESV)

This was evidence that although Peter denied the Lord in his weakness, He still belonged to Jesus and the other accounts tells us that Jesus had specifically prayed for Peter. Lord, help us not to deny You.

Evil men

But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead.(Mark 15:11, ESV)

These were truly wicked men, it is likely they were heavily influenced by demonic spirits.

Don’t be a coward

So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.(Mark 15:15, ESV)

This man had the opportunity to be bold and do the right thing, but he was a people pleaser. Lord, keep us from this trap of trying to please men, which leads to cowardice.

This scourging is one of the most painful things that Jesus went through.

Proverbs 6:12–19

Be honest

A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech,(Proverbs 6:12, ESV)

We should be open, clear and honest.

God hates lies

a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.(Proverbs 6:19, ESV)

One of the key things that God hates is lies and dishonesty.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 15

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 3:1–4:17, Mark 14:22–50, Prov 6:6–11

Today’s Theme: Poured Out

Today we read that Jesus poured out His life blood for many, this pouring out is today’s theme. We see it in the call to worship God with music, where we should pour out our hearts before God, we see it in the call to have a life of service where we pour out our lives for others.

We also see the pouring out in God’s great provision for us, the living water He gives and the great salvation we have in being able to pour out our distress and sorrow before Him.

Jesus poured out His life for us so that we should live our lives for Him. Be energised by that truth today and pour out your life before and for God.

2 Kings 3:1–4:17

A glimmer of hope

He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, though not like his father and mother, for he put away the pillar of Baal that his father had made.(2 Kings 3:2, ESV)

There appears to be a small glimmer of hope with the son of Ahab, he is not as evil as his parents. We do not need to allow the shortcomings of our parents or forefathers to define us, we can be new in Christ.

A life of service

And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, through whom we may inquire of the Lord?” Then one of the king of Israel’s servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.”(2 Kings 3:11, ESV)

Elisha lived a life of service before Elijah and was known for his service. Jesus showed us an example of the servant-like lives we should have, when He washed the disciples’ feet and told us to do the same.

Music is spiritual

But now bring me a musician.” And when the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon him.(2 Kings 3:15, ESV)

Note the spiritual nature of music, God created music. When we read the biblical accounts of heaven (not the modern visions which all seem to contradict each other), we see that it is a place full of music, worship, praise and song.

The enemy knows the power of music and so he uses it to drive home evil messages and steal the worship that belongs to God alone.

Music should be a part of our lives as Christians, as we worship and praise God in song. Spend time before God in worship today. As we worship God, we feel His presence and bring Him joy. Let rivers of living water flow today.

Miracles are a small thing for God

This is a light thing in the sight of the Lord. He will also give the Moabites into your hand,(2 Kings 3:18, ESV)

Doing this great miracle is a simple and small thing to God, He is all powerful and can do anything, nothing is too difficult for Him.

Living water

The next morning, about the time of offering the sacrifice, behold, water came from the direction of Edom, till the country was filled with water.(2 Kings 3:20, ESV)

The Lord provides water in a dry and thirsty land. If you are in a dry place today, cry out to Him for living water.

The demonic power of fear

Then he took his oldest son who was to reign in his place and offered him for a burnt offering on the wall. And there came great wrath against Israel. And they withdrew from him and returned to their own land.(2 Kings 3:27, ESV)

This was a demonic and wicked king. His desperate and dark act infuses his troops with the will to win and they smash the Israelites forces with a demonic fierceness and fury.

The Israelites were possibly frightened by the ceremony and extremeness of the sacrifice and so lost faith, thinking Moab’s god was real and was angry. This coupled with the inspired enemy troops led to their defeat.

We must not allow ourselves to be caught up in the deception, evils and lies of the enemy. Keep your eyes on God in the midst of the battle and keep on fighting in faith.

The devil will do and empower the most abominable things, to capture your faith with fear and take your eyes off God and His word. Stay focused, and keep fighting in Jesus’ name.

God’s abundant provision

When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing.(2 Kings 4:6, ESV)

This woman responded to God’s word from the prophet, in faith. God will provide for us as His vessels, with all that we need.

Be kind

But the woman conceived, and she bore a son about that time the following spring, as Elisha had said to her.(2 Kings 4:17, ESV)

This child was a miraculous reward for her kindness, we should be kind too.

Mark 14:22–50

Poured out for many

And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.(Mark 14:24, ESV)

Jesus’ blood was not spilt, it was poured out as a ransom for many, not for all, but for the many elect from every nation, tribe and tongue.

The sorrow of Jesus

And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.”(Mark 14:34, ESV)

Jesus was under great emotional strain and distress, this was part of His suffering for us. If you are in a place of sorrow, depression, stress or pressure, Jesus understands and has taken the burden in the garden.

Cast your cares on Him today, He is our faithful, loving and powerful saviour. Don’t try to handle your distress on your own, you need God’s strong arms to help you, so humble yourself and trust Him with every distress.

Surrender your will to God’s

And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”(Mark 14:36, ESV)

This was the great victory of Jesus, that He laid down His will before God. If Jesus did this, how much more should we.

Be alert and aware

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”(Mark 14:38, ESV)

We should be alert and aware (not taken up in delirium and emotional excesses), and pray that we are not caught out by the enemy.

Jesus the teacher

Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.”(Mark 14:49, ESV)

Jesus spent most of His ministry teaching; He taught in the temple, in synagogues and in the streets and homes of the people, pointing them back to God.

He even teaches now by declaring that the only reason He is allowing Himself to be seized, is to fulfil the scriptures.

Proverbs 6:6–11

Prepare and gather

she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.(Proverbs 6:8, ESV)

We should have this mentality with our study of God’s word and with money too.

Sleep and slumber

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,(Proverbs 6:10, ESV)

I constantly feel this coming against me but the victory is won by God’s grace (or these notes would never be written, for example). Lord, help us to be energetic in all that we do.

We need to make a conscious decision to serve God with everything and ask the Holy Spirit to energise our bodies and change our hearts, so that we so desire God that, that desire wakes us up and carries us forward.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 14

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 1:1–2:25, Mark 13:24–14:21, Prov 6:1–5

Today’s Theme: Eternal Words

Today we see the eternal power of God’s word. The prophecies of Jesus are so sure that they are like a fig tree, indicating the nearness of His coming, just like the leaves on a tree point to the coming season.

We can trust in the word of God which is sure and eternal.

2 Kings 1:1–2:25

Humility can save you

Again the king sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up and came and fell on his knees before Elijah and entreated him, “O man of God, please let my life, and the life of these fifty servants of yours, be precious in your sight.(2 Kings 1:13, ESV)

Because of humility this captain of fifty, was able to save his life and the lives of those with him.

Dedication and commitment

And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.(2 Kings 2:2, ESV)

This man was dedicated and committed despite rejection… a lesson for us today.

Bold request

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.”(2 Kings 2:9, ESV)

This was a bold request. Exercise your faith and make a bold request from God today.

Tear away the old self

And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. And he took up the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.(2 Kings 2:12–13, ESV)

Symbolic of tearing away the old self and taking up the new, this is needed especially to serve the Lord effectively. Romans 13:14

A purifying miracle

Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, “Thus says the Lord, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it.”(2 Kings 2:21, ESV)

This is an amazing miracle, salt does purify so it has symbolic significance. We need salt in our lives too, to heal and preserve us and others.

Don’t make fun of people

He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!”(2 Kings 2:23, ESV)

Making fun of people can be dangerous, we should not allow folly to bring shame to us.

Mark 13:24–14:21

A meteor shower

and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.(Mark 13:25, ESV)

This is not a star as we know it, the word is ‘aster’ and just means ‘heavenly body’, so this is likely a meteor shower.

The elect gathered

And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.(Mark 13:27, ESV)

The doctrine of election is made clear here, we are not universalist.

The fig tree?

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.(Mark 13:28, ESV)

This is a general lesson from a fig tree, Jesus has given us prophecies to indicate when the time of His second coming is close. He compares the events which He prophesies, to a tree putting out leaves and letting us know summer is near.

The whole body of Jesus’ prophecies concerning  His return, are the fig tree. We watch to see His prophecies come to pass, as an indicator to the closeness of His return.

Eternal words

Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.(Mark 13:30, ESV)

Two powerful truths here; one is that this world will pass away. Secondly, it is that the words of Jesus are eternal. We can trust in God’s word.

Jesus limits Himself while on earth

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.(Mark 13:32, ESV)

Jesus limited His knowledge while on earth in His incarnation.

Be on guard

Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.(Mark 13:33, ESV)

This is the command to the church, we must be alert.

Stay awake

Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—(Mark 13:35, ESV)

Only by staying in the word will we stay awake.

The madness of religion

for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”(Mark 14:2, ESV)

What a murdering religious spirit. Read it again, this shows the folly of religion.

Give God everything

But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.(Mark 14:6, ESV)

Giving our all to God is a beautiful thing, and this act of devotion is always proclaimed with the Gospel.

Don’t betray Jesus

For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”(Mark 14:21, ESV)

The fate of Judas was indeed terrible, the lesson for us is that we should not turn our backs on and betray Jesus

Proverbs 6:1–5

Fulfil your pledges

Give your eyes no sleep and your eyelids no slumber;(Proverbs 6:4, ESV)

This entire message is saying that we must quickly fulfil our words and promises to others.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 14

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 22:1–53, Mark 12:35–13:23, Prov 5:11–23

Today’s Theme: God’s Electing Love

Today we see the electing love of God in saving His chosen people. God’s electing love is a demonstration for us to follow in our own relationships, especially with our spouse.

We also see the providence of God at work in bringing prophecy to pass, and His great desire to save people from every nation, tribe and tongue before the end comes.

1 Kings 22:1–53

Do not be fooled by theatrics

But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the Lord of whom we may inquire?”(1 Kings 22:7, ESV)

He could see the theatrics and knew the prophets were false. This was a wicked king, how much more should we as God’s people, be discerning.

Have integrity

But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.”(1 Kings 22:14, ESV)

This was a true man of integrity. As God’s people, we should be the same.

The councils of heaven

And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?’ And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’(1 Kings 22:22, ESV)

An amazing insight into the councils of heaven, and the nature of spirits. Dr Michael Heiser has a great book on this, called The Unseen Realm, released in 2015  by Lexham Press.

We need to pray that we are led by the Spirit of truth, not error.

A real man of God

And Micaiah said, “If you return in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me. ” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!”(1 Kings 22:28, ESV)

This was an example of a real man, bold and without compromise.

You cannot hide

And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes.” And the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle.(1 Kings 22:30, ESV)

He knew he was in rebellion, hiding himself was not going to help. No one can hide from God, the consequence of sin or judgment. Our only hope and refuge is in Jesus.

God’s providence

But a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. Therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.”(1 Kings 22:34, ESV)

This is the providence of God, even in judgement. The following is taken from the Westminster Confession of Faith concerning the providence of God:

“God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, (Heb. 1:3) direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, (Dan. 4:34–35, Ps. 135:6, Acts 17:25–26,28) from the greatest even to the least, (Matt. 10:29–31) by His most wise and holy providence, (Prov. 15:3, Ps. 104:24, Ps. 145:17) according to His infallible foreknowledge, (Acts 15:18, Ps. 94:8–11) and the free and immutable counsel of His own will, (Eph. 1:11) to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy. (Isa. 63:14, Eph. 3:10, Rom. 9:17, Gen. 45:7, Ps. 145:7)”

The sin of homosexuality

And from the land he exterminated the remnant of the male cult prostitutes who remained in the days of his father Asa.(1 Kings 22:46, ESV)

Jehoshaphat wiped homosexuality out of the land, but the spirit remained and now modern day Tel Aviv has become a centre for homosexual activism. We continue to pray for those in bondage to this sin and for those who are deceived by arguments that it is ok and not a sin before God.

Parental responsibility

He served Baal and worshiped him and provoked the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger in every way that his father had done.(1 Kings 22:53, ESV)

Our children will invariably follow our ways, we have a responsibility as men before God, to live right.

Mark 12:35–13:23

The eternal Son of God

David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.(Mark 12:37, ESV)

This proves the pre-existent eternal nature of Jesus as the Son of God.

Don’t be pretentious

who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”(Mark 12:40, ESV)

Lord, keep us from the selfish, lying and pretentious spirit. We are called to be genuine, kind and loving.

70 AD

And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”(Mark 13:2, ESV)

Jesus’ prophecy about 70AD was accurate, the temple and Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans.

Do not be alarmed

And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet.(Mark 13:7, ESV)

Jesus warned us against alarmism over wars and news about wars, He taught us that these things will happen but that they are not a sign of the end. Wars are horrific, but wars have continued for the past 2000 years and none of them are signs of the end.

A true sign

And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.(Mark 13:10, ESV)

We must finish the mission, this gospel must be preached to every nation tribe and tongue, before the end comes.

This is a true sign which is in the hands of God, through the saving work of the Holy Spirit and the efforts of the true church, to preach the gospel in every corner of the earth.

You can keep up with the progress of the mission with the Joshua Project here

There are great books about this, like “Finish the Mission”, “Let the Nations be glad” and ” A Holy Ambition”, available for free here.

Called to endurance

And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.(Mark 13:13, ESV)

We are called to perseverance and endurance in our walk as Christians.

God’s electing love

And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.(Mark 13:20, ESV)

This is global language, thank God for His electing love. Glory to His name.

False sings and wonders

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.(Mark 13:22, ESV)

We must beware of the alluring power of false signs and wonders. We need to exercise biblical and spiritual discernment.

Proverbs 5:11–23

Be teachable

I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors.(Proverbs 5:13, ESV)

We must have a teachable attitude.

Sexual purity

Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well.(Proverbs 5:15, ESV)

This is a call to sexual purity. Men should have sex with their own wife alone, it is the only water we need, should want and that will satisfy you. The broken cisterns of pornography and unfaithfulness do not bring lasting satisfaction.

Don’t be unfaithful

Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets?(Proverbs 5:16, ESV)

Should a husband or wife run around town in sexual unfaithfulness?… No.

Rejoice in your wife

Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth,(Proverbs 5:18, ESV)

Enjoy your marriage.

Sexual enjoyment

a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.(Proverbs 5:19, ESV)

Yes be drunk with love, enjoy the gift of intimacy and pleasure in the marriage relationship, created and ordained by God for His glory and our enjoyment.

Sin brings bondage

The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.(Proverbs 5:22, ESV)

Sin brings bondage, especially sexual sin.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Mark 13