Today’s reading: Gen 40:1–41:37, Heb 1:1–2:18, Eccles 9:11–18

Today’s theme: Jesus, greater than Angels

Some cults, like the Watchtower Society (Jehovah Witness), claim that Jesus is merely a great angel, this is heresy because Hebrews chapter one, in line with the rest of God’s word, makes clear that Jesus is above all angels, greater than them and created them. He is very God of very God(1), the Son of God, the second member of the Trinity. The ministry of angels are important, they follow the commands of Jesus who is the Lord of Heaven’s armies.

Genesis 40:1–41:37

Interpretation comes from God

They said to him, “We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.” And Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.” Genesis 40:8 (ESV)

There is no book or rule regarding the interpretation of dreams. Joseph knew interpretation comes from God alone.

Sovereign over nature

And the doubling of Pharaoh’s dream means that the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about. Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:32–33 (ESV)

God is Sovereign over the elements and can use them to steer nations and people to His purpose.

Hebrews 1:1–2:18

Jesus, greater than Angels

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14 (ESV)

This chapter makes clear that Jesus is not an angel and is greater than the angels. It also tells us what angels really are.

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

Additional resources

CARM on Jehovah Witnesses

Jesus Christ: Infinitely Superior to Angels

(1) Where I mention very God of very God, I am quoting a famous line from the Nicene Creed which you can read in it’s entity below:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven and was Incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life; who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spake by the prophets.

And I believe one holy catholic (or universal) and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

Hyde, D. R. (2010). Welcome to a Reformed Church: A Guide for Pilgrims (pp. 5–6)

Today’s reading: Gen 38:1–39:23, Matt 27:32–28:20, Eccles 9:7–10

Today’s theme: Jesus is risen

There are a lot of great lessons in today’s reading. One of the most important is the FACT that Jesus is risen from the dead. He literally died for us and then actually had a bodily resurrection. We fulfil the great commission to make disciples of a living, powerful and victorious risen King Jesus.

Genesis 38:1–39:23

Breakthrough

But as he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out. And she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” Therefore his name was called Perez. Afterward his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah. Genesis 38:29–30 (ESV)

His name literally means breakthrough. From Him would come David and later Jesus. This shows that God can take the most broken situations and use them for his glory and purpose.

Sin offends God

He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9 (ESV)

Joseph had the correct understanding of the nature of sin, he knew that although Potiphar had been good to him it was only because of God. The sin would be towards God and offend God more than it was towards man. When we sin, people may be hurt as a result but that is secondary to the offence we cause towards God.

Loyal love

But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Genesis 39:21 (ESV)

God’s love for Joseph is constant, steadfast and loyal. This should comfort us and show us how to love.

Matthew 27:32–28:20

Jesus Son of God

and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Matthew 27:40 (ESV)

Further evidence that Jesus clearly claimed to be the Son of God! If He did not claim this then what were his accusers talking about?

Jesus actually died

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. Matthew 27:50 (ESV)

Jesus died on the cross for our sin (He did not faint like some say). Thank you Jesus.

Jesus rose on Sunday

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Matthew 28:1 (ESV)

This is why we see the earliest Christians meeting on a Sunday instead of a Saturday. It is because Jesus rose on the first day of the week.

Jesus is risen

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6 (ESV)

Hallelujah!!, Jesus is risen from the dead. Fact!!

Jesus receives worship

And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Matthew 28:9 (ESV)

Jesus receives their worship because He is not an Angel or a created being, He is the Son of God

Make disciples

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

The great commission given to us by Jesus was not to make converts but to take the time and effort to make disciples. A disciple needs to be taught the word of God and apply that word to their lives in obedience.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on the Resurrection of Christ

TableTalk on the Resurrection of Christ

Today’s reading: Gen 37:1–36, Matt 26:57–27:31, Eccles 9:1–6

Today’s theme: The suffering of Christ

Take time today to stop and consider the horrific suffering Jesus endured for us. Jesus affirms Himself as Messiah, the Son of Man, the Son of God (so equal with God) and the King. Despite all of this He suffered terribly for our salvation. Take time to think about this today and thank God for His great love for us.

Genesis 37:1–36

A captivating true story

Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard. Genesis 37:36 (ESV)

How can anyone say the Bible is boring? The true stories it records are relayed in such a captivating way and trump the false stories from Hollywood as the Bible’s accounts hold important lessons of eternal significance.

If you read through the chapter quickly… read it again… this time enjoy the story… see the providence and plan of God working itself out.

Matthew 26:57–27:31

The Son of Man

Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:64 (ESV)

This is a bold declaration by Jesus that He is the Son of God. The start of the answer is only cautious because the contemporary understanding of the Messiah was flawed. The second part of the answer is a forceful and affirmative declaration, warning and identification with the prophesies of Daniel and the Psalms. These show that Jesus is the “Son of Man” (The Messiah) who the council would later know as sovereign king and judge.

Jesus, Son of God

Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. Matthew 26:65 (ESV)

Further confirmation that to the Sanhedrin, Jesus had just boldly declared Himself to be the Son of God. This would make Him equal to God, which in their eyes was blasphemy

Jesus suffered for us

Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?” Matthew 26:67–68 (ESV)

Jesus endured this suffering and shame because of His love, primarily for the Father but also His love for us. Stop and think about this and be thankful.

The lies and bondage of legalism

But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” Matthew 27:6 (ESV)

The sin of legalism had them so bound that while they were scheming to kill Jesus and had just held an illegal trial, they were still concerned with this rule.

Jesus, The King

Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Matthew 27:11–12 (ESV)

Jesus’ answer to Pilate again confirms that He is indeed the prophesied king of the Jews but not in the way that Pilate would imagine.

Don’t be a coward

So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” Matthew 27:24 (ESV)

Pilate displayed complete cowardice in trying to please the people. We should not be anything like that.

Consider the scourging of Jesus

Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.Matthew 27:26 (ESV)

The scourging of Jesus was one of the cruellest punishments He endured. The following is a note on it from the ESV Study Bible. “Roman flogging was a horrifically cruel punishment. Those condemned to it were tied to a post and beaten with a leather whip that was interwoven with pieces of bone and metal, which tore through skin and tissue, often exposing bones and intestines. In many cases, the flogging itself was fatal. The Romans scourged Jesus nearly to death so that he would not remain alive on the cross after sundown.” Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 1885). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Ecclesiastes 9:1–6

An unavoidable appointment

It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. Ecclesiastes 9:2 (ESV)

One appointment we all have to keep… death! Thank God for Jesus’ resurrection which gives us eternal life.

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

Additional resources

Medical Aspects of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Today’s reading: Gen 35:16–36:43, Matt 26:14–56, Eccles 8:10–17

Today’s theme: Lay down your will

A simple but important lesson we learn today is that we should be willing to lay our will down like Jesus did. We should give our lives sacrificially to God’s purpose and for God’s glory according to God’s will and wisdom.

Matthew 26:14–56

Communion

for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28 (ESV)

This is what we remember when we have communion. Jesus’ blood was poured out to save the “many” that would put their trust in Him, so our sin could be forgiven. The meal they were eating was the Passover which is fulfilled in Jesus as the true Passover Lamb of the New Covenant.

Don’t have false confidence

Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same. Matthew 26:35 (ESV)

We must avoid false confidence in the flesh.

Lay down your will

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39 (ESV)

This is where Jesus in a sense won the battle for our souls, by laying down His own will. His deepest desire was to do the will of the Father. We should be the same.

Ecclesiastes 8:10–17

It will be well

Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him. Ecclesiastes 8:12 (ESV)

This is very encouraging!

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

Additional resources

Tabletalk on Matthew 26

DC on Matthew 26

Today’s reading: Gen 34:1–35:15, Matt 25:14–26:13, Eccles 8:1–9

Today’s theme: Faithful stewardship

We have been called to faithful stewardship with the time, resources, talents and life God has given us. We should actively use all we have in the joyful service of our king and flee the allure of selfish indifference and inaction. We can rejoice in the fact that our reward was prepared for us from the foundation of the world so let’s be encouraged to be faithful to and for God.

Genesis 34:1–35:15

The sin of rape

And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he seized her and lay with her and humiliated her. Genesis 34:2 (ESV)

In today’s language this (humiliated her) would be called rape. A man forcing himself sexually on a woman is always a sin in every possible context.

Be careful about agreements

Will not their livestock, their property and all their beasts be ours? Only let us agree with them, and they will dwell with us.” Genesis 34:23 (ESV)

Be careful who you enter into agreement with. You are tying yourself to the person and often it is to their benefit and not yours.

Terror from God

And as they journeyed, a terror from God fell upon the cities that were around them, so that they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. And Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him, Genesis 35:5–6 (ESV)

As we purify ourselves for His service and move forward in faith, God will deal with our adversaries and those around us.

God’s self disclosure

And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body. Genesis 35:11 (ESV)

God reaffirms and reminds Jacob of his promises (concerning the people and the land) on the basis of His self revelation as God Almighty / El Shaddai (the one able to bring His promises to pass because he has all might). One of the major purposes and themes of the Bible is God’s revelation or self disclosure to man.

Matthew 25:14–26:13

Faithful stewardship

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:21 (ESV)

We are called to faithful stewardship of the opportunities and abilities given to us by God.

Scholars say one talent was so much money that an average worker would take 19 years to earn it. This possibly points to the value we should put on our time, energy, resources and abilities.

Like the song we should serve Him with everything. It is encouraging to see the account of the reward that the Lord will give to the faithful slaves (slaves were often like family, more than just a hired servant, nothing like the slavery of modern times). This is a more joyful responsibility in The Kingdom. We will not be floating around heaven playing harps, we will have joy filled work to do for the King.

Flee lazy inaction

But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Matthew 25:26 (ESV)

The climax of this parable is with the last slave, the wicked, slothful and lazy one. Although the parable has encouraged us in the positive sense to invest our lives for the sake of the King and His Kingdom, the main point is to warn us against lazy inaction, fearful human reasoning and indifference.

Let’s not be lazy, we need to wake up and be alert while actively, deliberately and violently serving the King with everything (the 1st and greatest commandment).

God’s plan for His sheep

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matthew 25:34 (ESV)

God’s pre-ordained plan for the sheep (his elect) is so sure that it was prepared from the creation of the world. This should encourage us to press on to obtain the sure prize laid up for us through “living out” our lives as disciples.

The least of these

Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ Matthew 25:45 (ESV)

The way we treat fellow believers, the Jewish people, the poor etc. reveals the truth of who we are in our hearts and points to our relationship (or lack of it) with the Lord.

Extravagant worship

But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. Matthew 26:10 (ESV)

This extravagant worship and sacrifice for Jesus should characterise all believers and should trump any social outreach we are a part of. The 1st command over and above the 2nd. This is one of the reasons her act is remembered in the Gospel accounts as Jesus prophesied.

Ecclesiastes 8:1–9

Wickedness will not deliver

No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. Ecclesiastes 8:8 (ESV)

A sober reminder and a good point for evangelism.

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

Additional resources

Stand (book)