Leviticus 2:1-3:17; Mark 2:1-12; Psalms 36:6-9; Proverbs 12:18

NT: “They came to him bringing a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they were not able to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and after digging through it, they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” But some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts: “Why does he speak like this? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Right away Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were thinking like this within themselves and said to them, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat, and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he told the paralytic — “I tell you: get up, take your mat, and go home.” Immediately he got up, took the mat, and went out in front of everyone. As a result, they were all astounded and gave glory to God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”” (‭‭Mark‬ ‭2:3-12‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

What a great story – both of the paralyzed man’s friends and their persistent faith, and of the power of forgiveness. The paralytic was literally paralyzed in his sins. Not every malady is caused by someone’s sin, but in this particular case, this man’s rejection of God had opened the door to and brought on a physical condition. The paralytic’s friends cared about him and brought him to Jesus… and when the conventional way was blocked, they persisted and made sure their friend got to where he needed to go. Do we persist in bringing sinful people to Jesus, or do we give up when our first efforts are blocked? What this man needed more than anything was to have his sins dealt with, and that is what Jesus addressed first. Many times, the bondages we have, though they are physically manifested, have a spiritual origin. If we treat only the physical symptoms, we won’t cure the illness. Jesus sought to cure the illness so that the man would be truly free. By claiming to have forgiven the man’s sins, Jesus was, in essence, claiming to be God. When the scribes internally questioned Jesus’ claims, Jesus proved that He was God by both knowing their internal thoughts and demonstrating His authority to forgive by physically healing the paralytic. One of the greatest miracles is the miracle of forgiveness. It breaks bondages and set’s people free. It heals the festering wounds of bitterness and brings life to bodies that have atrophied and died because of sin. Jesus has the power and authority to forgive – and He has given us the power and authority to forgive sins committed against us.

Psalms: “Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your judgments like the deepest sea. Lord, you preserve people and animals. How priceless your faithful love is, God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They are filled from the abundance of your house. You let them drink from your refreshing stream. For the wellspring of life is with you. By means of your light we see light.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭36:6-9‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

This continues the poetic description of God’s goodness that began in verse 5. Consider the imagery David uses: Mercy/faithful love that reaches beyond our sights into the heavens, faithfulness that reaches as far as we can see to the clouds, righteous that stands strong over everything and becomes a permanent landmark and reference point, justice that goes farther and deeper than we can imagine. From the Highest highs to the lowest lows, encompassing everything we see and going beyond to cover everything we don’t understand – God’s goodness is there and sovereign over it all. Those who choose to trust in God’s goodness, power, and authority are filled with His unending abundance. His abundance – His life is like a refreshing stream that flows from a gushing spring that never runs dry… that always satisfies even when everything else is dry. That is what life is like in the Lord, in the midst of His priceless mercy and faithful love, where sins are forgiven and all is made clear by His light.

Leviticus 1:1-17; Mark 1:29-45; Psalms 36:1-5; Proverbs 12:15-17

NT: “Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. So he went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them. When evening came, after the sun had set, they brought to him all those who were sick and demon-possessed. The whole town was assembled at the door, and he healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying… He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. Then a man with leprosy came to him and, on his knees, begged him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him. “I am willing,” he told him. “Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.” (‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:30-35, 39-42‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

In this passage of Mark, we see the mercy and compassion of Jesus – His desire to serve selflessly – fully on display. After a full day of teaching in the synagogue of Capernaum, they retreat to Peter’s house for dinner. Peter’s wife and mother-in-law can’t serve them food because Peter’s mother-in-law is sick. So instead of waiting to be served, Jesus serves by completely healing Peter’s mother-in-law. Then after dinner, the entire town shows up at their front door with all sorts of issues. What does Jesus do? He ministers to them all until the late hours of the night, healing them and setting them free from the demonic. Early the next morning, He wakes up to spend time with the Father in prayer… then heads back into ministry… into the entire region of Galilee. He is then moved with compassion to heal a leper, and to show His care and compassion, He actually touched the leper as He healed Him. That is the Jesus who abides in us and that is the Jesus we are called to follow: not first looking our for Himself, but looking to serve the needs or others.

Psalms: “An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked person: Dread of God has no effect on him. For with his flattering opinion of himself, he does not discover and hate his iniquity… Even on his bed he makes malicious plans. He sets himself on a path that is not good, and he does not reject evil. Lord, your faithful love reaches to heaven, your faithfulness to the clouds.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭36:1-2, 4-5‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

This psalm of David juxtaposes man’s wickedness against God’s immeasurable goodness. In the first four verses, he describes the state of mankind in general. In essence, their lives are so self-focused, they can’t even see how wrong they are, for all that they see, all that they judge by is themselves. They are a walking and breathing, self-confirming bias. They have no fear of God, for they are god. They have no sense of truth or righteousness, for truth and righteousness to them is whatever they deem to be true and right. Therefore, all of their paths and plans are misguided and ultimately lead to evil. God, on the other hand is immeasurably good. His faithfulness knows no end. The term ‘faithful love’ here is translated from the Hebrew word checed. Oftentimes, checed is translated as mercy, but it goes far deeper than that. Checed is described as mercy, kindness, goodness, favor, compassion, and covenantal love. Checed is not passive, it is zealous toward another. So God is zealously merciful, zealously kind, zealously good, zealously compassionate, and zealously loving… and His checed knows no end. We see that trait of God the Father in His Son, Jesus Christ, as we look at how Jesus zealously served needy people.

Proverbs: “A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise.” (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12:15‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

To complement David assessment of mankind, we see Solomon’s description of a fool. A fool relies completely on his own understanding of things and considers all his ideas, philosophies, plans, and processes to be right. He will not be corrected for nothing that he does or thinks is wrong. On the other hand, wise people listen to counsel. But it’s not good enough to just listen to other voices and other opinions, for those voices and opinions could be coming from foolish people who are led by their own thoughts and ideas. A truly wise person listens to counsel from other proven wise people – and the wisest people of all are those who take counsel from wisdom Himself – the Lord. The Lord who is zealously good, loving, and merciful to those who seek Him.

Exodus 40:1-38; Mark 1:16-28; Psalms 35:19-28; Proverbs 12:12-14

OT: “The Lord spoke to Moses: “You are to set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, on the first day of the first month… Moses did everything just as the Lord had commanded him. The tabernacle was set up in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month. Moses set up the tabernacle: He laid its bases, positioned its supports, inserted its crossbars, and set up its pillars. Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent on top of it, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses took the testimony and placed it in the ark, and attached the poles to the ark. He set the mercy seat on top of the ark. He brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the curtain for the screen, and screened off the ark of the testimony, just as the Lord had commanded him… The cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses was unable to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud rested on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. The Israelites set out whenever the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle throughout all the stages of their journey. If the cloud was not taken up, they did not set out until the day it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and there was a fire inside the cloud by night, visible to the entire house of Israel throughout all the stages of their journey.” (‭‭Exodus‬ ‭40:1-2, 16-21, 34-38‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

After receiving detailed instructions on building the tabernacle from the Lord on Mt Sinai, and overseeing the construction of all the articles and garments of worship, it was now time to assemble the tabernacle. Notice how is says multiple times, “Moses did everything just as the Lord had commanded.” That is so important – especially in worship. Moses didn’t take creative license. He didn’t build his version of the tabernacle or his own design for the Ark of the Covenant. He didn’t arrange the furnishings in a way that please his preferences. He did everything according to the Lord’s instructions, in the way prescribed by the Lord through His word. Once everything was assembled according to the Lord’s instructions, God’s glory filled the tabernacle to where not even Moses (the man who spoke to God “face to face”) could go in. God was now abiding – tabernacling with, and leading His people. That was the point of the Exodus… that was why God set His people free – that they may worship Him – that He ma dwell among them, and through it all, allow the world to see and hear of God’s greatness and glory. And with that, Exodus ends.

NT: “They went into Capernaum, and right away he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach. They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes. Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, “What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit threw him into convulsions, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him. They were all amazed, and so they began to ask each other, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”” (‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:21-27‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

One of the characteristics that marked Jesus’ ministry was the authority with which He did and said anything and everything. We see that in this quick and summarized account from Mark – Jesus spoke with authority and He acted with authority. How did Jesus speak and act with such authority? The main reason was that He did nothing nor said anything that came from His own authority. As we see in the gospel of John, He only did and spoke what the Father was doing and saying. He did and spoke in the authority of the Father. He didn’t just tell stories from His experience, or do what all the other successful ministers of His day were doing, or give inspirational quotes from contemporary philosophers. He, like Moses, did and said everything just as His father commanded – and thus He had authority. The same should be true of us. We don’t need to titillate people by saying clever or controversial things. We don’t have to follow the latest trends. What we need to do is spend time with the Lord who has promised to dwell with us and in us, find out what He is doing and saying in these days, and do and say just that. Then we will have authority because we will be doing and saying in the Lord, by the Lord through the grace He gives as He abides in us through the Holy Spirit.

Psalms: “Do not let my deceitful enemies rejoice over me; do not let those who hate me without cause wink at me maliciously… You saw it, Lord; do not be silent. Lord, do not be far from me. Wake up and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and my Lord! Vindicate me, Lord my God, in keeping with your righteousness, and do not let them rejoice over me. Do not let them say in their hearts, “Aha! Just what we wanted.” Do not let them say, “We have swallowed him up!” …Let those who want my vindication shout for joy and be glad; let them continually say, “The Lord be exalted. He takes pleasure in his servant’s well-being.” And my tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praise all day long.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭35:19, 22-25, 27-28‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

David knew that the key to deliverance from his enemies was his nearness to the Lord. That is why he pleaded with the Lord to not be far from him. When we abide in the Lord, His word and His grace abides in us, and we follow His leading in everything, our enemies will not be victorious over us. They will not get the last word, because the Lord will be our deliverance and our defense. Do faithful followers of the Lord have setbacks? Do faithful followers of the Lord get sick? Do faithful followers of the Lord get terminal illnesses? Do faithful followers of the Lord get persecuted and even martyred? Yes they do. But if, through all those things, they remain in the Lord and full of His word and grace, those enemies will not have the final word. As a person abides in the Lord and endures chemo treatments by grace and the faithful presence of the Lord – oh the victories that are won. If a person loses his job and instead of panicking, places his trust in the Lord and walks in faith and peace – oh the victories that are won. If someone is persecuted for her faith and ultimately martyred, if they endure the persecution with faith by embracing the presence of the Lord – oh the victories that are won. Think about it… Peter and Paul were both martyred for their faith by the Roman Empire. Who had the last word? The Roman Empire was silenced millennia ago and the Emperor Nero is considered a raging lunatic, while the words of Peter and Paul, and more importantly the Gospel of the Kingdom still live and impact lives today. Rest in the Lord and abide in His presence… follow His words, His will, and His ways – and oh the victories you will win.

Exodus 39:1-43; Mark 1:1-15; Psalms 35:10-18; Proverbs 12:11

NT: “John came baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins… He proclaimed, “One who is more powerful than I am is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.” Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving him. After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”” (‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:4, 7-15‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

The Gospel of Mark was most likely written by John Mark who lived in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus and according to tradition, was the Apostle Peter’s interpreter. Therefore, it is believed that this gospel reflects the experiences of Peter as written by John Mark. Mark was written with a Roman audience in mind, so this gospel is very succinct and action packed. It focuses more on what Jesus did over what He said. It reveals Jesus as God’s servant. Because this gospel focuses on Jesus as a servant, Mark does not spend time on Jesus’ pedigree or the story of His birth. Instead it quickly gives evidence of Who Jesus was. Isaiah the prophet prophesied of Him, John the Baptist prepared the way for Him, God the Father proclaimed Who He was, and the Holy Spirit empowered and led Him. Mark then cuts to the chase and very quickly brings us to Jesus’ ministry and message: “The Kingdom of God has come near, Repent and believe the good news!”

Psalms: “Malicious witnesses come forward; they question me about things I do not know. They repay me evil for good, making me desolate. Yet when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer was genuine. I went about mourning as if for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for a mother. But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; they gathered against me. Assailants I did not know tore at me and did not stop. With godless mockery they gnashed their teeth at me.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭35:11-16‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

One of the principles of the Kingdom of God is that those in the Kingdom do not hate their enemies, but instead love them and do good for them. See Matthew 5:43-45. That is what David describes here. When his enemies became sick, he grieved for them and genuinely fasted and prayed for them, even though they were celebrating every time he made a mistake or had misfortune happen to him. So much now, our culture (especially here in the U.S.) has taken on the attitude of David’s enemies instead of care and respect for humanity. So often, when those on the opposite side of the aisle of us fail or are stricken with misfortune or sickness, we celebrate instead of being sympathetic. While that is to be expected of those in the world, it should not be true of those who are in God’s kingdom and claim to be children of God. We love our enemies and pray for them. We don’t have to agree with them or like the things they do, but we do love them as people made in the image of God and we pray for them – not wishing harm nor celebrating when harm comes to anyone. That is the way of the Kingdom – and God honors those who live in that way and blesses them with mercy, forgiveness, and peace.

Exodus 38:9-31; Matthew 28:11-20; Psalms 35:1-9; Proverbs 12:10

NT: “The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 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, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:16-20‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Many scholars believe that there were more on the mountain than just the eleven disciples. All eleven disciples believed in the resurrected Christ and proclaimed that belief until their death. Some scholars believe that up to several hundred could have been there to behold the risen Lord. But even with physical evidence there right in front of them, some doubted. There will always be doubters, skeptics, and even militant opposers, but that shouldn’t discourage belief in Christ’s resurrection. On the mountain, in front of both the believing and the curious, Jesus states a claim, gives a commission, and makes a commitment. The claim: All authority, in heaven and on earth, has new been given to Jesus the resurrected Lord. Not some… all authority. The commission: We as believers and disciples of Jesus are to go in that authority and make disciples in every strata of people on the earth. We don’t just make converts, we make disciples who have been taught the word, will, and ways of the Lord and thus walk according to the word, will, and ways of the Lord. The commitment: As we do what He has commissioned us to do in the authority that He has been given, He will always be with us. We don’t go alone, but go with Him and in Him –  yoked to Him by the Holy Spirit that He sends and baptizes us with.

Psalms: “Oppose my opponents, Lord; fight those who fight me. Take your shields — large and small — and come to my aid. Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers, and assure me, “I am your deliverance.” Let those who intend to take my life be disgraced and humiliated; let those who plan to harm me be turned back and ashamed. Let them be like chaff in the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away. Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them. They hid their net for me without cause; they dug a pit for me without cause. Let ruin come on him unexpectedly, and let the net that he hid ensnare him; let him fall into it — to his ruin. Then I will rejoice in the Lord; I will delight in his deliverance.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭35:1-9‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Here, David is writing about physical opponents – actual physical enemies that wanted to see him destroyed. Our enemies are not ultimately flesh and blood people, though there are sometimes people that want to either see us destroyed or see the work of God in and through our lives destroyed. Ultimately our enemy is the kingdom of darkness, which influences all sorts of opposition and evil. Sin is our enemy. Death is our enemy. In this current time, we have a virus that is being used by the kingdom of darkness to wreak all sorts of havoc on the earth – to shut down economies so that people are without necessities – to stir up panic and chaos as people worry about their livelihoods and fear for their lives – to sow animosity and hatred in peoples hearts as they grow frustrated at people who don’t behave the way they do. So I pray this prayer of David against this viral enemy and the demonically inspired chaos in its wake, and trust that the Lord who has all authority on heaven and on earth will hear my prayer and deliver.

Exodus 37:1-38:8; Matthew 28:1-10; Psalms 34:15-22; Proverbs 12:8-9

NT: “After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men. The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.” So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came up, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:1-10‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

The ground around the garden tomb shook violently as an angel touched down on earth and rolled away the stone. That scene was so powerful and stunning that the war-hardened, elite soldiers guarding the tomb were petrified and fell away like dead men. In the midst of that awesome display of power and glory, the angel comforted the women and said, “Don’t be afraid.” For those opposed to the Lord, they are to be very afraid – but to those who are with the Lord, there is no reason to fear. Then the angel told them the amazing news. Jesus was not there because He had risen! The angel didn’t come to roll away the stone and set Jesus free from the grave, for Jesus had risen and set Himself free. The angel came so that everyone could know and see what had already happened. Then the resurrected Jesus Himself appeared to the women, and after they fell at His feet to worship Him, He also said, “Do not be afraid.” Smack dab in the middle of unprecedented, unsure, and scary times – Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid.” He is all-powerful… not even death can hold Him down. If you are with Him and in Him, He is the eternal victor – don’t be afraid. He has risen! Don’t be afraid.

Psalms: “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry for help. The face of the Lord is set against those who do what is evil, to remove all memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit. One who is righteous has many adversities, but the Lord rescues him from them all. He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken. Evil brings death to the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. The Lord redeems the life of his servants, and all who take refuge in him will not be punished.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:15-22‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Those who oppose the Lord will be opposed by the Lord. It is understandable why they would be in fear. However, those who keep their eyes focused on the Lord and their ears attuned to His word will be seen and heard by the Lord and have no reason to fear. Those who walk in righteousness and counter to the ways of the world will have many adversities, but still there is no reason to fear, for the Lord will rescue them from all the adversities. Trust in the Lord, be a peace, and do not fear.

Exodus 36:8-38; Matthew 27:54-66; Psalms 34:11-14; Proverbs 12:5-7

NT: “When the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” …When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body. Then Pilate ordered that it be released. So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in clean, fine linen, and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut into the rock. He left after rolling a great stone against the entrance of the tomb… The next day, which followed the preparation day, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember that while this deceiver was still alive he said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give orders that the tomb be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come, steal him, and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” “Take guards,” Pilate told them. “Go and make it as secure as you know how.” They went and secured the tomb by setting a seal on the stone and placing the guards.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27:54, 57-60, 62-66‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

The religious leaders of the day, motivated by the kingdom of darkness, put every effort into silencing Jesus and His gospel of the Kingdom of God. Yet after a full day of mocking, berating, insulting, beating, and ultimately killing Jesus… at the end of the day, people were even more convinced that He was the Son of God. Even after Jesus was dead and buried in a tomb, with a large stone rolled over the front of it – the religious leaders were still fearful of Him. They even called on the power and authority of the mighty Roman Empire to keep Jesus buried and silenced. As the scripture says, they made the tomb as secure as they knew how. There was no way, in their minds, that Jesus was coming out of that tomb. But what are man’s best efforts compared to the power of God? Can the gospel of the Kingdom truly be killed, buried, locked down, and silenced? We are about to find out.

Psalms: “Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is someone who desires life, loving a long life to enjoy what is good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:11-14‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

What is the fear of the Lord? David says, listen to me, and I will teach you. David explains the fear of the Lord through 3 domains: speaking, doing, and pursuing. Put simply, say what the Lord says, do what the Lord does, and pursue Him completely. Trying to do that with our own best efforts, however, is going to fail. First we have to turn away from evil (repent). Among many things, evil also includes self-rule, self-righteousness, selfish ambition, etc. In turning away from evil, we turn to God and seek Him… pursue Him – for He is the source of peace. When we lay down our best efforts, our sense of right and wrong, what we believe to be just and pursue the Lord, that is the essence of the fear of the Lord. And when we fear the Lord, He gives us all grace to walk, and speak, and do righteously.

Proverbs: “The thoughts of the righteous are just, but guidance from the wicked is deceitful. The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush, but the speech of the upright rescues them. The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand.” (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12:5-7‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

The wicked are those who refuse to submit to the Lord, and instead walk in their own way – which ultimately is the way of the kingdom of darkness. Here, Proverbs juxtaposes the ultimate end of man’s best efforts with the result of walking by the grace of the Lord through faith and obedience.

Exodus 35:10-36:7; Matthew 27:32-53; Psalms 34:4-10; Proverbs 12:4

NT: “From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness came over the whole land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” …Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and offered him a drink… But Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit. Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, and the rocks were split. The tombs were also opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And they came out of the tombs after his resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27:45-46, 48, 50-53‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

After being flogged nearly to death and ridiculed by His torturers, He was rejected by His own people and forced to carry His cross to the outskirts of the city. There, He was nailed to the cross and hoisted up for all to see. As He hung there in immense pain and suffering, everyone around Him mocked Him. The sin and evil of all human existence (past, present, and future) was placed on Him, and for the first time in His life, He was separated from His Father. He received on Himself the punishment deserving of sin. He bore the just wrath for sin – and when all was complete, He gave up His spirit and died. When He died, the inevitable imprisonment to sin died with Him. The debt that sin demanded was paid in full. The veil that separated Holy God from sinful man was ripped from top to bottom, and a new and living way was opened to the Father. Captivity was made captive and the souls of the righteous dead were released from the grip of the grave.

Psalms: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him from all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and rescues them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the person who takes refuge in him! You who are his holy ones, fear the Lord, for those who fear him lack nothing.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:4-9‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

One of the overarching themes of truth found in the Bible is this: Seek the Lord, and you will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart. Half-hearted seekers aren’t guaranteed success. Those who outwardly go through the motions of seeking Him but don’t seek Him with their heart are not guaranteed success. Those who pay lip service to seeking aren’t guaranteed success. Those who lay their entire heart on the line and fully desire to find God – those are the people who will find Him. That was David – a man whose heart was after God… a man who pursued God, not a man who waited for God to pursue him. Even in his darkest and most challenging times, he sought hard after the Lord… and the Lord answered him, and rescued him from all… from all of his fears. David, because he fully sought the Lord, in the face of fear, could radiate with joy. If you look to the Lord, seek Him fully, trust Him completely, you will taste and see that the Lord is good… all the time… in every circumstance. So take the new and living way that has been made to the Father through Jesus. Receive His salvation… be found in Him… follow Him, and be rescued from all your fears.

Exodus 34:15-35:9; Matthew 27:27-31; Psalms 34:1-3; Proverbs 12:2-3

OT: “Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did not eat food or drink water. He wrote the Ten Commandments, the words of the covenant, on the tablets. As Moses descended from Mount Sinai — with the two tablets of the testimony in his hands as he descended the mountain — he did not realize that the skin of his face shone as a result of his speaking with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face shone! They were afraid to come near him… When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever Moses went before the Lord to speak with him, he would remove the veil until he came out. After he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded, and the Israelites would see that Moses’s face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil over his face again until he went to speak with the Lord.” (‭‭Exodus‬ ‭34:28-30, 33-35‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

After Moses broke the first two stone tables inscribed by God, he had to return to the mountain and re-write the commandments of God as God dictated them to him. When Moses returned from being I God’s presence for 40 days, his face radiated with God’s glory. He had become radioactive, not with harmful radiation, but holiness. As he remained in God’s presence, his body absorbed some of God’s glory, and was now radiating what he had absorbed. What happened to Moses was a physical sign that signified that he had truly been with God, and it set him apart from everyone else. While physical glowing doesn’t happen now, when we spend time with God, there should be a “glow” about us. As we live and walk full of the Holy Spirit, God’s glory (albeit not physical) should radiate from us – we should be marked as ones who have been in God’s presence… and even better… remain in God’s presence. What should radiate from us? Paul tells us in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We don’t have the ability to muster those qualities in ourselves. They only come as we allow God’s presence to abide in us through the Holy Spirit, and as we spend time with God through studying and meditating on His word, praying, and living in worship to Him.

Psalms: “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:1-3‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

The introduction to this psalm says it was written during a time that King David was fleeing for his life. It wasn’t written when he was seated on his throne in the comfort of his palace. It was written during one of the most frightening times of his life – when it seemed the whole world was against him, and he had no one to trust and no place to go. In the midst of those terrifying times, he says, “I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will always be on my lips. I will boast, not in myself – but in The Lord. Those who are humble… they will rejoice with me.” What was radiating from David at that moment? It wasn’t fear or worry or panic or anger. It was peace and joy and confidence and self-control. How was he able to do that? He knew how to spend time with the Lord and strengthen himself in the Lord when everything around him was falling apart. If he could do that, then we should be able to do that even more so.

Exodus 34:1-14; Matthew 27:15-26; Psalms 33:20-22; Proverbs 12:1

OT: “The Lord came down in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed his name, “the Lord.” The Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed: The Lord — the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation. Moses immediately knelt low on the ground and worshiped…And the Lord responded, “Look, I am making a covenant. In the presence of all your people I will perform wonders that have never been done in the whole earth or in any nation. All the people you live among will see the Lord’s work, for what I am doing with you is awe-inspiring.” (‭‭Exodus‬ ‭34:5-8, 10‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

A name is more than just a word that identifies a person and differentiates them from others. A name is representative of who you are – your characteristics, your reputation, your authority, etc. When your name is mentioned, it brings to the mind of the speaker and the hearer, all that you are. When Moses ascended the mountain to meet with God, the Lord began by proclaiming His name – the name that He identified Himself with at the burning bush – The Ever-Present, Self-Existent, Eternal One. And in case there was any confusion, God then went on to describe Who He is and what His name represents. He is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth. To those who humble themselves before Him and worship Him, He will maintain His love and grant forgiveness for a thousand generations. But to those who reject His lordship and remain in their sin, He will not allow them to go un punished. He is both good and just in all His ways. He can do nothing but what is good and just – He can desire nothing but what is good and just – He can treat us in no other way but which is good and just. And at that proclamation, Moses bowed down low, humbled himself completely, and worshipped God. From that worship response comes God’s gracious covenant. Do we truly know the Lord and believe Who He is? Do we trust in His Name and live accordingly? Do we respond in worship and receive His grace, or do we stand in our own strength and walk away?

Psalms: “We wait for the Lord; he is our help and shield. For our hearts rejoice in him because we trust in his holy name. May your faithful love rest on us, Lord, for we put our hope in you.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33:20-22‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

The psalmist gives his response to the questions I posed above. Waiting is not passive where you sit around waiting for the Lord to do something for you. Waiting is active, where you eyes are ever on the Lord – not willing to go anywhere or do anything without Him – ready to move when He says go, ready to speak when He gives you something to say, ready to act when He gives you something to do. The psalmist trusts in the Lord and in His name. He is completely surrendered to the Lord, ready and willing to honor and lovingly obey His word, will, and ways. Because of that, he is fully expectant of God’s faithful love, help, and protection. If we fully trust in the Lord and in His name, the same will be true of us.