Our Verse of the Day

The Word Says:

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”

Verse Thoughts:

Nothing in the life of a Christian happens without a purpose and every event that takes place, whether good or ill, is used by God for our spiritual growth and eternal benefit. During our sojourn on earth, we are called to mature in the faith and to grow in grace, and God takes all the circumstances of life as an opportunity to develop our trust in Him so that we may discover a little more of His gracious character, His omnipotent power, His omniscient wisdom, His unfailing righteousness, His unapproachable holiness, and His unconditional love.

Martha demonstrated her deep trust in God’s Word, for she had an assurance that her brother would be resurrected in the end times. She had come to believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah Who would save His people from their sins, but she had not yet recognised that she was addressing the incarnate Son of God Who created all things, and Who is before all things. She was yet to discover that Jesus is incarnate God, the One Who holds all things together by His almighty power, the One in Whom is life everlasting.

Martha was standing before the Creator of the universe, but her understanding of the enormity of Christ’s Person and the redemptive work that He was yet to accomplish at Calvary was incomplete, and the death of her dearly beloved brother was the occasion that Christ chose to unveil a little more of His pre-eminence and power.

Although Martha’s faith was small, her faith was in the right Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and so He was enabled to expand her trust in God. Martha believed that God was faithful to fulfil His promise of a future bodily resurrection, and so Jesus was enabled to reveal more of His character and limitless resources to her as being available today.

Martha only had a limited understanding of God but she had come to trust His Word, and so God was able to work in the circumstances of her life to develop her faith and to deepen her dependence upon the Lord Jesus. And to this grieving woman with her tiny ‘mustard-seed faith’ were spoken those earth-shattering words, “I am the Resurrection and the Life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.”

Christ was able to refocus Martha’s faith from a faithful God Who will one day fulfil His future promises to incarnate God Who is always present in the everyday circumstances of our lives. He is not only the God of tomorrow’s promises, but the One Who is with us through all the changing scenes of life.

Martha’s faith was expanded as she learned that she was to look to Jesus every moment of her life, from that day forward, as her ever present help in time of trouble, and not simply to trust God with a future programmed that will one day be accomplished.

Let us never forget that however small our faith may be, God is working in us every day to strengthen our trust in Him so that we may grow in grace and learn to depend on Him, no matter what circumstances we may have to face. His Word stands fast today, and His Word stands fast forever!

The Word Says:

“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.”

Verse Thoughts:

Israel were the people of God, whom He called into a covenant relationship with Himself to be a light to the Gentiles. And although they broke their covenant, despised their birthright, murmured against God, disobeyed His Law, and played the harlot with the false gods of the surrounding, pagan, Gentile nations, the Lord is gracious and good, He is merciful and of great kindness to His people, Israel.

But God is also a God of justice and Israel’s apostasy had to be punished, which was why they were sent into Babylonian captivity during the reign of Jeconiah the king and scattered to the far corners of the earth, following the crucifixion of their Messiah King, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Nevertheless, God in His grace and mercy, has also promised to bring them back into a right relationship with Himself. He has promised to forgive their sins and to usher in a time of peace, prosperity, justice, and righteousness, when the wolf will lie down with the lamb and a little child shall lead them.

Today, we live in a world that is spiralling out of control, where evil is multiplying, the poor are oppressed, the love of many has grown icy cold, and a deep-seated hatred of both Israel and the Christian Church, is escalating out of control.

But Jesus is the King of Righteousness!; and the work of righteousness which He carried out on the Cross of Calvary, brings peace with God to all who believe in His name. And in His grace, He pours the precious peace of God into the hearts of all His children who walk in spirit and truth.

May we, the Body of Christ, rest in His peace in this hostile, violent world, and look up and lift up our heads as our redemption draws nigh when Jesus comes in the clouds to Rapture His Bride and take us into heaven to be with Him.

And the day is fast approaching when the Lord Jesus, the rejected King of Israel, will return to earth with all His saints (us – His Bride – the Body of Christ). He will return to the earth in power and great glory, to set up His kingdom of righteousness and justice in Jerusalem, and all Israel shall be saved.

All who are called by His name, forgiven of their sins, and have been granted eternal life, will carry out their service of righteousness, in quietness and in confidence, forever. For the earth shall be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.

The Word Says:

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”

Verse Thoughts:

What wonderful truths are shared about the believers position in Christ and our special relationship to our Heavenly Father. We discover that at rebirth we not only died with Christ, but we are raised up into newness of life in Him. Our new life in Christ, our born-again nature, is positioned in Him.

Our old sin nature was severed at the Cross, and our new life in Him is hidden with Christ in God, to His praise and glory. One day, we will be glorified in Christ: “When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”

What beautiful truths are shared about our new life in Christ, where we discover that we are all members of His Body, united together in Him, free from bondage to sin and the curse of the law, each one with his own distinctive gifts and ministries, but each looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

What a privilege to know that we are the elect of God and that our new nature is renewed day by day, according to the image of Him who created us, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but that Christ is all and in all. And we are exhorted as those who have been chosen of God and position in Christ to be holy and beloved, set apart for His glory.

As the elect of God, we are to be holy for He is holy. We are to put on a heart of compassion and bring forth the spiritual fruit of kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, and we are to bear with one another in love, forgiving each other with grace, just as God in Christ has forgiven us.

The Word Says:

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Verse Thoughts:

The topic of brothers living together in unity was part of Christ’s High Priestly prayer, just before His walk to Calvary. In his advancing years the apostle John pleaded, “Little children love one another.” Paul continues this theme of unity: “Be of the same mind toward one with another, maintaining the same love, united in spirit and intent on one purpose,” and one Person.

And in his short outburst of praise, we discover king David rejoicing and singing in his heart by faith with thanksgiving: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony,” for it refreshes the soul and is a sweet fragrance that ascends to the Lord and glorifies His holy name.

This was one of the songs of ascent that Israel would sing to the Lord with joy in their hearts, as they advanced on their pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This was a hymn of praise that would echo throughout the land of Israel, as God’s people travelled towards their sacred destination.

We too are on our own march towards our heavenly home, but every step we make toward that day when the Lord takes us to be with Himself, should be a day when we live together with our brothers and sisters in Christ in gracious harmony and godly unity.

Unity does not imply uniformity! But in the Body of Christ there should be a real oneness of spirit on the essential fundamentals of our faith, while lesser, subordinate issues should not cause wanton discord, disunity, or division. Little disagreements or alternative views on  minor issues should be approached with wisdom and grace.

In all our dealings there should be a godly spirit of unity and love. There should be a patient, kind, gracious love that comes only from the indwelling Spirit of Christ Who is our life, for in Him our soul is refreshed and we are equipped to edify others, which glorifies our Father in heaven.

The Word Says:

“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:”

Verse Thoughts:

Hebrews is a book that was mainly written to Jewish believers in the early Church who found it very difficult to let go of many of their former traditions and Jewish rituals. It was written to help them come to terms with the New and better Covenant, which was promised by the mouth of Jeremiah, cut through the precious blood of Jesus Christ our Saviour, and will be fully and finally ratified when Jesus returns to set up His Millennial Kingdom on earth.

Many Jews were still enslaved by the pre-Cross Law and bound by its curse. They failed to recognise the freedom they were given in their post-Cross Christian life, which is by faith alone in Christ alone, and not by carrying out good works of the Law.

However, there are many truths contained in Hebrews for Christians everywhere. There is much to learn from this amazing book which buries its roots deep into the Old Testament and which comes to fruition in the New. We find that it contrasts the New Testament freedoms we have in Christ with the former restrictions and requirements of the old Law.

It contrasts God’s initial revelation of Himself, through Moses at Sinai, with His full and final revelation of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, through the Cross. It compares the superiority of the Person and work of Christ with men and angels alike and outlines the advantages of His heavenly Priesthood, as compared with the restrictive Law of Moses and the inferior Aaronic priesthood. It teaches that the former things were used by God as a signpost, to direct sinful man to Christ.

The Law was a schoolmaster to point sinners to Christ. The Law was designed to identify our sinfulness and highlight our need of salvation. The Law causes the sinner to acknowledge his sinfulness and reach out to Jesus Christ, our perfect sacrifice, for whosoever believes on Him by accepting His gracious offer of salvation through faith, will be saved.

By the time the author has reached chapter 12, the need for faith rather than works has been clearly outlined and explained, and believers are exhorted to hope in Christ and to recognise that the terrors of the Law and the wrath of God, have been removed from all who believe, by faith, in the shed blood of Jesus Christ Who cleanses the heart and affords for us an eternal pardon from the God of the universe.

The incomparable privileges we have in Christ, the benefits of our heavenly inheritance in His coming kingdom, and the glory that is ours in Him, are accompanied by a severe warning for those who refuse to listen to His Word and obey His voice: “Therefore, since we received a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.”

As members of Christ’s Body, we are children of God and joint heirs with Christ. We have been promised positions in His coming kingdom, where we will rule and reign with Christ, our heavenly Bridegroom.

The Word of God cannot be broken. Our promised positions in Christ’s coming Kingdom and the many precious pledges that God has made to all who believe in His only begotten Son for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting, are equally certain, totally true, and unquestionably unbreakable. For God cannot lie.

It is because we have received a kingdom which cannot be shaken, that we are instructed to show Him our gratitude. In consideration of all that God has given us freely, by faith in His Son, there should be no question that we should live our life in thanksgiving and praise for His goodness and grace, and offer to Him our acceptable service, with reverence and awe.

All that the Lord has done for us should inspire us towards sincere worship, fervent praise, impassioned homage, and everlasting worship. The recognition of God’s boundless mercy and grace towards sinners such as us should incline us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.

May we be energised from this day forward, to give Him the glory and worship that is due to His holy name. May we be stimulated, in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, to offer Him the honour, praise, adoration, and thanks, for He alone is worthy.

The Word Says:

“Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.”

Verse Thoughts:

So the beautiful psalm encouraging us of singing unto the Lord, making a joyful noise of praise unto Him, coming into His presence with thanksgiving. It’s a beautiful psalm, really, of thanksgiving and making a joyful noise with praise for the greatness of God.

We should always be thankful for all the the Lord has done for us. We should always be thankful unto Him that He delivered us from our past life and gave us a new life, by His grace and mercy.

God is good!

The Word Says:

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”

Verse Thoughts:

The deity of Christ, the uniqueness of Christ, the humanity of Christ and the supremacy of Christ are all important issues in this epistle to the Hebrews. Christ is the eternal God Who chose to come to earth and be clothed in human flesh, living His life just like we live, and yet He was not born with a sin nature as we are, for He was conceived of the Holy Ghost and Christ lived a perfect life during His 33 years sojourn on earth.

It was the eternal Father who formulated the plan of redemption. It was the eternal Son Who carried out the plan of redemption by means of His birth into the human race. His perfect life, His sacrificial death and His glorious resurrection from the dead, and it was the eternal Spirit Who empowered the Lord Jesus throughout His earthly life for the eternal Son of God set aside His glory in order to become the perfect Son of Man, by submitting to the Father, our precious kinsman, Redeemer, Who lived and died in our stead.

In order to become the Messiah of Israel and Saviour of the world as laid out in God’s plan of redemption, the eternal Son of God had to humble Himself and for a time was made a little lower than the angelic hosts that He Himself created. He had to be born into the fallen race of humanity who had rebelled against their Creator and were under the curse of sin and death.

Although He was eternal Deity, and the second member of the Trinity, we see Jesus living His life as God intended man to live, in humble submission and complete obedience to His Father in heaven. We see Him made as a little lower than the angels for a while, we see Him despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. We see Him humble himself, and become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

And it is for that reason that God has highly exalted Him and has given Him a name that is above every name. It is because He was willing to suffer the death of the cross on behalf of the fallen human race, that God has crowed Him with glory and honour, so that by the grace of God He tasted death for every man, woman and child who ever has lived. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to pay the full and final price for the sin of the world, and those who choose to believe in the Him are not condemned, but become one with Christ. For there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus.

When Adam sinned a curse was placed on all creation. The icy fingers of death and destruction not only touched every member of the human race but also animals and birds, the natural world and the heaven itself. But Christ’s sacrificial death and glorious resurrection was the one and only price that a holy and just God could accept in full payment for sin. And so we read that Christ tasted death for EVERYONE, so that by God’s grace, all who believe on Him are saved and are removed from the curse of sin, death and hell forever. Praise His holy name.

The Word Says:

“That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Verse Thoughts:

Previously, Paul has written that one result of Adam’s devastating sin was that death came to reign over the lives of humanity. Now he writes that death’s reign was, in truth, the reign and rule of sin. Sin brings death. Human beings cannot escape our own sin nature no matter how badly we want to. In ourselves, without God’s intervention, we will always continue to sin. It rules over us, and it leads to death.

However, Paul has just written that as sin increases, God’s grace increases even more. In other words, sin cannot grow past God’s capacity to give good to those who deserve His angry judgment instead. Paul concludes that God’s grace is the greater ruler. It reigns over sin and death. How? He declares righteous all of us sinners who, by faith, receive his grace-gift of Jesus’ death for our sin on the cross.

With death defeated, those who are in Christ will live forever. Grace reigns through righteousness leading to eternal life. But this eternal life is found only through Jesus Christ our Lord. There is no other way to escape the reign of sin and death.

Starting with the next verse, Paul will counter a common and unfortunate response to this idea of abundant grace. Some see God’s grace as a license to sin, which is not what God intended, nor what Paul is teaching. The overflowing mercy of God is not a reason to sin, just so that His grace can increase.

The Word Says:

“O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.”

Verse Thoughts:

O house of Jacob;
This is either an exhortation of the prophet to the men of his generation, to attend to the light of the law, which the Lord had given them, as Aben Ezra and Kimchi; or rather, as the Targum and Jarchi suggest, an exhortation of the nations to the people of Israel, and are indeed the words of the converted Gentiles to the people of the Jews, being concerned for their conversion and spiritual welfare, as will appear in the latter day; when they will not only encourage one another to go up to the house of the Lord, as in the preceding verses, but will be very solicitous that the Jews, the posterity of Jacob, share with them in all that light and glory that shall be risen upon Zion; as follows:

come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord;
meaning either Christ, in whom the light of the knowledge of the glory of God is given, and the glory of all the perfections of the divine nature is displayed; who is that light that dwells with the Lord, was sent forth by him, and came into this world as the light of it, and is given for a light to the Gentiles, as well as the glory of the people of Israel; and who is the author of all light; of corporeal light, in the first creation; of the sun, moon, and stars; of the light of nature in every man; of the light of the Gospel of the grace of God; of the spiritual light of grace in the hearts of his people; and of the light of eternal glory: or else the Gospel is intended, called the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, by which some are only notionally enlightened, and some spiritually and savingly, when it is attended with the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ: or rather, the light of the latter day glory, which includes the other two; when Christ and his Gospel will be more clearly revealed and seen, not only by the watchmen, who will see eye to eye, but by all the saints; when the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun sevenfold as the light of seven days, and the whole earth shall be lightened with its glory,  and to “walk” in this light, as it respects Christ, is to walk by faith in him, to go on in believing views of him, and to walk in imitation of him, and as he directs; and as it respects the Gospel, it is to embrace it, profess it, hold it fast, and hold it forth; and to walk as that prescribes and guides, and as becomes it; and to walk as children of the light, wisely and circumspectly; worthy of the calling of God, of the grace he calls by, and the kingdom he calls to: and to walk in the light of the latter day glory is to enjoy it, and share in all the blessings of it, with perseverance therein, through the grace of God; and such walking is pleasant and comfortable; such shall have the communion of God and Christ, and fellowship one with another, and at last enjoy the light of life.