"When the shift gets heavy"
One verse, one thought—something steady for whatever the day brings.
Week 18
The Lordship of God:
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV)
[23] Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, [24] but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
The Lordship of God is the primordial struggle in the soul of every creature, which is why Satan used it in Eden, seducing Adam and Eve to doubt God's word as trustworthy and good and instead to become wise apart from Him, as gods over their own lives (Gen. 3:1-7). Furthermore, in Ezekiel 28 we see the prince and king of Tyre being Satan and its heir, an antichrist figure, united to one another's spiritual lineage by the same desire to take for themselves God's rightful throne and authority.
For us in Christ we know that to say, "Jesus is Lord" is a spiritual gift that only God's Spirit can work in our hearts (1 Cor. 12:3); meaning that we faithfully trust His Lordship for guidance rather than our own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6). After all, in faith we turn to Christ as Savior and Lord of our lives. Where Adam failed, Christ triumphed, fulfilling God's commandment to subdue the earth under his kingship (Gen. 1:28). Now that Christ's reign has redeemed us, we gladly serve in the great commission of spreading His kingdom of redemption to the ends of the earth, beginning with our own daily lives (Matt. 28:18-20).
Thank you, Father, for letting us share as little children in your work of redemption. May your will be done and your kingdom come, on earth as in heaven. Help us look to our Lord Christ, and strengthen us through the cross to serve you as our true guide, Savior, and Lord. Amen.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV)
[23] Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, [24] but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
The Lordship of God is the primordial struggle in the soul of every creature, which is why Satan used it in Eden, seducing Adam and Eve to doubt God's word as trustworthy and good and instead to become wise apart from Him, as gods over their own lives (Gen. 3:1-7). Furthermore, in Ezekiel 28 we see the prince and king of Tyre being Satan and its heir, an antichrist figure, united to one another's spiritual lineage by the same desire to take for themselves God's rightful throne and authority.
For us in Christ we know that to say, "Jesus is Lord" is a spiritual gift that only God's Spirit can work in our hearts (1 Cor. 12:3); meaning that we faithfully trust His Lordship for guidance rather than our own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6). After all, in faith we turn to Christ as Savior and Lord of our lives. Where Adam failed, Christ triumphed, fulfilling God's commandment to subdue the earth under his kingship (Gen. 1:28). Now that Christ's reign has redeemed us, we gladly serve in the great commission of spreading His kingdom of redemption to the ends of the earth, beginning with our own daily lives (Matt. 28:18-20).
Thank you, Father, for letting us share as little children in your work of redemption. May your will be done and your kingdom come, on earth as in heaven. Help us look to our Lord Christ, and strengthen us through the cross to serve you as our true guide, Savior, and Lord. Amen.
Week 17
Understanding God's attributes:
Psalm 145 ESV
[3] Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
God’s attributes not only set Him apart from the “gods” and the religions of the world but also compel our hearts towards genuine worship and praise. Just as a child who grows up seeing his father’s character on display is inspired by it and desires to grow into his image, so God’s attributes move our hearts to, “be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Eph. 5:1).
When we see God’s goodness towards us, can we not likewise be merciful to those who have sinned comparatively little against us? When we see God’s patience and kindness as we struggle through our sanctification, are we not drawn to be patient and kind towards those around us? When we grow to know Him, His might, His wisdom, His omnipresence, His holiness, does it not produce a reverent awe in our hearts that inspires trust and a desire to follow Him? Therefore, by knowing God's attributes, believers are able to live in the peace of God's providence as image bearers of Christ to the world.
Oh, Father, how am I even to begin comprehending the depths of your very being? Our eyes, both spiritual and physical, are limited by the lens of our flesh. We praise you, Lord, through your Spirit our hearts have been redeemed to begin to search the depths of the mind of Christ in Scripture. Help us, Father, to open the Scriptures and see them through the lens of Christ, that our intimacy with you may grow alongside our knowledge of your attributes. Amen.
Psalm 145 ESV
[3] Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
God’s attributes not only set Him apart from the “gods” and the religions of the world but also compel our hearts towards genuine worship and praise. Just as a child who grows up seeing his father’s character on display is inspired by it and desires to grow into his image, so God’s attributes move our hearts to, “be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Eph. 5:1).
When we see God’s goodness towards us, can we not likewise be merciful to those who have sinned comparatively little against us? When we see God’s patience and kindness as we struggle through our sanctification, are we not drawn to be patient and kind towards those around us? When we grow to know Him, His might, His wisdom, His omnipresence, His holiness, does it not produce a reverent awe in our hearts that inspires trust and a desire to follow Him? Therefore, by knowing God's attributes, believers are able to live in the peace of God's providence as image bearers of Christ to the world.
Oh, Father, how am I even to begin comprehending the depths of your very being? Our eyes, both spiritual and physical, are limited by the lens of our flesh. We praise you, Lord, through your Spirit our hearts have been redeemed to begin to search the depths of the mind of Christ in Scripture. Help us, Father, to open the Scriptures and see them through the lens of Christ, that our intimacy with you may grow alongside our knowledge of your attributes. Amen.
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