HIS NAME IS EXALTED

Wednesday, December 28th 2016

Isaiah 12: 1-6

Isaiah says that the baby who will be born will be named Emmanuel. Here, Isaiah remembers him and exalts him again, and demands his people to remember him. Let's remember  him in this end of the year. He is glorious and sublime.

​1. I give thanks to you (1-2)

The people remember that God was angry with them because of their malice. But now his anger turned away because God decided to comfort his people. That's why Israel must celebrate the Eternal God. We always have a few reminders of the past in us, but we must erase it because God is great and decided to save us. That's why I trust and I am not afraid. I sing that He is my strength and my salvation.

2. Sing praises to him (3-6)​

From his experience of salvation, Isaiah exhorts his people to sing praises to the Lord. He exhorts his people to come and fully drink the Lord, because he is the source of living water who completely slakes a soul's thirst. A personal experience is satisfactory but is not enough. We must found ourselves on the salvation of mercy through forgiveness, and we must come to the people to exhort them to worship God. Isaiah says: sing praises to the Lord. Because he is worthy of being adored by his people and by all the earth, because he is great and he has done gloriously. Praise, prayer and testimony (4) must be powerfull to spread the kingdom of God on the earth among the peoples and make his sublime name recognized.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for having turned away your anger against me. I fully recognize it and I come draw water in you and testify about you to the people in this country.

​Bottom line: his name is magnificient, Magnify his name, my soul. ​

I WILL PUNISH HIS PROUD HEART

Monday, December 26th 2016

Isaiah 10:1-34

Today's story tells us the principle which makes God's story progress. God is our sovereign. Mankind is only his instrument.

1. Where are you fleeing ? (1-4)

Isaiah proclaims woe to persecutors of justice. They defy it, unfairly oppressing the powerless such as the orphans and the widower. But the day will come where the notables will fall with the powerless. Then, where are they fleeing to for help ? Their malice is so enormous that God can't appease his wrath. It's the fourth time that these words are repeated yet, which proves the deep root of their evils.

2. I will judge the Assyrian's heart (5-34)

So, because of the unimaginable impiety of the elected people, God will lift his stick of punishment through a very cruel foreign people. So, Assyrians come to punish Judas and Jerusalem. But, drunk of their victory, the invader's heart became proud. They didn't understand why God gave victory to them. They think that it's because of their strengh and their intelligence that they are successful. But careful, Jerusalem isn't like the other cities. Here is God's city and the holy mountain. So they must have a humble heart because they are God's instruments, but they have a heart of destruction. God judges his nation which became impious, but without delay, God will lift his stick against the haughty and proud nation to punish it. Then, the rest of the people will come back. Their mentality will be changed until they depend on God. So, O Jerusalem, don't fear the Assyrian. See far and triumph by faith.

Prayer: Lord, you are sovereign of the history. Make me fear you, repent and keep humble as an usable instrument to you.

Bottom line: neither by strengh nor by power, but by the Spirit.

THE INEXTINGUISHABLE WRATH OF GOD

Saturday, December 24th 2016

Isaiah 9:7-20

To the wicked, God sends ennemies, overthrow, fire and famine. In spite of that, the people don't repent. God continuously rises up against them.

1. The invasion of foreigners (7-11)

First, God makes Retsin's adversaries come to judge and destroy Israel. Samaria brags because of the solidity of their constructions and their natural ressources. But ennemies will come to devour Israel. In spite of that, sin is deeply ingrained in the people, it can't be uprooted. So God keeps a grudge against theim to judge and destroy them.

2. The falseness of the leaders (12-16)

The corruption of the people propagates from the head to the tail The head is the notables and the tail is the prophets. All the people are depraved by their influence. The people are led by the leaders, so they become impious and blasphemous. God is not delighted by the people, neither by the young people nor by the destitute people, who generally are the people protected by God. The sin of the people isn't uprooted yet. So, God keeps a grudge.

3. The consuming fire (17-20)

A cataclysm of fire will burn all the forest because of the maliciousness of the people which rises up to the sky. Fire leads famine and the inhabitants become carnivorous and fraticide. They devour one another and swoop down on their brothers. In spite of this horror, God doesn't remove his wrath. His hand always is outstreched, as he waits for another opportunity to judge more severely. God's wrath  remains against them because of impiety.

Prayer: Lord, make me be aware of the seriousness of sin, make me repent, come back to you and love my fellow man.

Bottom line: don't despise his patience... (Rm 2:4)

TO US A SON IS GIVEN

Friday, December 23rd 2016

TO US A SON IS GIVEN

Isaiah 8:16-9:6

key verse: 5

The earth is like shadows. No light, yet God decided to send light. Just as colonized people see their country delivered, so freedom from oppression will come. But from whom does it truly come?

1. The people are in thick darkness (16-22)

The prophet's confidence in God is unfathomable. It does not diminish in spite of the people's rejection. His confidence serves as a sign and omen. He is proud of the message of God's judgement, which has been given to him to announce, though he is contiunually rejected by all. The prophet knows that if the people refuse God, his law and testimony, it is because they are in thick shadows and dominated by anguish. They will do strange things like calling the dead.

2. He shall be called Wonderful. . . (23-9:6)

This darkness will not last. Borderlands such as Zabulun and Nephtali are neglected, but this region will soon see light. How? The Messiah will be born there. He will give glory to the land of Galilee. The steps of Jesus will cross the land. The Messiah will throw light on the people sitting in the shadow of death. He will make the land prosperous and joyful. Sin and crime which made the people miserable will be burned away, like a garment rolled in blood is burned in the fire. Through the blood of Jesus, all our sins will be erased and we will be white as snow (1:18). The baby is frail in the cold, but he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He is the sovereign who hold the earth by his righteous right hand (6).

Prayer: Lord, you who were born in Bethelem as a baby, you are the Savior, Christ and Lord of the world.

Bottom line: A child of God was promised and born at the first Christmas. It's Jesus.

SHE SHALL BEAR A SON

Wednesday, December 21st 2016

Isaiah 7:1-17

key verse: 14

Today's word is a promise concerning Christ's birth. God predicted it amidst the calamities in Israel. 

1. Two smoldering stumps of firebrands (1-9)

The allied armies of Syria and Ephraim were attacking Jerusalem. King Ahaz and his people tremble with fear, like trees which tremble in the wind. But God considers the two enemies as smoldering stumps of firebrands. In his eyes, they are nothing. In fact, these two kingdoms want to submit the third in order to push back the newly arisen Assyria. Together, they want to establish a new king. Human beings make many plans, but God says they will not last. For Judah, this alliance is an unbearable menace. God says they must be firm in faith if they want to be victorious (9b). It is a call to faith, a message continually repeated and the center of gravity in Isaiah's prophecy.

2. His name will be Immanuel (10-17)

Isaiah tells the king to ask for a sign, which he refuses to do. Isaiah's call to faith is above all a call to the will. To refuse the offer is to squarely reject God, but Ahaz had already made a resolution. Faith has no place in his religion or his politics. He conceives a foolish plan to defeat his ennemies by siding with Assyria. In the meantime, God gives a sign. While the king is calling an army, God sees a child. This little sign will gauge the promised victory and above all, will indicate his presence, as is indicated by the name "Immanuel". However, the blindness of the king and his people prevents them from seeing the validity of this sign. 

Prayer: Lord, help me not to be political, but spiritual by putting my faith in you. Thank you for being with me this year. 

Bottom line: The baby is called Immanuel.

THE PREDICTION OF THE IMMINENT MENACE

Isaiah 8:1-15

The attack of ennemis is imminent. Emmanuel appears again. It's the cry of distress of the people in danger. The reason of the calamity is written: because you have refused...

1. They have refused... (1-10)

Isaiah takes a note of the camality which approachs. He takes two God's servants as reliable witnesses. Then he went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Maybe it's the son which appears in the previous chapter. Before that he talks, in a very short laps of time, Syria and Samaria will be pillaged and their inhabitants will be deported. Then the people is delighted of this deportation, without being aware that it's a prefuguration of their own deportation. They have refused the waters of Shiloah that are very gently, God's word and gently warning of the prophet, so God sends the mighty Assyria, compared with the waters of the River, mighty and many. These waters of the River will be overflow Jerusalem. Isaiah crys that the people be shatter but it's useless, because the force of the ennemy is fearsome.

2. God warns the prophet (11-15)

The Eternal God warns that the prophet must be aside of the people and he certainly musn't compromise with their style life. Their style life and their opinion are twisted, so nothing is credible. It musn't fear that they fear. As Jesus will talk it, it musn't fear men because, after having killed, can't do nothing else; it must fear the Eternal God who judges the soul after death. Our Lord is a sanctuary and a stone of offense at the same time (14). He is the first to these who are saved, but he is second to theses who are lost (Mc 16:16). They stumble, fall in darkness and die.

Prayer: Lord, help me to neither refuse your word nor do a compromission.

Bottom line: The contempt of oneself leads to damn

Taking a rest for DB

Dear lectureurs of French Daily Bread,
Our translation team of French Daily Bread (me, Shepherdess Sarah Loew and Emmanuelle Arcier) have some rest until December 19th for the preperation of Chrismas worship service. Thank you again.

GOD JUDGES HIS APOSTATE PEOPLE

Isaiah 5:8-30

key verse: 25

As Jesus says "Woe to you Pharisees. . ." so God says to the people. This is from a divine curse, for life without God is a curse in itself. God is not insignificant; he judges, especially according to the heart's attitude concerning his words. 

1. Six woes (8-23)

Look and you will find six times the word "woe": a) land acquisition founded on selfishness has no meaning, since everything will be destroyed, followed by nation-wide improductivity; b) the debauchery of great men in their festivities (the foolish people will follow their example and live like animals until the invasion by foreigners, v. 17); their pride will be bowed down and only the Lord will be exalted; c) mockery (they will draw a curse because of their evil); d) careless religion based on sophistry; e) pretentiousness; f) foolish drinking.

2. Executioner of divine judgement (24-30)

God's anger burns against these ignoble people. They have rejected his law and despised the words of the Holy One of Israel. This is the fundamental reason for the curse (24b). God raises up Assyria to punish his apostate people. The enemy's strength is awesome. Their soldiers know no rest; their war machine has no equal. They are like wild beasts which devour their prey. The prophet looks over the land and sees the light darkened. There is no hope, except the small consolation that this ennemy is under the control of the Eternal God (26). 

Prayer: Lord, help me to obey your law and refrain from wickedness that you hate.

Bottom line: obey his law and walk in it; then you will be happy. 

THE SONG OF THE BELOVED VINEYARD

Isaiah 5:1-7

The song of the vineyard is a love and hope song, and at the same time it's a despair song. Jesus talked about a parable of a fig tree in the vineyard which doesn't bear fruit in spite of three years of growing.

1. A promising vineyard (1-4)

The subject of the song is a close love relationship between God and his people. This relationship is impenetrable and deep. It's like a vineyard that a friend gives his beloyed as present. All is given to the good production: in a fertile hill, the master dug it and cleared it of stones and planted it with choice vines, he built a watchtower and hewed out a wine vat in it. So it's natural that the friend hopes for a good fruit. But, astonishingly, the fruit is disgusting. God gave the good country to Israel, the country flowing with milk and honey, even if he didn't invest in it. It was free. But when the people entered the country, they joinded forces with the pagan people and imitated them by idolatry.

2. The consequence of the disgusting vineyard (5-7)

God is impartial. He hasn't individual consideration. In spite of his patience, when the fruit isn't ripe and it's disgusting, the friend flares up. Finally, the disappointed friend destroys the vineyard and detroys the favorable atmosphere to culture. The vineyard will be devoured by animals and it will be trampled down. Then, God orders the nature to be extremely unfavourable. God gives the sense of this parable. The vineyard in the fertile hill is Israel's house whom God gave an abundant country and the word of commandments. But Israel disobeys God and bears inutile fruit.

Prayer: Lord, make me bear good fruit with the life that you gave me in abundance. Make me repent of my corrupted nature each day.

Bottom line: the love song of a friend betrayed

THE GLORIOUS REMNANTS

Isaiah 4:2-6

key verse: 2

Isaiah's vision goes from the present chaos to a prosperous country. What has happened? God's work is one of purification, and it is produced by the remnants.

1. For the remnants of Israel (2-4)

In those days, a man of valor will appear and lead his people. His name is the "Branch" (Zach. 3:8). Zerubbabel is a prefiguration of the Messiah. Israel will be washed of its past shame and will assume a new status in the land of promise to which it is redirected. The country will be magnificent and glorious. A beauty incomparable to that of women will cover the land of the remnants, and they will be called holy. All this will have happened after the purification of filth and bloodstains, a process accomplished through the invasion of foreign nations.

2. The Eternal God will create a cloud and fire (5-6)

When God led the Israelites through the desert, he guided them with a pillar of fire by night and a cloud of dust by day. It was the glory of God which guided them, and no nation could attack them. When the glory faded because of the people's debauchery, they became vulnerable to attack. But now that the people have been tried and purified by pagan nations, they are restored to the glory of God. He created a cloud and a column of fire to watch over the assemblies in Israel day and night. The place of God's presence is covered in glory. No nation will seize the chance to invade it. The Eternal God is the refuge for those who fear him (Luke 1:50), and asylum for those who partake in worship (Luke 1:74). 

Prayer: Lord, try me so that I am pure and holy as a survivor of God. Please create a glorious assembly among us and for us. 

Bottom line: become a remnant of God

YOU SHALL NOT MAKE ME LEADER OF THE PEOPLE

December, Monday 12th, 2016
Isaiah 3: 1 - 4:1

"Boys be ambitious" was a beginning twenty century's slogan, said by an american missionary in Japan. Few students of an agricultural high school in Hokaido kept this slogan to lead the country. The kingdom of Judas degenerates and is in paroxysms of decadence, what is revealed by a political situation which was short of leadership and a dissolute social situation of women.

1. You shall not make me leader of the people (3:1-7)

Man has a viril moral code. Either by ambition or by jealousy, men aspire to become predisent, at least it's a reliefing sign. But in the ultimate days before the deportation, the situation of Judas is catastrophic. Men are too cowardly to take care of the slightest responsability. So the people establish infans as governors. Actually God curse the country because he decided to remove all men of value. We leave in a time which was short of responsibles, either great of small.

2. The censure of dissolute women (8-26)

The reason of misfortune is that the people is extremely arrogant against the Eternal God (8,9). With infans, the womens dominate the people. God puts the people and above all the dirigeant in process, because they erase the good way, they lose the people and opress the poors. The women's style life is luxurious with their precious jewels and clothes and high hell which ruin the ankles. Their frivolous spirit corrupts the moral and men lead these women as lambs to shoot, so in front of war they fall. God will judge these women shaving off their hair, branding their beauty.

Prayer: Lord, make me be a responsible to this country. Make me be not a dissolute women but the virtuous reference on this country.

Bottom line: an ambitious man it's better than nothing

COME, LET US GO UP

December 10th, 2016

Isaiah 2:1-22

key verse: 3a

Isaiah received a vision through the word of God. It's about the future Jerusalem as well as the present Jerusalem. 

1. Come, let us go up (1-4)

At the end of time, after the time of testing in Babylon, God will lift up Israel to be a source of blessing. The city of Zion which was unfaithful will be re-established as a city of justice (1:26). The mountain of Zion will be founded firmly on the hills, such that its height will be above all other heights in the world. From a spiritual point of view, it will become a source of blessing for all nations on the earth, and they will all flow to it to be edified and educated by God's word. People will say to each other: come, let us go up. God had said, "Come, let us reason together". Because Israel has received forgiveness for its sins, this same grace will flow to other nations which go up to Zion. Then, perfect peace without war will reign.

2. Come, let us walk (5-22)

God, using the indicative voice in the second and first person plural, says, "Come, let us walk". The people are sitting in darkness. God invites and accompanies his people to the light. The Israelites had abandonned God, satisfying themselves with gold, silver and false gods. God judges them for their proud hearts. Judgement day will be so awesome, we will try to hide ourselves in rocks and in the dust, but in vain. God humbles the pride of men. Their arrogance is bent and only God is lifted up. If the people stop turning to idols and to men who simply have breath in their nostrils, the light will rise in them.

Prayer: Lord, make me come and reason concerning sin, come and go up to learn the word and come to walk in the light.

Bottom line: the mountain of Zion above all mountains

COME NOW, LET US REASON TOGETHER

Isaiah 1:18-31

Israel doen't know his God. They multiplie ceremonies without content. God is weary of such service. God look for those who worship in spirit and truth (Jn 4:23). God accepts cult of penintent.

1. Come now, lets us reason together (18)

God promises mercy of forgiveness to those who repent washing and making themselves clean. Their sin like scarlet will be erase and will become as white as snow. So God demands them to come and reason. Mankind is inclined to hide or internalize the problem of sin. But more we talk about it more we can resolve the problem of sin. That's why we sincerely write and share our sins and the mercy of forgiveness.

2. Sion will be redeem (19-31)

The people is in front of a fork: either repent and be blessed, or rebel and be cursed. If we choose the way of blessing, we will shall eat the good of the land. But if we choose the way of curse, we will be eaten by the sword (19) and we will perish (29). It's an irrevocable law of God, because the mouth of the Lord has spoken. We can't have a compromising attitude about God's word. There isn't individual consideration before God. God judges the city, although in the past it was a holy city, because now it is corrupted. Nevertheless there is a partiality in God's judgment. Contrary to pagan nations, it's a holy city where there was justice and uprightness. God has a plan, that Isaiah reveals from the first chapter: after having past the tribulation like crucible of blaze, the city will be establish again as in the beginning.

Prayer: Lord. Help me repent me and reason together. Help me decide to obey you to be blessed. Train me to be holy.

Bottom line: come and lets up reason together

THE HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER OF JESUS (C)

John 17:20-26

The third subject of the Jesus' prayers is to those who don't know God yet. What are the subjects of prayer which can be our subjects of prayer for our future holy nation ?

1. That they may all be one (20-24)

Jesus prayed that his disciples would be one and protected from the evil one. Jesus keeps this subject of being one between people who believe in him. To be one means love one another, as the same refrain which Jesus says "so that the world may know..." (23b). Unity leads us to know true love (23). In effect, there isn't greater and more excellent testimony toward the world than to be united among the Christians. Jesus gives his glory to people for that, that is to say that we are objects of God's glory and our life will be glorified by Jesus. Jesus prays to God that his people, his disciples and future disciples, would share his divine glory during his advent. What marvelous hope and privilege to eternally be seated near Jesus and reign with him !

2. I made you known to them (25-26)

Jesus confirms his mission in these two final verses. Jesus manifests the name of God among the people. The fallen world didn't know God, and Jesus came to make the world know this name. Jesus made it known to his disciples. Jesus will make it known to his future disciples. So they will have eternal life and love will be plentiful in their heart. In A, the word "glory"(5 times), in B "world" (12 times) and in C "one" (5 times) are the more frequent words, which reveals the content of Jesus' prayer.

Prayer: may the Lord be glorified, the current elected protected from the evil one, and the future people be united.

Bottom line: that France would be a kingdom of high priests and a holy nation

THE HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER OF JESUS (A)

John 17:1-5

Jesus  prays for three subjects: first he prays for him, then he prays for his disciples and finally he prays for the others in the world. Let's look at the subjects for himself.

1. Glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you (1-5)

Now Jesus prays for him. Jesus is in front of death in the cross. The only desire of Jesus at this crucial time is to glorify God. He can't stop himself having fear in front of this inhuman and cruel death. But he wants his death to doesn't be dishonourable. He wholly wanted to glorify God through this death. So he prays that God glorify the Son. This reveals the permanent desire of his life. Jesus glorified God up to now everytime on the earth, above all accomplishing the work that God have gave him to do. So Jesus has hiden his glory and dresses himself with the malodorous human body. Now, Jesus wanted to God the Father glorify him with the initial flory of heaven.

2. Eternal life... (3)

God has given to his Son power, so that he gave eternal life for all whom believe in him. That's the glory of God given to his Son. If we believe in him and receive the conviction of eternal life, that's because God has honored him. What is eternal life ? Eternal life which Jesus define is very simple. It's that someone knows God, the only true God. He is the Creator of the world. And he also must know Jesus, whom God has sent as the lamb of God. If we know God, the Creator, and Jesus the Son, our redeemer, we have eternal life.

Prayer: Lord, make us be subjects of your glory, and make us do the work that you has given to us and have eternal life knowing you and God.

Bottom line: Eternal life...

THE WORLD'S HATE PREDICTED

Thursday, December 1st, 2016

John 14:18-27

key verse: 18

The harder the rain falls, the more we long for the roof of the house. If we stay, many persecutions will rain down. Jesus told his disciples that they shouldn't be surprised at these persecutions. Why not?

1. Know this (18-21)

Jesus told his disciples to keep in mind some basic truths. First, when the disciples face persecution, they must remember that before them, Jesus had already experienced much persecution. Jesus speaks about the evidence of hate, since the disciples have gone out of the world, and this provokes inevitable hate from the world, since it detests non-conformity. Jesus also reminds them of the spiritual order: a disciple is not greater than his master, so they should expect the same treatment their master received, though they will also rejoice in the same way their master rejoiced (Luke 10:21).

2. If I hadn't come (22-27)

First, Jesus emphasized the ignorance of those who persecute. He said it's because they don't know Him who sent Jesus; thus, they persecute him. On the other hand, it's because of their wickedness that they don't accept Jesus; they continue to persecute him and those who follow him. They commit a deliberate act. Jesus, using the conditionnel tense, condemns this deliberate act, since he had sufficiently told and showed them things, yet they deliberately rejected him. Therefore, they have no excuse (Romains 1:21). The disciples will be persecuted, but they must not be worried, because the Counselor will come and teach them and testify about Jesus. The hate of the world will knock hard at their door, but Jesus knows the Holy Spirit will make them greatly triumph.

Prayer: Lord, since I've left the world, it persecutes me; I've asked myself why. Forgive me, since it's normal to be hated, for you were hated, even more than I.

Bottom line: Do not be surprised, but wait patiently.

ABIDE IN MY LOVE

November, Wednesday 30th, 2016

John 15:9-17

Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. When we abide in Jesus, we bear much fruit. Today, Jesus speaks about how to abide in his love, because the main virtue of Jesus is love.

1. Abide in my love (9-13)

God's love is really immeasurable. We didn't love God but God so loved us that he gave his only Son. Then the Son loved us. Now we must only abide in his love, that is to say, to wholly receive it by faith and confidence. How concretely can we do that ? It's simple, it's keeping and obeying his commandments. That way if we abide in his love, we are loved by God (John 14:21). The commandment of Jesus is summed up by: love one another and greater love has no one thant that someone lays down his life for his friends, what Jesus has shown us. If we follow his example the joy of Jesus overcomes us soon and our joy will be full.

2. You are my friends (14-17)

Jesus calls us friends, not servants. What is the difference ? The servants didn't know the master's will whereas the friends know it. Jesus makes them know all.  We think often that we have chosen God. But it's not true. God has chosen and established us to go and bear fruit. When Jesus establishes us he knows our weakness, but he wholly wants us to pray what God the Master wants, in the name of Jesus and that God listens to our request. His greatest will is that we love one another.

Prayer: Lord, make me keep your commandments and abide in your love. Thank you for making me your friend. Make me discern your will and pray according to it.

Bottom line: abide in my love

I AM THE VINE, YOU ARE THE BRANCHES

Tues. Nov. 29th 2016

John 15:1-8

key verse: 5

Jesus speaks of the organic relationship between him and his people. He also talks about the mystery of bearing fruit.

1. He prunes the branches to have more fruit (1-5)

God is the vinedresser. He owns our life. He has given us a fertile slope and tub filled with grapes. Life is compared to a large vine composed of a main branch and smaller branches. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. Let's look at this plant: the smaller branches constantly receive sap from the main branch and they bear much fruit. This is the vinedresser's goal. In order for us to bear fruit, two little things are needed: the vinedresser comes and trims the useless shoots from the vine. Thus, he purifies the world. Non-believers are thrown outside. Believers are also tested. They too have useless shoots. These also are trimmed so that they are not grouped with non-believers (6). From the beginning, they are pruned, since they receive the word, but they are also called to be purified day by day. 

2. Abide in me (6-8)

The word "abide" is often repeated. For man, abiding is important. A life outside of God is cursed; it dries up and dies. Such was Cain's life. But those who abide receive sap. It doesn't mean they stay in one place, but that they absorb the sap and grow. Jesus promises that if we abide in him and if the word abides in us, we can ask from God and we will receive. This means that if we follow his example and obey his word, he is pleased to listen to us. We will bear much fruit and he will be glorified. We are called his disciples.

Prayer: Lord, prune me and help me to abide in you in order to bear much fruit and glorify you.

Bottom line: the inseparable vine and branches

JESUS WASHES THE DISCIPLES' FEET

Thurs. Nov. 24th 2016 (Happy Thanksgiving)

John 13:1-17

key verse: 5

Starting from chapter 13, Jesus teaches in the upper room. During the week of the Passion, Jesus taught a lot of important lessons, which serve as his testament.

1. Jesus washed the disciples' feet (1-11)

Jesus' love did not alter in face of his atrocious upcoming death on the cross. Jesus loved his own to the end. Let's give thanks for his unchanging love, without which we couldn't be saved. Jesus knew that the time of his death had come and that Satan had tempted Judas. He also knew his origin and his destination. Jesus started washing the disciples' feet. Peter could not humanly accept this gesture, since a master should be washed by his subordinates. Peter doesn't want to wash others' feet. So, he refused Jesus' offer. Jesus replied that otherwise, he would have no part with him. We must let Jesus wash our dirty feet. We are washed by his blood, but daily dirt must be cleaned through repentance. Due to his evil motive, Judas was not pure. However, most are pure in their motives.

2. Do the same (12-17)

Jesus performed this act so that others would immitate him. He set the standard, and since he is our master, we must immitate him and wash each others' feet. We must love and serve each other, just like Jesus. The servant is not greater than his master. Knowing this, if we follow his example and continue to learn, we are happy. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to let Jesus wash my feet and also to wash others' feet by God's love.

Bottom line: Wash each others' feet, like Jesus washed our feet.

THE CONFORTER AND LOVE

November, Monday 28th, 2016

John 14: 15-31

Jesus promises the arrival of the Holy Spirit. It's closely linked to love. If we love God and his word, we receive the Holy Spirit. He gives peace.

1. Another Conforter (15-26)

Jesus repeates several times that if anyone loves him, he will keep his word. Then he receive many blessings. Above all, Jesus promises that he will receive the Holy Spirit called the Conforter. He is the Spirit of truth whom the world can't see. He makes himself seen only to theim who love God's word and obey it. He conforts them by the word, even in the situation where they seems abandoned like orphans. During the crucifixion they will be abandoned, but after the resurrection, Jesus will visit them again and he will remain eternally in their heart. God gave his word until now by his Son Jesus. After his departure, the Holy Spirit will come to remind us of all words of Jesus and teach it. Those who love God's word will be loved by God.

2. My peace I give you (27-31)

The disciples were troubled, but Jesus promises to give peace to them. This peace is different from the peace of the world. Real peace comes from the cross and the resurrection of God. Jesus will come to them. Jesus wanted the disciples to understand and accept God's work by Jesus. They must rejoice of his departure, because the Father is greatest and Jesus needs to be conforted close to God allmighty, after having accomplished his mission. Satan comes and Jesus will be put to death. But this happened so that the world may know that Jesus loves the Father and does as the Father commands him.

Prayer: Lord, make me love your word and be taught by it. The Spirit of truth will come to me. Make me be an apostle of peace, being reconciled by him.

Bottom line: The Conforter comes, because we love Him and his word.

A NEW COMMAND

November, Friday 25th, 2016

John 13:18-38

1. One of you will betray me (18-30)

Satan attacked unity using someone who was weak. Judas became an easy prey to him because of his selfishness and his cupidity. Jesus talked about his treason in advance in order to protect his community from the hand of Satan (19). Jesus also talked about it in advance in order to give traitorous Judas his chance to repent and come back to the right way. But once submitted to Satan, Judas couldn't recover. When he left from the place, Judas still had a morsel of bread in his hand. "It was night". This short sentence represents the heart of Judas. Submitted to Satan, his heart was terribly dark. The life vanquished by sin is terribly dark.

2. Love one another (31-38)

After the departure of Judas, Jesus needed to restore unity of his band. First, Jesus says to the disciples as he said to the Pharisees, that they will not see him again. So, as testament, Jesus renewed his words: "Love one another". It was a new commandment. The commandment to love his fellow man existed, but Jesus renewed it so that it has a new sense. In Jesus, love has a new sense. Because true love is expressed by Jesus. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends, says Jesus. Jesus' love is sacrificial and unconditional. No human's love can equal it. We can love one another when we have Jesus' love. Peter thought that he had love, but it was human - in effet, he avoided washing dirty feet of others. Yet it didn't augur well. It was a sign that his love will be about to faint sooner or later.

Prayer: Lord, have mercy on me so that I not betray your mercy and not become victim of Satan. Help me to love another with Jesus' love.

Bottom line: the new commandment of Jesus

WHOEVER BELIEVES IN ME...

John 12:37-50                    

John speaks about unbelief of the crowd. From where does unbelief come ? Three facts can be stressed as reasons: the prophecy (sovereignty), their fear (or timidity) and the darkness because of disobedience.

1.       They still did not believe in him (37-40)

Unbelief of the crowd isn't surprising, but humanly it's very surprising, because they don't believe ,in spite of many miracles. Yet, this unbelief was prophesied for a long time. Isaiah moaned about unbelief of his people twice, when they did not believe in spite of the message of God's glory in the temple (Is 6:9). The message of the suffering servant was particularly difficult to believe (Is 53:1). But it was the true divine message, because through it, the word will be saved.

2. They seek the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God (41-43)

Unbelief also comes from timidity of the people. They look at the mood of the others with fear of being excluded. They seek the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. Their hand and their net are always empty.

3.    Jesus is the light of the word (44-50)

Jesus says that whoever believes in him, believes in Him who sent him. His role is to light up the world by God's light. For he did not come to judge the world but to save the world. Jesus is always full of mercy, he saves and makes people walk in the light. But whose who are disbelieving and who didn't practice what they heard will be judged by God by the word pronouced by Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, help me to not be unbelieving as the wavering crowd. Make me seek your glory and walk in the Jesus' light.

Bottom line: let's be neither unbelieving nor a seeker of human's glory, but someone who obeys.

JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM

November, Monday 21th, 2016

John 12: 12-19

After being anointed for his death, Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem. Once Jesus is entered in our lifes, Jesus make us triumph everyday. "Christ in you..."

1. Hosanna ! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord (12-16)

Hosanna means save us, we beg you. It also means a joy's and victory's song. Many people was in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The jews celebrate it to deliverance. The crowd cried to be saved after seing all miracles that Jesus made. They were overcame by the roman ennemy. But above all they were overcame by the ennemy Satan. They really wanted that Jesus save us from the ennemy's hand. When we are under the powerful ennemy's hand, we must came to meet Jesus. But was this welcome of the crowd truthful ? It will be try soon. Anyway, Jesus is who comes in the name of the Lord to save his people from their sins. The disciples recognized this sense after the death and resurection of Jesus. Only death and resurection can open the eyes, and only by it a soul will be delivered.

2. You are gaining nothing (17-19)

The Pharisees was dazed because all people has gone after him, whereas their camp empties more and more. The crowd listened the testimony of Lazarus' resurection and their heart was more and more attached to Jesus. The Pharisees were jealous of Jesus. In the other gospels, they demand to Jesus make them keep quiet. They should be delight with the crowd who delight, but they can't do that because they were blinded by jealousy. The heart of the jealous was like an paralysing anaesthetic.

Prayer: My Lord Jesus, by your death and resurection you saved me. By your death and resurection save us again and save the other. Help us to overcome the paralysing jealousy.

Bottom line: Hosanna, come and save us

THEY LIE DOWN ALIKE

Monday, November 14th, 2016

Job 21:1-34

key verse: 26

Job answers Zophar. There is a gap between the principle of judgement of the wicked and the reality, which is that they enjoy life. Life is filled with paradoxes.

1. The paradoxal reality (1-26)

Job truly wants to be comforted. Yet, no consolation came from his friends. Their anwsers were falsehood and in vain (34). Job told his friends to turn, look at him and be astonished. A man who was for a long time upright is now suffering an inexplicable calamity. The lot of evildoers is contrasted with his own. The wicked are tranquil and very happy. The reality is that the punishment of the wicked is an exceptional phenomenon. In principle, evildoers should be punished, contemplate their misery and be filled with God's fury. But the principle doesn't hold true. Reality is quite different. One dies content, while the other dies in bitterness, though both return to dust.

2. Comfort in vain (27-34)

The friends want to comfort their suffering friend Job. But Job calls it comfort in vain. Why? Because evildoers are spared any misery. No one reproaches them and at death, they are buried peacefully. People just like them come before and after. So, if Job was wicked, it wasn't worth consoling him, since he will enjoy life like most evildoers. Neither is it worth consoling him if he is righteous, since the righteous ironically have an unhappy lot. But his friends think Job is a sinner and condemn him. Yet, they also console him saying that if he is righteous, he will be blessed on the earth. It's only nonsense. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to understand that the lot of the wicked is not always unhappiness. Help me to give up my self-righteousness.

Bottom line: they lie down alike

MY REDEEMER IS LIVING

November, Friday 11th, 2016

Job 18-19

The accusation of Job's friends continues. But Job is defending of his case. Finally he expectes his redeemer, because he knows that only in him he will be in security. 

                                                                                                       

1. The light of the wicked will blow out (18)

Bildad scoffes at Job and stupidity of his words. Bildad insinuated always that Job has somewhere a fault. It's really a logical of black or white and very legalistic. In the house of the wicked nothing is good.  There are darkness, corruption, encroachment, terrors, dread, excommunication, devastation, hardenong, forgetting, sterility, stupefaction. It's the wicked's fate which not change with each successive generations. 

2. My redeemer is living (19)

Job scoffes at his friends because they look for confuse him ten times. But Job knows that he is right and it's because of God. He is isolated by mankind. But it's God who isoles him, deprives him, drages him out of his hope, make him his adversary, takes him aways from his close circle, and it's God who make even his servants ignore him. Moreover, God sends him skin's illness. He calls out for help but because of it's God who hits him, noone hear his cry and the others continually cast a stone at him. Job wants that his words be written as witness, but it's in vain. So Job takes refuge in his redeemer. He knows that his redeemer is living and proctects all the innocents. Job has faith of resurrection (26). During the resurrection, he will see his redeemer. This redeemer also is the formidable judge (29)

Prayer: Lord, thank you for gave me Jesus the redeemer who saved me of all sin. You also are the judge who judges the wicked. 

Bottom line: my redeemer is living

MY WITNESS IN HEAVEN

November 10th 2016

Job 16-17

key verse: 19b

In "Waiting for Godot", the characters vaguely wait for their redeemer, but he never comes. They fuss here and there, but they are disappointed. Job's wait for his redeemer is unending. He is desperate.

1. Waiting for my witness (16)

Job is discouraged by the "good" words of his friends and claims that he could also say such things. Now Job speaks with God. It is he who permitted such suffering. He left Job in the hand of evildoers. Job was at peace, but God shook him such that his bile fell to the ground. He dragged his pride in the dust. Job didn't understand that all this came from Satan. Since he was innocent, he cried night and day as though he was shedding his blood. Bitterness filled him as he searched for his witness in heaven. He will be the arbitor between God and the son of man, he himself will plead, since there is no violence in his hands and his prayers are pure (17). In his troubled heart, Job is waiting for Jesus.

2. My hope is swallowed up (17)

Job knows that the Eternal Lord will triumph and protect him. His friends are so ignorant, but God has closed their hearts to discernment (4:22; Romains 1:18) However, truth lives, the righteous remains firm, the innocent rise and the pure strengthen themselves. For the moment, their insults are intolerable. In face of suffering and insults from his friends, Job wishes to go down to the pit in the company of worms, in the place of the dead. Where is his hope? His hope is fading.

Prayer: Lord, I believe there is a witness in heaven. He will reveal the motive behind my actions before God, even if others do not understand. Thank you.

Bottom line: Jesus is my witness, the arbitor between God and I. 

ELIPHAZ CONDEMNES JOB

November, Wednesday 9th, 2016

Job 15:1-35

It's the second Eliphaz's speech. There is no evolution in his thought. He only wanted to criticize and accuse suffering Job. 

1. The Eliphaz's speech toward Job (1-16)

Eliphaz implies that the Job's word os lacking in wisdom. He accuses Job of his foolish words which lead to eternal condamnation. He was arrogant, because of the fact that he was his oldest thinking that his advice was the best and was full of gentleness and kindliness. In fact, he was stupid and merciless. His philosophy was that mankind is naturally guilty, corrupted and incorrigibly. 

2. The wicked's fate (17-35)

In this part, Eliphaz talks about the wicked's fate who not will rise up their calamited. First, they are violents, they are attacked by ennemis and they are wandering. All misfortune comes from their abandon of God. They are apparently in portliness. But their house is uninhabited and go to ruin. Prosperity will not last. The Eliphaz's piece of gossip unfortunately looks like the Job's past life. He insunated that now Job is suffering and sick because he was wicked on a point. He has commited evil, that's why he is now in the misfortune. Eliphaz is fundamentally on the system of law.

Prayer: Lord, help me to not have my own justice. But help me to live humbly recognizing my transgression.

Bottom line: there are any rigteous, even one. But Jesus had justified us. 

AND WHERE IS HE?

Job 14:1-22

Life is too short, and the end seems tragic. However, Job wished to have resurrection faith, though it was difficult in view of the reality of life in the flesh.

1. A soul's rest asked for (1-6)

A man's life is like a cut flower. Its duration is fixed by God. After this, man seems to go to the place for the unclean (4). No one can bring a clean thing out of an unclean. Life is ephemeral and short, leading to eternal condemnation. Moreover, life seems to be an unending fight with the Creator. It seems man is the enemy of God. Job asks if a poor man does not deserve a little rest for his soul as the wages for his life's work. 

2. Job's hope for after death (7-22)

When spring arrives, new life comes after death. Yet, what is the destination of the man who disappears forever? Man is swallowed up by death; he goes to sleep and doesn't wake up. This is man's lot. However, Job did not give up hope. He kept some hope in resurrection and eternal life. But this kind of hope springs suddenly, then evaporates, as reality is harsh and cruel. Guilt from past sins is especially persistant (16,17). Therefore, new hope disappears. If the next generation comes to honor thanks to its hard work, or if it is brought low because of its cruelty, man does not perceive it. Thus, life seems to be tragic. At any rate, man suffers in the flesh and in his soul (21,22).

Prayer: Lord, I know that life is short. Help me to keep resurrection hope. 

Bottom line: Keep hope in the resurrection

A MAN NOT AS ME

November, Thursday 3rd, 2016

Job 9:1-35

God is mighty and he is invisible. All mouths must be closed. Job feels guilty, because he feels that he can't avoid the judgment. So he looks for a man who isn't like him. Who is it ?

1. Only by mercy (1-24)

Mighty God created all things in the universe. To him be wisdom and strength. He shakes the earth out of its place and the stars obey his word. Mankind can't give an answer to one-in-a-thousand questions asked by him. Mankind is too insignificant. God is invisible (11) and indisputable (12). Even if someone is rigtheous, it doesn't change things. A man can demand only God's mercy in front of him to subsist. Job suffers so much that he doubts his prayer is heard by God (16). He is not assured by his justice and his integrity. Anyway God is indifferent toward mankind's situation, whether he is righteous or wicked. He judges and destroys the righteous as he does the wicked.

2. A mediator between both (25-35)

Life flies without having time for happiness. Job is afraid of all that he did. He knows that God will not consider him as innocent. He is terrified by his errors. He cleansed his hands but he feels naked before God's eyes. He looked for someone who is able to be an intermediary between him and God. But he musn't be like him. He must be a perfect arbiter. They must come together to God in His court so that he protects him. It's God's mediator who takes his rod away from Job (1 Ti 2:5). So, Job would speak without fear (35).

Prayer: Lord, make me have fear before you who possesses wisdom and strength. Thank you for sending me who is guilty a mediator.

Bottom line: a man not as me, to plead for me

THE HOPE OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Nov. 2nd 2016

Job 8:1-22

key verse: 7

Bildad wants to give Job hope. But where does hope come from, if not from God alone? The problem is that Bildad doesn't know God as the true source of consolation.

1. Your latter days will be great (1-10)

Bildad reproached Job for his useless eloquence. If he had been righteous and true, God would not have allowed calamities to fall. Thus was his reasoning. If we do well, God rewards us, and if we do badly, God punishes us. This is cause-and-effect reasoning. Bildad claims this is a universal spiritual principle that has been observed for generations. That's why he suggests asking the past generations. Why? What would their answer be? 

2. He will fill your mouth with laughter (11-22)

The hope of the unjust dies. Those who forget God will experience calamity without precedance, just like the reed without a marsh or the papyrus without water. Its assurance is broken. Its confidence too. When the unjust does not cling to God, his house collapses though it was built with much mortar. His house will be taken away. Yet God is with those who have integrity. Since Job has integrity, he could be rewarded by God. The Lord will fill his mouth with laughter. However, we don't really know if Job is exemplary. This is revealed by Job's words, "Am I blameless?" (9:21) So, he himself doesn't know. 

Prayer: Lord, make me have hope in you. The hope of the unjust is short. However, as I am your servant, help me to serve and adore.

Bottom line: hope of the just

WHAT IS MAN ?

November, Tuesday 1rst, 2016

Job 7:1-21

Job is pessimistic because of his painful life hasn't any more hope. But, surronded by these calamities, he has eyes to discern their sense in God (6:30). He is complaining about suffering but he has resigned himself to it, not attaining the limit of sin.

1. The fate of mankind on earth (1-10)

Job relates what is the fate of mankind. His body is covered in worms and he suffers in continual insomnia, the night seems be an eternal agony. On the other hand, days quickly pass, as clouds which evaporate. In fact physical life is very brief and ephemeral. As a hired hand who looks for his wages, as a slave who longs for the shadow, life is full of pain and suffering and it's a vanity. All those who have passed don't come back again.

2. I will complain in the bitterness of my soul (11-21)

Life is a breath as a vapour (Jc 4:14). Those who are here disappear and we don't find them. Mankind is as clouds which evaporate. Job is complaing about his unhappy fate. But it's not because he has something against God. He accepts the sovereignty of God. Moreover he finds a grateful heart toward God who trains him. He doesn't doubt God's love in spite of his insurmountable sufferings, rather he exalts God's love. What is man, he says, that you set your heart on him and visit him every morning ? (17). Even if mankind sins, against who does God attack ? Mankind has no value. But Gods takes interest in him.

Prayer: Lord, I know that life is as a breath. But during this life on earth, train me by your love, so that I become a useful person.

Bottom line: Job is complaining in bitterness but not in sin.

FOR I HAVE NOT DENIED THE WORDS OF THE HOLY ONE

Monday, October 31st

Job 6:1-30

key verse: 10

Job's suffering is unimaginable, yet he rejoices, since his soul rejoices in the word of God. This is one of the great mysteries of a man filled with the Spirit.

1. I will jump with joy (1-13)

If we weighed all his calamities, they would be like the sand of the sea. Job's suffering was his daily food. He prefered to be crushed. Yet in the midst of unending trouble, Job was sure of divine consolation. He even jumped for joy. Why? Because he did not deny the words of the Holy One (10). Job is tired, worn out from waiting and deprived of all help or ressource. Yet we see that even in the greatest trial we can have joy and consolation. 

2. Instruct me and I will be silent (14-30)

While suffering, Job watched his brethren distance themselves from him. Even if he abandons the Law, he has the right to receive human consolation. Yet no one really consoled him. His friends, without his asking, came and caused him greater distress. They are not much different from deserters. They are like caravanes that perish and torrential streams. Job wants them to justify their reproof and to teach him if he is stupid. They were people without pity who could cast lots over the fatherless and bargain over their friend (27). Their words were based on human wisdom and they continually hurt the innocent. Job spoke to their consciences so that they would recognize his righteousness, come back to him and abandon their own thinking and self-righteousness.

Prayer: Lord, whatever happens, don't let me deny your words. Keep me from self-righteousness and make me compassionate. 

Bottom line: joy comes from faithfulness to His word

GOD SETS ON HIGH THOSE WHO ARE LOWLY

Job 5:1-27

Eliphas keeps saying the truth. But the truth is lacking in love and compassion. First he speaks about the wicked, then about the rigtheous, saying that God is always for the part of the righteous.

1. For affliction doesn't come from the dust (1-7)

Eliphaz's reasoning is fundamentally legalistic, based on a causal relationship. To him, there isn't misfortune without cause. We remember that Jesus defied this logical saying that the man of John 9 isn't blind because of his sin, but to be an intrument for God's glory. Eliphaz was an experienced man. He observed many cases where the wicked was punished. His thoughts are very fatalistic because he doen't see the sense and the value of human life (7).

2. As for me I would seek God (8-27)

 Eliphaz was a legalistic man, but he also was a man full of self justice. He pretends to be protected by God because he always walked according to God's justice. He doesn't recognize that fundamentally he was an incorrigible sinner worthy of eternal condamnation. He was a type who seeks salvation through his good works and human merits. He doen't know that these things are similar to a polluted garment. He says that people like him will receive a reward. God blesses and rewards the rightous finally, but the sovereingty of God is that He leads all to repentance. Eliphaz imputed maliciousness to Job because of his present suffering, like God should give it to correct him.

Prayer: Lord, make me follow your holy law with fear but protect me from Pharisaism.

Bottom line: Holiness but no Pharisaism

CURSED BE THE DAY

Job 3:1-26

Saint Francis of Assisi addresses death saying: "You, very lovable and sweet death". Job would use the same language but for different reasons.

1. Job cursed the day of his birth (1-12)

Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth, because the pain of his illness was so large. He cursed the day of his birth by the womb of his mother. He cursed the day when he was born and breastfed. He didn't want that day to appear in the calendar as his birthday. He wanted the joy to fade in this day. He felt cursed even by the wizards (8), who could even rouse up Leviathan. To feel cursed by pagans is painful to God's people. This night was completely gloomy, without light. He would rather die at his birth than endure this pain.

2. I would have lain down and been quiet (13-26)

The sorrows of his life are compared with the quiet sleep of death, andthe  more he thought about death (13), the more he was fascinated by it. Here, the wicked stopped their trouble, the slaves quietly sleep, and also Job rests. Here it seems a heaven where there isn't discrimination of oppression. A little daily joy doen't have any sense because death comes. Instead of bread Job breathes sighs. He fears the next day. Life is without rest, nor quietness, but only trouble. Then, death is desirable, because God seems to have hedged in his life. Why is living necessary ?

Prayer: Lord, you are the sovereign. Job, a righteous man cursed the day of his birth. In his insurmountable calamity he cursed the day but not God.

Bottom line: cursed be the day of birth

JOB WAS TEMPTED FROM ALL SIDES

Main theme of Job's book:

The writer of Job's book, who is unknown, was a poet, a thinker and a teacher. Job's book deals in a realistic way with the problem of human suffering, the divine justice and debates with thorny questions: why must the innocent suffer ? Who is this God who allows suffering ?

Try to put yourself in Job's place and to feel his agony when he groped about looking for the truth about God and about him. Study faith's progress of Job which was born with boldness throught life's experiences and which is true to the global description of God in the Bible. Judge the degree of comprehension of Job's friends.

Job 1:1-22

JOB WAS TEMPTED FROM ALL SIDES

Today, the word tells us the origin of human temptation and the perfect example of how mankind must receive the temptation.

1. Have you considered my servant Job ? (1-9)

Job was a blameless and upright man, as Noah. He was one of the more rich and powerful men of the east. His sons and daughters delighted in his wealth and came together to eat, drink and feast every day. Job offered burnt offerings for each of his children to purify them the morning of the next day. He was a vigilant person to protect his children from Satan's temptation, because he thought that maybe they had sinned and cursed God in their heart during the feast. He was a loving and wary father. When Satan came with men, God asked him about Job who was a pious man. Satan suggests that God tempt Job saying that surely he praised God because of his blessing (9).

2. Naked I came, naked shall I return (10-22)

The Eternal God allowed it. Satan's attack against the right man was formidable. Four times, the servants came to Job to announce the calamity about the livestock, the house, and as a paroxysme, the death of his sons and his daughters becaue of the house's collapse with the wind. The Eternal God often allowed the righteous man to be tempted by Satan, because His strength and His sovereignty are above Satan's power. For the moment, mankind doesn't see it. But Job didn't doubt God's love. He entirely accepted the sovereignty of God about him and his house. Then, Job didn't sin against God. His purety makes him see the reality of human life (21)

Prayer: Lord, you are my sovereign. Help me to not sin against you during temptation.

Bottom line: naked I came, naked I return