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

THE LAST DAY WILL COME

2P 3:1-10

The today's word reveals the false conviction of the impious and the sectarians. We need a holy doctrine to strengthen our faith. God may protect us !

1. The elders' prediction (1-3;8)

Peter wrote two letters in order to remember the members of the flock of the truth of the advent of Jesus Christ. The false teachers denied it and planted a doublt to this subject, saying: where is the promise of his advent ? Their argument is likely, because nothing has changed for a billions of years. But they don't know that with the Lord one day is an a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. They are so blind by their desire that they don't see a centimetre in front of theim.

2. The fire's judgment (4-10)

Peter teaches the truth about the creation. He says that the earth appeared by the God's word. This people resemble fountains without water. They don't know the truth about Jesus who is the living water. As the deluge teared off all the earth, the same is true for the earth wich will be burnt. They had forgotten the power of the deluge and the fire fower which Jesus had predicted for the wicked. If the judgment is backward there is God's will which we don't falsely understand. It's only by the God's mercy that God wand that all should reach repentance. At the time of jugdment, all that is under our feet will be and dissolved, sinners will be loosen and the eart will be consumed.

Prayer: Lord, help me to believe in your avent and leave with fear and trembling. You will come to judge the living and the dead

Bottom line: the judgment comes 

AS THE MORNING STAR

2P 1:14-21

Today we learn what must the Christian's attitude be toward God's word. Above all, as Christians, we must fight up to that the morning star rise up in our hearts. What does it mean ?

1. It's the God's word (14-18)

Peter says that his departure is imminent. But Peter is as a father who leaves an inheritance. He wants to teaching up up to the end the Christ's virtue to his sheeps (15). The folk must knowing that God's word isn't an human word. Many people interpret God's word in a human way. But, before all, mankind must knowing that the word in the Bible is God's word, an immutable truth, that no one can modify. Peter defends this thesis by a proof which he has seen. It's the Jesus' word, because Peter had listened his voice on the holy mountain.

2. It's the God's prophecy (19-21)

The prophecy is the God's word, because God uses prophets to speak to mankind. In the days of Peter, the spreaded out Christians was as pilgrims who looked for the star to guide their travel. Sometimes, it seems that the star disappear, but she is'nt loosen, like the star which appeared after the Herod's visit. We must waiting for the star appears in our heart to lead our lifes and our roads. The prophecy of the Old Testament was given to this purpose. Neither God's word nor prophecy's word are made by human's will. It's by the Holy Spirit that it was pronounced through men.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your word given to that our roads are lighted up. Make-me always looking for you up to the star rise up in me.

Bottom line: look for the truth as the seaman look for the morning star

BE PARTICIPANTS IN THE DIVINE NATURE

2 Peter 1:1-2

key verse: 4

The people of God are a royal priesthood and a holy nation. We must have the appropriate attitude which corresponds to this position. Peter continues to address this subject by accentuating sanctification.

1. The same price as ours

Peter's greeting in this second epistle is special. He calls himself Simon, his original name. By the grace of God, he was changed into Peter (rock). By justification through the blood of Jesus, he had faith in eternal salvation. It is a gift without price. The price paid for Peter was the same one paid for the dispersed members of the flock. Faith comes from acknowledging this great price paid by the Savior. This faith gives grace and peace. Peter wanted these things to be multiplied day by day.

2. Sanctify yourselves more and more (3-12)

God all-powerful and all-sufficient (El Shaddai) has given us all that is necessary for life and piety. By these things, we know that Jesus called us by His glory and virtue.His glory was hidden for a moment, but He has called us to be heirs of His glory. He also called us by His virtue so that we would immitate Him while waiting for the last glorious day. Thus, as people redeemed by His justice, we are called to grow from glory to glory, to the point of sharing in His divine nature. Notice the growth process in seven steps from faith to love. If we do not progress, we are blind and fall back on old sins. Though, if we grow according to the Lord's call, we become holy and safe. Entry into the kingdom is assured.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the great price paid for my salvation. Help me to progress in knowledge and holiness.

IN ORDER THAT GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED

1P 4:1-11

We avoid suffering, but suffering in the flesh according to God is useful for us. When the end of all things is at hand, we must live with fear and trembling. So God will be glorified.

1. Suffer in the flesh (1-6)

Like branches on the vine, the believer must be grafted and have the same thought as him. Jesus suffered in the flesh. What we leave in the flesh on earth is an imitation of Jesus. Being in the flesh is suffering but it makes us stop with sin. In the past, being in the flesh signified committing many sins (3). But in Christ our flesh has a new sense. It's a field were we can imitate Jesus. Because of different lifestyles, the incredulous persecute us. The Corinthians thought that those who died before Jesus' arrival were disqualified of salvation. Jesus came toward them to preach (6;3:19)

2. In order that God may be glorified (7-11)

The advent of Jesus is at hand, so we must be self-controlled and sober-minded for prayer. We must love each other with a constant love, because love covers a multitude of sins. It's important to show hospitality to one another and use our gift of God to serve the others as good stewards of God's mercy. And in everything God must be glorified through Jesus, to him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.

Prayer: Lord, make me live in the flesh as Jesus in order to stop with sin. With this new life, make me leave as a depository of mercy and be an effective witness of Jesus.

Bottom line: in order that God may be glorified

BEAUTIFUL WIVES AND HANDSOME HUSBANDS

1P 3:1-7
Key verse 1P 3:1,7

Sometimes we dream of an ideal wife or husband. What are the ideal wives and husbands according to the Bible ? Pastor Dennis de Haan says that he didn't ever see couples divorce when they prayed on their knees during ten days.

1. The wives who pray

Peter says that the wives be subject to their own husband. Without prayer it's difficult to be suject to everything. The reason of this submission is so that, in the case the husband is an unbeliever, his soul should be saved to Christ. If the wife prays, she will gain always this husband's soul. She musn't look for external beauty, like the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold or the putting on of clothing. She must look for interior beauty which is hidden but has an influence on her unbelieving husband and others and obtains God's favor. Like Sarah, Abraham's wife, who is the example for all wives.

2. The husbands who pray

There is only one verse for the husband. But the role of husband is doubly important at home. He is the basis, the family depends on him. Above all, he must recognize according to the biblical truth that his wife comes from his rib. So he must continuously pray for her. He musn't consider her like a houseworker or a servant but like an heir with him of the kingdom of God. Then he must honor her and share the grace of life. So, with his double prayer and the prayer of his wife joined, the couple will do a lot of great things according to the aim of the God's creation.

Prayer: Lord, there are many ugly wives and husbands, but make us, me and my wife, a beautiful wife and a handsome husband. Make us a couple which prays and saves a lot of souls near us.

Bottom line: handsome husband and beautiful wife of CCU

JESUS, THE PERFECT EXAMPLE

1 Peter 2:11-25

key verse: 21

Crete was a place where fraud flourished. The inhabitants were known for their laziness. But Paul sent Titus to live there, so that he would influence the city. Jesus has become the example for Christians who live in a corrupted world.

1. Be victors and be subjects (11-18)

In some areas of life, we must be victors. This is true concerning inner sins. We must fight and win this combat. One example is passions of the flesh. Another is the spirit of vengeance (12). Paul exhorted Christians to submit themselves to human institutions, as these were established by God, though they had become corrupted. In everything, we must carry ourselves as servants of God, slaves of Christ, and not as free men who hide their evil acts. In this way, we can influence the world.

2. Follow the footsteps (19-25)

In the workplace, where the name of Jesus is not well-known, or among neighbors who hesitate to give in the name of Christ, we have the vocation of revealing the name of Christ through our example. This example is very important because by following it, we can be protected from traps. God has given us a perfect example. Though surrounded by persecutors, He gave himself for them. He healed us by his suffering. Suffering for sin is truly miserable, but suffering due to the good acts we do gives us immeasurable grace. Through our conduct, we can even heal the sick souls of our persecutors.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for dying on the cross for us. We persecuted you, but you gave yourself so that we could live. Help me to follow your example while doing good.

Bottom line: follow His example to become an example

A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD AND A HOLY NATION

2P 2:1-10

VC 2:9

1. Put away and wish for

"So" in this verse relates to the previous chapter where we learnt that all flesh perishes but the word of the Lord remains forever. So, we must not be similar to the world (Rm 12:2). It's important to put away all malice. But this is not sufficient. We must do a positive action. Paul says that we must wish for God's pure word like a baby. A believer can grow only like that. "Adulterated" (french word "frelaté) signifies "mix with strange substances, spoiled and falsified". The pure, non-adulturated spiritual milk signifies God's word free of all human and carnal things.

2. A rejected stone (4-7)

Paul says us to approach Jesus. Jesus is the living stone, because he has been rejected by mankind, but he has been raisen up by resurrection. We also are small living stones, we are different in view of size - Jesus is the main stone but we are like him because we also are rejected. Jesus is the cornerstone, we are ordinary stones, but we have the same material as him. So we form a building, the body of Christ. Whoever comes close to him will not be put to shame (6b; Rm 10:11; Es 28:16). That's why for me it's good to be near him.

3. A royal priesthood and a holy nation (9-10)

Unlike these who trip over the Stone, we who come close to Jesus are a chosen race (like Israel), a royal priesthood (high priest kind like Melkisedek who blesses), a holy nation (to whom come all nation because of his word) and a ransomed people (forgiven for all sins). So the believer has received an important role to propagate the light in this world.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for saving us from our sins, make us be a royal priesthood to the world.

Un word: rid yourself, crave, come and above all, be...

THE VICTORY OF THE ELECTED

1 Peter 1:6-12

key verse: 9

People rejoice in happy moments and are saddened in the midst of trials, but the paradigm of believers is different. Peter defines spiritual joy while exhorting us to appreciate our privilege.

1. You will jump for joy (6-9)

Peter said we must jump for joy when we endure trials. Believers are troubled by difficult situations, but these trials are given so that the elected may be purified and stand before the Lord pure on the day of judgement. Peter praises the faith of  these dispersed believers, since they loved Jesus without seeing Him, and they rejoiced in their coming salvation. Only faith can gain us the prize of salvation for our souls. God has elected us, but we must see and judge. This is why we must not abandon our route.

2. They inquired carefully (10-12)

The privilege of the elected is inexplicable; they are agents of eternal salvation. This is because of the blood of Jesus Christ. They loved Him and believed without seeing and by faith they obtained salvation. Though, if Jesus had not revealed Himself to them, they would not have known how to obtain salvation, and we wouldn't know the value of their privilege. For a long time, the prophets inquired carefully into the mystery of salvation and the moment of its coming, which was revealed to them through the Spirit. The suffering and glory of Jesus were but enigmas to them. Thanks to Jesus, the elected Christians now know what it's all about.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me trials, so that my soul would be purified. Help me to walk in faith until the salvation of my soul is completed.

Bottom line: Rejoice in the midst of trials

SAVED BY FAITH

1 P 1:1-5

Main theme of 1st Peter

In this letter (63-64 after JC) Peter talks to exiled christians who lived dispersed among unbelievers in the differents Roman provinces. This epistle got to them at the same time the generalized persecution to Christians which was launched by Nero.

SAVED BY FAITH

We are elected by God and we are saved by faith. At the beginning of this epistle Peter speaks to us about the source of election and of salvation.

1. The elected according to God (1-2)

Peter sent this letter to those who were persecuted and dispersed in Asia. They are humanly poor but they are the elected of God. How are they elected ? They didn't have any point of dignity to have this status. They were elected by the unilateral mercy of God. First, according to the foreknowledge of God. They were predestined by God's will. Then, by the sanctification of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit had purified them of all their sins to be holy pilgrims.  Finally by the obedience and the sprinkling with Jesus' blood.  Lets us notice that it's no human element which intervenes in election. Neither human merit is demanded, nor even faith. It's the obedient faith in Jesus and his blood's sacrifice which made people elected by God.. Election comes from God.

2. Saved by faith (3-5)

God kept a heavenly reward for us. Jesus said that when he will go to heaven he will prepare a place and will come back to take us with him. He had given a living hope in the kingdom of God to us (3). It's an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. In the past, after a life which pursued ephemeral we should have perished. But by the mercy of God we are saved. Moreover faith keeps us in God's power and assures us eternal life.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for my election by your Trinity and for having accepted my faith to be saved.

Bottom line: God elects and faith saves

IN ORDER TO GATHER THE CHILDREN

John 11: 45-57

key verse: 52

Often, we don't know the effect of our spoken words. Without knowing it, we influnce other people. God uses our mouths to accomplish His will, whether we realize it or not.

1. Caiaphas' words (45-51)

The Jews were divided. Among those visiting Lazarus' home, there were some who believed in Jesus. Those who were not present, as well as some others at Lazarus' house, did an aboutface and denied Jesus. Because of their covetessness and ambition, their consciences were paralyzed. They began persecuting Jesus and firmly decided, from that moment on, to eliminate Him. Caiaphas, who felt threatened by Jesus' popularity, said something severe about Jesus' death sentence. Caiaphas exerted great influence in the Jewish world. However, he was not aware and spoke according to his feelings. Although, nothing escapes divine will. Be it the wicked and cunning will of man, God holds it in His hand and uses it to accomplish His will. God's sovereignty is immesurable.

2. In order to gather the children (52-57)

After raising a dead man, Jesus fell into a great predicament. Jealous, the Jews wanted to eliminate Him. Jesus could no longer freely circulate. He hid in the desert of the neighboring region. Just as the high priest said, He would have to die for the nation. It was to gather the dispersed children into His arms so they could gain God's kingdom of peace. Jesus' nomadic, persecuted life served to reunite the lost. 

Prayer: Lord, make me pay attention to the words which come from my mouth. Help me to always remember that I was lost but found through the death of Jesus, and that I belong to the flock.

Bottom line: to gather the lost children

DID I NOT TELL YOU...

September, Tuesday 4th, 2016

John 11:32-44

The reproach of Jesus is often very advantageous. But we often close our heart. Today Jesus reproaches Martha with a precise aim. This final episode shows us that Jesus is the Son of God who will rise again dead persons in him.

1) If you believe you will see the glory of God (32-40)

Jesus wept. It's the shortest sentance in the Bible and it shows us Jesus' sadness toward mankind who suffers in the reign of Satan and death. People languished and cried in their powerlessness in this reign. But Jesus came to deliver them. It's faith. Only one who has faith will experience it and will see the glory of God. Incredulity was ambient. People made fun of Jesus' words and Jesus' tears, Mary complained because of the late arrival of Jesus and Martha thought only about the tomb. But Jesus reproached them so that they see the glory of God.

2) I believe that you always hear me (41-44)

Jesus prayed God so that Lazarus would be raised up. Jesus does always what's pleasant to God and honors God, God always answers his subjects of prayer. The blind man knew it (9:31). But Jesus wanted people to learn faith. Jesus called Lazarus in a loud voice so he appears like a ressurected person. All persons saw and now they knew that Jesus is their Messiah sent according to the promise. When we will die we also will be raised up listening to his voice which will ring one day.

Prayer: Lord, now I see that I will raise up when you will come again. Make me walk by the faith of ressurection on the earth.

Bottom line: Jesus is the ressurection

I AM THE RESURRECTION

October 3rd, 2016

John 11:17-31

key verse: 25

This is the final definition--or identity--of Jesus, among others. In Jesus we have eternal life, since he is the resurrection.

1. If you had been here. . . (17-24)

When Jesus arrived, the atmosphere was dark and morbid. The power of death hung in the air. Martha, filled with despair, said, "If you had been here. . ." This is the monologue of all those under the power of death and Satan. Their lives are filled with regret: "If I had had that. . . If I had been there. . . If you had done that", etc. However, in Jesus there is no regret. If Jesus had been there, the situation would have been worse. They would never have had the opportunity to learn faith. The miserable human point of view is very far from Jesus' vision of faith. Let's avoid the "if" conditional and let's live the "yes" indicative. Our lives are too short to be guided by the conditional. 

2. I am the resurrection (25-31)

Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even if he dies". These striking words are for every human soul and these words are true, for Jesus was raised from the dead and he raises the dead. He said that those who believe in him will never die. Our current life of faith is the prefiguration of eternal life. If we have faith, we can experience eternal life starting now. This is resurrection faith. Our clouded eyes are cleared so we can see eternity. 

Prayer: Lord, I have no doubt of your perfect will for me: that I live eternally and not die. Therefore, I will fear nothing.

Bottom line: Jesus is the resurrection.