“Thy Word”

Jack Davis

Priceless Publication

“Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee,” Psa. 119:11. There is no measuring its far reaching value, for it is beyond all comparison of anything else ever written. There is nothing else quite like it. Its special value is in its expressing and revealing the very heart of God. God’s Word is  indeed an unquestionable, undeniable proclamation of His great love. 

God Has Spoken

He is still speaking, consider I Peter 1:16-21. “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable…(unto)…perfection, II Tim. 3:16-17. What other publication has the right to such claims? God’s Word is its own best commentary and illustrator. Read I Cor. 10:1-11. It was written for our admonition even at this end of the Age. Nothing else ever written stays so up-to-date. It was written for our learning, to renew and rekindle our hope, Rom. 15:4. God’s Word is the recording of His true and faithful sayings (expressions), Rev. 22:6-7. These are worthy of all acceptation, I Tim. 1:15. Believing humanity is so highly favored to have, and richly blessed in keeping God’s faithful sayings.

To Be Heard

Jesus said, “Let these sayings sink down into your ears,” Lk. 9:43-44. “He that hath an ear, let him hear,” Rev. 2 & 3. Faith cometh by hearing the word, Rom. 10:17.

We Are To Heed It

“Wherewith all shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word,” Psa. 119:9. We are wise to pay close attention to all our Father has spoken. In Psalm 45:10 we read, “Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear…” Peter wrote that we do well to take heed. Paul said, “We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” The good seed of God’s Word should be given ample lodging in pliable soil. His Word will check us with spiritual reminders, correct our course, cleanse our way, and affect our walk and talk.

To Be Hid

It is so important to hear and heed, and good to search and read, but especially let us hide it in our hearts. Let it be laid up, valued, treasured. One translation says, “I have treasured what thou hast said.”

Permanent Placement

“Have I hid, in my heart,” we count it wise to take  God’s Word in our hand, to hold fast and hold forth the “Word of Life.” When we reach out and draw it to ourselves, embrace it to our bosom, it becomes a rod and staff to comfort us. It also becomes a sword with which we may by the Spirit’s power and guidance advance upon our enemy.  Hallelujah! “It is written” as a lamp held before us we focus our vision, following His wise guidance. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” “Order my steps in thy word: and let not iniquity have dominion over me,” Psa. 119:133.

It is fine to get the Word by repetition, meditation, and consideration into our head, but don’t stop there. It is important as we search the scripture to seek God’s wisdom as for hidden treasure. “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. The entrance of thy words giveth  light, it giveth understanding to the simple,” Psa. 119:15-16,130.

The Word in the hand and in the head are but precious preparation for divine placement. Only God in reality is able to put it into our hearts. When He does, by Holy Spirit revelation, that Word becomes engrafted, and we begin to realize its depth of meaning, blessed benefits, heights possible, and riches unfathomable.

“In my heart,” a sacred place, the center of ones’ being, out of which are the issues of life. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” It is a secret place, “only God looketh upon the heart.” His Word discerns the thoughts and intents thereof.

God’s Word becomes hidden in our hearts when it is invited, invested, and ingested. When we begin to recognize its importance, we will give it the honored place, we make room by being open and receptive. It is indeed a great privilege to acknowledge its authority, submit to its precepts, and give full attention to what He has said. The Word was not sent for wearing it on the surface, holding for show, or displayed by quotation. But rather by being assimilated into the depths of our being, becoming an important part of us.

Knowing God’s will by digesting His thoughts, we become fully aware of that which pleases Him. Col. 1:9-11. By letting God’s Word dwell in us richly (in all its wealth), His will and pleasure is made ours. Col. 3:16-17.

Preserving Purpose

“That I might not sin against thee.” Only by His Word hidden in our hearts are we able to stay in complete harmony with God’s will. This is food for the inner man. The ingesting of spiritual nourishment is indeed a bitter-sweet experience. “How sweet are thy words to my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding therefore I hate every false way,” Psa. 119:103-104.

Enjoyed and  Employed

“And I went to the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, “Take it, and eat it up, and it shall make thy betty bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey,” Rev. 10:9. 

We enjoy some of the sweetest times when feeding on God’s Word, but when it is fulfilled or made practical, it is hard on the flesh in its bitterness. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of Host,” Jer. 15:16. “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food,” Job. 23:12. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received rhe word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe,” I Thess. 2:13. Also read Heb. 4:12.

We, like Paul delight in the law (will) of God after the inward man as He writes His Word and will in our hearts. Thank God He does this by the precious Holy Spirit, for Jew and Gentile alike, II Cor. 3:3; Heb. 8:10 and 10:16.

 Trust Only

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7. 

I want to tease out several things from this verse. We get some very clear instructions from reading and understanding what is being said here.

First I see a contrast between trusting in the Lord and leaning on our own understanding. It seems that we are given two options. We will invariably choose one of them. Our old nature prefers to lean on our own understanding. That involves the things that we see and know around us. It might even involve other people that we know and trust. God reminds us that choice is not going to be the best for us. “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26. “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.” Psalms 146:3.

Why attempt to trust our own ability when we can place our trust in God who is Almighty and All Knowing. We are His children, and He encourages us to trust in Him alone. “That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,” Proverbs 22:19-20. 

We have been given God’s Word to build our trust in Him. As we study God’s Word and allow His Holy Spirit to speak to us, then our faith to trust in Him will grow. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17.

Learning to trust in God will make us steadfast, unmovable in the face of adversity. “They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.” Psalms 125:1. I have no use for these “prosperity” preachers that try to lead God’s people astray into desiring the wealth of this world. However, there is spiritual prosperity to be had by putting our trust in God. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8.

Second, I see the thought about acknowledging Him in ALL our ways. It seems that we don’t mind acknowledging God in the times and circumstances that we are unsure of. However, we tend to be hesitant to acknowledge Him when we are confident in our own ability to handle the situation.

Paul encourages us to make sure everything in our lives is to God’s glory. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17. If we are leaving God out of certain portions of our life, then He is not getting the glory for those.

Let’s be careful to acknowledge God in every part of our life, and in every decision and every circumstance so the He will be glorified for the work that He is doing. We will then be as Paul recommends in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

What God’s people need more than anything else right now, is peace. So many are troubled by the state of this world and by the state of our country and maybe by what they see as the future. Many are concerned that they will lose their religious freedom. They are concerned that war is breaking out all over the world and threatens to expand more and more. Peace, confidence, tranquility is what we need to receive from God right now. 

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

So, what is the secret? How do I get this peace and tranquility in my life? Back to Philippians 4:6-7. We must spend time in prayer with our Lord. We must spend time in God’s Word. The Word will grow our faith, and our time spent in prayer will assure us that God is listening and is there for us every step of the way. Speak to the guide. If He isn’t your guide, move side and let Him. 

There is a song that says “if you have time to worry, you have time to pray”. Worry is a waste of time since it has never solved anything in the history of mankind. When we worry about things and try to take care of them in our own understanding and strength, we will invariably fail, so why not just give them to the Lord? Take time from your own attempts and give them over to your Lord. He will be your strength. He will be glorified in your life.

 “I AM”

Anita Clark, Pastor

Grace Chapel, Carbondale

“I am the Root and Offspring of David, the bright and morning star.”Revelation 22:16. “I AM” is the title of the Lord Jesus Christ.

God send Moses to speak to Pharaoh concerning the Children of Israel, who were slaves in Egypt, and needed a deliverance. The words “I am” literally means “The Self existent One.” In Exodus 3:10-14 God spoke to Moses, out in the desert where he was guarding sheep. Vs. 13 says, “And Moses said unto God, Behold when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? What shall I say to them? And God said to Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”

In Exodus 6:2-3, God spoke to Moses and said, “I am the LORD. And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.” God told Moses to go and tell the Israelites these words, but when Moses gave the full message to them about how God was going to rescue them, verse 9 says “And Moses spake unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses, for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.” Later, Moses was able to take them out of Egypt.

In the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) Jesus spoke many times “with many titles.” He said, “I am the Bread of life,” “I am the Light of the world,” “I am the door,” “I am the good Shepherd,” I am the Son of God,” I am the Resurrection and the Life,” “I am the True Vine.” Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:5-7 declares the “Seven fold humbling of Christ Jesus.” “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal God; But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” In Luke 24:44 Jesus spoke to the disciples after his resurrection, “And He said unto them, these are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me.”

In the book of Revelation Jesus is spoken of as the “I Am.” The first time is recorded in Revelation 1:8. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord, which is, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Apostle Paul states in Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame; and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

In Revelation 1:18 Jesus says, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” In Revelation 2:23, Jesus says, “I am He that searcheth the hearts. I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” The book of Hebrews 4:12-13 says, For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

In Revelation 21:4-6 speaks to us about the time to come after the Millennial Reign of Christ, of 1,000 years, “And God shall wipe away all the tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat on the throne said, Behold I make all things new... It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, I will give unto him that is athrist of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” What precious promises!

Revelation 22:16 gives us Jesus’ last words in the book of Revelation. “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things to the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star.” The word “bright” means “radiant, clear, and gorgeous” and the words “Morning Star” speaks of the brightness and brilliance of Jesus as He comes and takes His dear people home to heaven to dwell for eternity with Him.

 The Two Creations

Part 2

Pastor Vicky Moots

Kingman, Kansas

Before Paul’s conversion, he had been a very religious person. He was a strict Law-keeper of the Mosaic Law, a Pharisee, and considered himself to be blameless before God.  In fact, he thought he was doing a good service for God by persecuting the church and those who called themselves Christians. He thought he had much to be proud of and to boast in until one day he came face to face with Jesus in a vision on the road to Damascus. The light of that vision was so bright that he fell to the ground and was blinded. That encounter changed his heart, for he became a new creation in Christ. Three days later God opened his blinded physical and spiritual eyes and called him to preach the gospel. Yes, he was a new man.

But then a struggle began. In his heart he wanted to serve and follow Christ, but his flesh, his old nature, was rebelling. A war was now waging within him between the “old man” and the “new man.” He soon discovered that in his own strength, in his flesh, he was not able to do the good that he wanted to do.

That spiritual battle is recorded for us by Paul in Rom. 7:18-24. He stated in vs.18-19, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” Does that problem sound familiar to anyone? It certainly does to me, for it mirrors my own experience.

Paul had not yet learned to lay hold of the power of the Holy Spirit in order to have victory over the flesh. He continues on in v.20 to say, “Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I [as a new creation] that do it, but sin [the old creation] that dwelleth in me.” And in v.21, “I find then a law, [principle] that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”

He further describes this war in vs.22-23: “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”

This constant warfare was very distressing to Paul, and he cried out in despair in v.24. “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” But, praise God, the conflict did not end in defeat! He claimed the victory in v.25: “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord…” And also in Rom. 8:2 when he stated, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”

To be continued – Part 3 next issue

 Overcoming

Greg Gilliam Pastor of Grace Christian Assembly

Kansas City, Missouri

Webster defines overcoming as ‘to surmount or to overcome difficulties.’ What do we have to overcome?  Sinful life. Rom. 5:20, “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” The law is holy and just and good – Rom. 7:12. It had a purpose, to bring us to Christ. How? By bringing the offence to the forefront. Rom. 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”  

How do we overcome a life of sin? Through Christ. Only one thing could appease the Father, a perfect sacrifice. I Peter 1:18-20, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold…But with the precious blood of Christ…foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” II Cor. 5:21, “for he (God the Father) hath made him (Jesus Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Gal. 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Death to life: Rom. 6:2-11 shows the believer in Christ to be dead indeed unto sin but alive unto God, how shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by the baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man in crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

We also overcome/surmount the fear of death by knowing that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ - Rom. 6:23. This eternal dwelling will be defined by the glory and splendor laid hold of here by each individual believer. We live today in this truth and await the final fulfillment to come, I Cor.15:54-57.

We have an enemy to overcome. Eph. 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Not just Satan but a host. Now that we are in Christ Jesus (believers) no one can remove/pluck us out of our secure dwelling (in Christ, in God) – John 10:28-29. God does not allow us to be tested to see what we have laid hold of, in Christ. We overcome, by allowing Christ to live within us. He is the victor who has overcome all the obstacles of this world, John 16:33. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 

We are given the armour of God to help us in this battle - Eph. 6:10-18. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand…having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

In the Revelation of Jesus Christ given to John we read in chapter 12 of a war that will take place in heaven.  Although this is a future event there are valuable truths to be grasped, that will help us to understand overcoming. The dragon referred to in V. 7 is Satan.    His occupation is to deceive the whole world and to accuse the brethren before our God day and night. V. 12,  There is rejoicing that takes place. Notice the rejoicing is a loud voice saying, “Now is salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”  

How did they overcome him?  “By the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” - V. 11. Satan is ruthless (showing no pity or compassion) in accusing the brethren.  He works in the mind of the believers to make them think they are unworthy, unable, incapable, etc. and we are, apart from Christ. Sometimes he works in the minds of other believers (typically babes in Christ or those walking carnally/fleshly) to bring accusations against the believers. So how do we (as believers) overcome? Laying hold of the victor, Christ Jesus. He has triumphed over all. He shed His blood that we might live and He desires for us to walk in an overcoming life. Not constantly defeated but reigning in life by One, Christ Jesus.

 “Occupy Till I Come”

Earlene Davis

In Luke 19:11-15, Jesus spoke a parable to His people, the Jews speaking of Himself foretelling His departure and that He would return. He gave this instruction, “Occupy till I come.” This is also true concerning us, His people of this Church Age to occupy till He comes again for us. He promised “to prepare a place for us and said, “I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” We are to occupy until then. 

Our occupation is not to be willy-nilly in a disordered way, but faithful stewards of the Gospel. He gives His people the opportunity for service. In the parable everyone is given the same - 10 pounds. In Bible numerology, ten speaks of ‘Responsibility according to ability.’ The R. V. gives for the word pound - ‘silver,’ which speaks of redemption. So every one has a stewardship of what they do with the silver, our redemption. 

There will be an accounting – I Cor. 4:1-2, “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. Rom. 14:12, “every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” What are we doing with the silver? Are we investing spiritually that our Lord might be enriched by the increase?

One servant in the parable gained 10 pounds, another gained 5 pounds, they were rewarded accordingly. But another servant hid his and received no reward. I Cor. 3:13, “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” The fire is God’s Word, if a man’s work abides, he shall receive a reward – I Cor. 3:14-15. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss (of reward): but he himself shall be saved.”

We are responsible for our life span to occupy till our Lord comes again. Here are some scriptures the Holy  Spirit brought to my mind on our occupation until then.

Mk. 13:32-37, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man…but the Father. Take heed, watch and pray…for ye know not when the master of the house cometh…Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” 

Lk. 12:37, “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching.” 

Rom. 13:11, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” 

I Thess. 5:6, “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.”

I Cor. 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 

Rev. 22:12, “behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” 

Another thought on occupying, it takes patience. James 5:7, “Be patient brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it…Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” Heb. 10:36-37, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” It is only a little while compared to eternity. Now we know how patience is worked in us. Rom. 5:3, “We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience and experience hope.” James 1:4, “Let patience have her perfect work,” to the end, “that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

This word “perfect” refers to each particular part. “Entire” refers to the whole, complete in every part. It is not enough to be perfect in just one thing. The Father would have us perfect in love and obedience, which yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness. So these trials that God allows to come to us is a means to His perfecting work in you and I.

So we can count or esteem them all joy when we fall into divers or different trials that come upon us unawares – James 1:2-3. When they happen, we feel disturbed. But God has allowed them for our good. There is a lesson to be learned, and a victory to be won. No temptation for the present seems joyous, but grievous. So how can we count it joy? Because we know something, that the trying of our faith works patience or endurance. 

For the believer, patience is indispensable on our journey. We see the value of our trials. We learn patience with ourselves and with others and even with God. We learn to cling to Him and to give Him time to work for us. He doth all things well. May we not take things into our own hands. Pray and let God act. Move with Him. Patience will have a perfect work in us if we remain in the trial till He delivers. 

So may we be stewards in the things God has called us to. May we watch and pray fully aware of the times and seasons in which we live. “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” – Phil. 1:6.

 OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST

Kathryn Devers

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.” Heb. 4:14. The adjective “great” describes Him “most eminent or prominent i.e. distinguished as above others.” A comparison is made with Melchizedek and contrast with Aaron in chapter 7. In this office, He ministers as “the good and great Shepherd.”

John 10:11, Jesus said, “I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” Psa. 22 describes Him as the suffering Savior, who fulfills this office. “Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” – Heb. 2:17. 

Through His condescension, “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” – Tit. 2:11. He was the offering and offerer, which made Him distinct. “Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.” “But now once, in the end of the ages, hath he appeared to put away (completely destroy) sin by the sacrifice of himself” – Heb. 7:27 & 9:26. “Mercy there was great and grace was free, at Calvary.” Who but He could have shown such great compassion toward helpless, hopeless, miserable sinners and deliver from the guilt, power and one day the presence of sin.  The price of redemption was far beyond any human figure, for it was “with the precious (valuable) blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

His work fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, and fully satisfied the righteous demands of a holy God for judgment on sin at the cross. Praise God, death could not hold Him! He arose a mighty conqueror, the “great Shepherd.” “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant…We have such an high priest, who is seated on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens – Heb. 13:20 & 8:1.

Psa. 23 is a personal aspect of Him, as “great Shepherd.” He shows His concern for each sheep of His pasture. To claim Him personally, there is no lack for spirit, soul or body. He gives rest, for “He hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus.” This is resurrection ground. “There is a rest unto the people of God.” Two-fold, “beside still waters,” a place of meditation upon His word, essential for spiritual growth, and “in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

We are His representatives, and our conduct should reflect His righteousness in purity of life, right attitudes, actions, feeling, and thoughts which will glorify Him. In V. 4 of Psa. 23, an unquestionable confidence is expressed. He’s a wonderful Shepherd! He draws us close to His bosom, comforts and direct during times of trial. Such wondrous love!

“He’s touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” As was said of Israel, “In all their afflictions he was afflicted,” He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, thus our cares, problems and all that pertains to life is His concern. We are bid to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” – Heb. 4:16.

It affords great peace and rest to know ONE, who cares and understands every detail of our lives, and is able to help. “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Truly He is a “Great High Priest” and is worthy of our trust. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my  life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Praise Him!