2 Kings 15-16; Matthew 21

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21:1-11 [NIV])

Sixty-six Books in a year is a devotional series reading through the Bible every year. It’s not a commentary of sorts or a deep theological treatise. So although the above passage we are reading today is a pivotal one in pointing to the veracity of biblical inerrancy and what goes to the very heart of the reality of God’s message to us, let’s keep general in tone and focus.

In Daniel chapter 9 he prophecies about Nehemiah re-building the walls of Jerusalem. Now he doesn’t mention Nehemiah by name, but he does prophesy about the historical fact that took place. Furthermore when the wall is finished (and it took only 52 days for that to be accomplished) another clock started ticking. That clock (prophesy) was of the Messiah riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. And to the day — the very day — of that clock’s alarm ringing Jesus rides into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey.

Nobody can make this stuff up! It’s way too complicated for anyone to figure out. And yet here are the Holy Scriptures foretelling the arrival of the Messiah in Jerusalem hundreds of years before it happens.

Have you found this year’s journey to be boring? Has it gotten tedious? Please realize that these pages we read everyday are trustworthy and the very source of our faith and practice and they can be trusted. And along the way we find nuggets of cosmic truth that make the gospel more of a reality in our lives. Keep reading my friends! Keep reading.

 

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Hosea 1-3; Matthew 16

21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:21-23 [NIV])

What a very interesting passage of Scripture and many of us know it. And yet I think we are all guilty of the same reasoning, just on different topics that Peter was. Jesus is predicting his death and Peter takes him aside and tells him this is not going to happen, it shouldn’t happen in his mind will never happen. Why? Because it doesn’t line up with human reasoning and logic. Jesus was going to be victorious in Jerusalem. He wasn’t going to die there. That messes up the plan. Jesus replies with the fact that Peter only has human concerns in mind and not godly ones. How can we be guilty of this today? Here are some ways:

• My child could never go to a closed country to share the gospel. It’s too dangerous.
• Someone else will stop and help that person who is struggling along the road. I don’t need to.
• My child needs to be in as many sports as possible, evening neglecting Sunday morning activities at church because they may get a full ride scholarship or even better a pro career.

This faulty thinking of ours goes on and on. Where could you be guilty of putting human concerns before godly ones? What can you do to turn those actions and thinking around? Do it today!

Zechariah 1, Zechariah 2, Zechariah 3, Zechariah 4, 3 John 1

Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. “Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds.”’ Zechariah 1:3-4

For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 1:3-4

Read at – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zech1,2,3,4;%203%20John&version=NKJV

 Zechariah 1                 The Angel of the Lord answered “I am zealous for Jerusalem” v.14

             I am so grateful Lord that You are zealous and jealous (1) FOR Your people. I am one of Your people because of Your Son’s, the Lord Jesus Christ, Atonement. (2)

             Righteous and merciful is Your Word my Lord God! (3) You are Accurate in Your warning to me. You urge me because You want to relent on the judgment which is due because of my selfish or man pleasing thoughts, words, actions and attitudes! You command me to repent and live for You so I do not to waste my words, actions or any part of me – and instead use all of me under You – Who IS Authority. (4) Thank You for Your Mercy in speaking with me!! While there is no condemnation for me in Christ Jesus, You created me to honor and worship You with my life. (5)

                 Lord God, I fear You because You are Great. You communicate boldly:

Zechariah 2              – Then I raised my eyes and said, “Where are you going?” – “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length. – ‘For I,’ says the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’” – For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.”

Zechariah 3              –  Then he showed me – the Angel of the Lord and Satan standing at His right hand to oppose Him. And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord Who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire? – “Says the Lord of hosts, ‘And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.”  (6)

Zechariah 4              –  “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” Says the Lord of hosts. – he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”’”  (7)

                 You speak for my benefit! You place a protective wall around me, who fears You. I am the apple of Your eye. You rebuke my accusers (8). You took all of my iniquity away in one day! The day I accepted the crucifixion of Jesus Christ for myself! Whom then should I fear? (9) No one by You. All-Loving God, You did it by Your Holy Spirit, not by any of my works. You are my Foundation and very sure reward! I am no different than any other person born again by the Blood of Jesus! Lord God be praised!! And there are multitudes of us presently on the earth! You protect our very souls, mind and spirit until we meet you in Heaven! (10) 

               But not so for the other multitudes who refute You, ignore You, and despise You with their hearts, minds and lives. I, too, was Your enemy before You changed me. (11)

For those who do not repent (Zechariah 1:3-4) Zechariah 1-4 says:

             “Your fathers, where are they? Yet surely My words and My statutes, Which I commanded My servants the prophets, Did they not overtake your fathers?” “So they returned and said: ‘Just as the Lord of hosts determined to do to us, According to our ways and according to our deeds, So He has dealt with us.’” (12)

             “I am exceedingly angry with the nations at ease; – For I was a little angry, And they helped—but with evil intent.”

            “Then the Lord showed me four craftsmen. And I said, “What are these coming to do?” – So he said, “These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one could lift up his head; but the craftsmen are coming to terrify them, to cast out the horns of the nations that lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it.” – For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you – For surely I will shake My hand against them, and they shall become spoil for their servants. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me.”

No one can escape Your view or Your Hand, Lord God. We each must give an account to You. (13)

“They are the eyes of the Lord, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:10

             God my Father, when I consider the current news, national and international, the cultures’ patterns and people’s words which defy Your Word, it awakens me to the pervasive, destructive, degrading, perverted and sickening effect of sin from each individual onto all others. Worldwide every kind of crime is enacted within the ‘gangs’ of bullies; whether they are a part of a corrupt government, company or within organizations of all types, and even within families. It can be overwhelming and make me feel sick inside. Yet Your Word stands firm, It never changes and it Will accomplish all that You say! (14)

 3 John 1        For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. (v.3-4,11)

                Yet I rejoice and am grateful, relieved and strengthened by the sharp contrast of the words and actions of Your numerous followers, Lord Jesus! Everywhere, in the midst of rebellious families, wayward organizations and deceptive companies and governments – Your people stand Firm and Bright. Oh what Glory You receive! Please continue to faithfully, lavishly pour out Your Zechariah 1-4 blessings on them since they incur intense rejection and pain due to their faithfulness to You, Lord Jesus Christ. Their perpetrators do not know that it is really You, Lord Jesus, Who they are disdaining. (15)

           No one can have the last word but You Omnipotent God! No one can out last You Ever! satan and his demons are powerless against You. They know You and shudder (James 2:19) in fear! Lord God, please send workers into the harvest field, pour out Your Holy Spirit to soften and regenerate those who are heading to hell so they will repent to You and not suffer eternal torment. Lord Jesus, Magnify and Glorify Yourself over the whole earth! (16)

 “They are the eyes of the Lord, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.” Zech 4:10

Bible Insights –

1-  Exodus 20:5-6; Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24; Deuteronomy 6:15; Deuteronomy 32:16; Joshua 24:19; Ezekiel 39:25; Nahum 1:2

2- John 1:1-3; John 1:10-14; John 1:29; John 3:3-21; John 4:10-14; John 4:25-26; John 7:38; Revelation 7:17; Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 1:18; Hebrews 8:12; Hebrews 10:17; Ephesians 2:13; Hebrews 10:19-23; Hebrews 13:12; Matthew 26:28; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 11:17-20; Ezekiel 36:24-32; 1 John 3:1

3- Zechariah 1:3-4, Jeremiah 15:19

4- Jer 18:7-10, Jonah 3:10, Deut 28

5- Romans 8:1; Revelation 4:11; Hebrews 10:38; Hebrews 11:6; Job 28:28; Proverbs 9:10; Proverbs 16:6; Psalm 37:4; Colossians 3:23-24

6- Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13, Romans 8, Hebrews 7:25, Matt 28:18-20

7- Psalm 118:22, Isaiah 28:16, Matthew 21:42-44, Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:4-10

8- Revelation 12:10, 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 4:27, Psalm 1, Mark 13:12-13, Luke 6:17-23, John 15:18-27, Matthew 10:11-42

9- Isaiah 52:13- 53, Romans 8, Luke 12:5, Proverbs 14:27, Proverbs 29:25

10- Ephesians 2:1-10; Isaiah 64:6; Matthew 7:24-29; Genesis 15:1; Psalm 18:2; Psalm 18:31; Psalm 18:46; Romans 5:8; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 4:30; Ephesians 1

11- 2 Corinthians 5:17

12- Psalm 119:89; 2 Samuel 22:31; Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; Isaiah 55:11; Hebrews 4:12-13, Matthew 24:35, Romans 1:18-2:16; Deuteronomy 28

13- Hebrews 4:12-13, Romans 14:12, 1 Peter 4:5, Matthew 12:36, Hebrews 9:27

14 – Zechariah 1:6; Psalm 119:89; 2 Samuel 22:31; Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; Isaiah 55:11; Hebrews 4:12-13; Matthew 24:35; Romans 1:18-2:16; Deuteronomy 28; Isaiah 59:1

15-  1 John 3:1; Matthew 25:31-46; John 15:18-27; Job 22:28; Matthew 5:16; John 1:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Philippians 2:15; 2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 21:23; Romans 5:8; Luke 4; Luke 4:31-41; Mark 5:1-20; Mark 1:32-39; Luke 8:26-39; Luke 8:49-56

16- Revelation 1:1-8; Revelation 1:11; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:13; Revelation 22:20-21

 Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

Nahum 1,2,3; Acts 23:1-15

Scripture:

Acts 23:11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” (ESV)

Observation:

This passage of Scripture (Acts 23:1-15) finds the Apostle Paul in heaps of trouble. He was in Jerusalem being persecuted by the Jewish religious leaders. He was having to use his god-given wits to squirm out of a very dangerous situation. While being held over night the Lord comes to him and tells him not to be afraid and that some day he’ll stand

in Rome giving testimony to God’s truth and hope. He was given a clear vision. Some day he would stand in Rome testifying to the facts of the life and mission of Jesus. It was a clear clarion call on his life. In fact it is something that stays with him for ever.

Application:

Do you think that we all have that kind of call on our lives? Perhaps it’s not the Lord standing beside us like he did in Paul’s case, but if we are attuned to the whisper of God, it’s there. There have been times in my life when I have prayed for things or issues and getting in the car before going to work, or in the quietness of my morning study & prayer God comes and whispers a mission or resolution or comfort in my spiritual ear. It’s as if He is standing there speaking to me. It doesn’t just happen to people like the Apostle Paul. It happens to all of us who are Christ followers. Personally as I was seeking God about my future He gave me two things as if they were as clear as Him talking to me. He told me that for fifteen years I was to work at building a world-class ministry team at LifePoint Church and for the next fifteen mentor younger people in ministry. Thirty years! That’s enough into the future to keep me busy for quite some time. That was eight years ago and it is still a guiding beacon in my life.

What things has God whispered in your spiritual ear? Can you share one of those with us?

Prayer:

Father God I am so humbled that You, the God of the universe, sees fit to speak with me. Thank you. Thank you for the way you speak to those reading this blog today. Keep our spiritual ears attuned to Your messages that you whisper to us. We love you very much and pray these things in Jesus Name, Amen!

dmbaldwin