Scripture Impressions

Macro and Micro

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

Exodus 12:14-13:16; Matthew 20:29-21:22

 

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.” -Hebrews 1:1-3

 

Before Jesus’ earthly ministry began, God spoke through appointed men and prophets. When Christ came He dealt face to face with people. Still the same true God, the Lord reveals Himself in a much more personable, tangible way as Jesus became flesh, living among men. Suddenly our view of God is up close.

Jesus meeting us where we are in our humanity is significant for many reasons, but it is especially important for how we relate to Him. Christ had to become like one of us, perfectly keeping the Law, thus fulfilling the Law and becoming a Perfect Sacrifice. He identifies with man so that man could identify with Him. God has always been the same majestic Lord, unchangeable yesterday, today and forever. Yet in His love and grace the Father sent His Son to a world in need of redemption. Jesus condescends from His Heavenly Glory momentarily to teach us more about Himself. Just as created things like bread, water, and blood point to a deeper spiritual truth, so God incarnate teaches us of His sacrificial intimate love for the Father and the people He died for.

God’s holiness is also applied to our environment as Jesus daily interacted with others, enduring physical limitations as a human, experiencing hunger, temptation and tiredness yet He did not sin (Matthew 4:1-11; Hebrews 2:14-18). Jesus Christ is uniquely and supernaturally fully God and fully man (Hebrews 1:1-12; Matthew 22:41-46; Psalm 110:1).

0E02C8F8-ABF5-4D21-A65D-B25309C395E4C9EEE36A-FDEA-487C-9F49-C4FAB3EE497CE1F6ADAE-CFA5-4BCD-B339-D5E9DF5DD763ladybug-drop-of-water-rain-leaf-40731.jpegB801210A-E285-4672-8E9E-8718963EFEA3

The God of Moses Who delivered His people from Egypt is the same God Who restores sight to the blind, encourages children to praise Him, displayed foreknowledge of a donkey and colt to be used for His purposes, and curses a fruitless fig tree. The macro and micro pictures we have of our Great God are one in the same. What a mighty God we serve!

The Lord redeems His children and destroys the wicked, just as Pharaoh and his army were suddenly overtaken by the same sea God protected Israel with. His ways are limitless, His power unmatched; this is God. He sent His Son, God incarnate, to die for a lost world, in order that we could know Him, enter His Presence and have peace with the King of the Universe. The most wonderful question we can ask ourselves is: Who is Jesus? What is your answer?

 

Grace upon grace,

April

 

 

 

Compromise

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

Exodus 10:1-12:13

 

More than once Pharaoh tried to compromise with Moses on conditions for letting the Israelites go worship. Moses was unwavering because these were God’s terms. Like Pharaoh, those who attempt to negotiate with the Lord have no fear of God, not rightly understanding Who He is.

The last plague left no room for compromise with judgment over every firstborn son in Egypt. The instructions for Passover were very clear, as the Israelites obeyed God’s word by placing the blood of an unblemished lamb on the sides and top of the doorframe to their homes. Then each Hebrew ate the roasted lamb, bitter herbs and bread without yeast in haste as instructed by the Lord. Because of their obedience, God spared the firstborn in each Israelite home unlike the Egyptian families.

IMG_0603

 

 

61D642B4-C74F-4FA6-932E-FCC92783E0E8

http://egoodography.wix.com/home

 

God defends those who take His Word seriously and obey Him- these are His people.  We may think it harmless to cut corners at work, lack integrity in how we treat others, or see how far we can push the envelope, but how we live before others matters. John MacArthur points out how the Church is responsible in representing Christ to the world saying,

“The Church’s greatest testimony before the world is spiritual integrity. When Christians live below the standards of biblical morality and reverence for their Lord, they compromise the full biblical truth concerning the character, plan, and will of God. By so doing, they seriously weaken the credibility of the gospel and lessen their impact on the world.”

The truth is God will not honor bargaining His commands of any kind. He does not haggle. This is the way of the unrighteous. God’s people obey Him and serve others because this reflects the heart of Christ who did not compromise His mission on the cross. Aren’t you glad Jesus perfectly obeyed the will of the Father? Christ set the example for daily living by demonstrating whole-hearted devotion to God alone as the only way to live. It’s important to note that this isn’t done in our own strength. As we mature in our understanding of God’s grace, the Holy Spirit enables us to live out the Lord’s will. Gradually our desires begin to match His, as our hunger for God grows. How incredible God even helps us obey Him!

God’s standard is ultimately in our best interest. We need not fear “missing out” on a full life because we don’t succumb to the pressures of the culture. God’s way leads to solid joy in a forever relationship with Him. In the end, those who remain steadfast and uncompromising in the Lord will hear “well done, My good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). Keep persevering. Our Father sees your faithfulness to Him.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

Set Apart

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

Exodus 8:1-9:35; Psalm 24; Matthew 19:13-30

 

There is a fatal misconception that there many ways to heaven- in the end all people are God’s people. This simply isn’t true. The Bible shows us how God set apart the people of Israel for Himself. He is a Covenant-keeping God, long-suffering with wayward, scared, ungrateful and at times faithless people. Good news for us. We aren’t that much different in our sin nature from Israel and yet God still pursues His people, displaying a love and power only He can possess.

The Lord wields His dominion over creation with the plagues He set upon Egypt. Scripture specifically points out how God protected His people from these afflictions, passing over the land of Goshen where the Hebrews lived (Exodus 8:22-23; 9:4; 26). He saved them from His wrathful plagues. The wonder of salvation is that none of us deserve it. We are all dead in our sins, guilty to have plagues set upon us before a holy God. Yet in His great mercy the Lord created and preserved a holy nation, a royal priesthood, the body of Christ, the Church. We who are in Christ Jesus are set apart as His holy possession. All acts of redemption recorded in the Bible foreshadow God’s greatest work in Jesus, rescuing us from the slavery of sin, resurrecting spiritually dead men and women for His ultimate Glory and our eternal good.

2051B620-608A-43F7-9E9C-11FE4797AC62A9EDEF2B-A2DE-4E2A-8A21-E3F02D742AB0C666C5F7-A75F-40EB-BEE1-E953B3B0AE67

Jesus told His disciples that with man salvation is impossible. We cannot save ourselves or find another way to heaven than through Him (John 14:6). But with God, the miracle of salvation is not only possible, He actually made this a reality for all who place their trust in Jesus. God makes the impossible, possible.

Since the beginning of Time it was God’s desire to enjoy fellowship with His creation- us. When we separated ourselves from Him in sin, God made a way in Christ to set us apart once again, but this time with a purpose to make us holy. As Christians we are no longer held captive to our culture and the depravity of man. He has made and is making us holy to be like He is. Paul explains it this way, “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:30). If you are a Christian, you are becoming what God has already called you to be. He is faithful to sanctify you and me until the day of Christ Jesus when we see Him face to face (Philippians 1:6). As God’s beloved, we are set apart to be free.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

Signs and Wonders

/ RedeemedInGrace / 4 Comments

Exodus 5:22-7:25; Psalm 23; Proverbs 5:22-23

 

Our Father is a faithful leader guiding His people throughout history with anointed leadership, Scripture, the Holy Spirit and prayer. God used Moses and Aaron to speak on His behalf, to demonstrate His Power when the Israelites were in Egyptian captivity. Even when Israel lacked faith in God’s redemptive plan and Moses became discouraged, the Lord still moved forward in rescuing them. Moses’ staff becomes an object of God’s power and authority as it turns into a snake. His staff then swallows the Egyptian magicians’ staffs turned into snakes.

God’s goodness to never give up on His people, to guide and correct us when necessary carries over into the beautiful 23rd psalm. He is our Great Shepherd with His own staff and rod, not out of sadistic pleasure but out of His love for us. It is always for our good, as we learn to walk in the footsteps of Christ.

525ACBDB-4436-4795-BBB8-DCFE8A4344EC710D296C-31A1-4B8C-A2D9-20D08B417EE9D7583AE2-AC06-41FA-9C5D-90651D700914

By contrast, Pharaoh’s hardened heart depicts the wicked who refuse to obey God’s correction. Rejecting His truth, His light, darkens the mind and sears the conscience.  The Lord will eventually give them over to their sin (Romans 1:21-25; 28). Disobedience is not freedom but eternal slavery.

God’s staff of righteousness is the perimeter by which we live our lives. Boundaries are for safety yet we must trust in our Father’s wisdom, operating within His commands. The Israelites didn’t demonstrate faith in Egypt until they were shown God’s signs and wonders.

Jesus rebuked the religious leaders who demanded a sign from Him to prove His Sonship (Matthew 12:38-41). They hated Jesus’ ministry and condemned Him to the cross. Yet this was not the end. Just as the Lord prophesied, this generation witnessed the ‘sign of Jonah’ as Jesus overcame death and lives today. What other wonder do we need? Blessed are those who acknowledge the Lord’s goodness and authority without demanding a sign and walk in obedience (John 20:29).

 

Grace upon grace,

April

Unfolding Mercy

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

Exodus 4:1-5:21; Psalm 22:19-31; Matthew 18:12-14

 

“Moses and Aaron brought together all the elders of the Israelites, and Aaron told them everything the Lord had said to Moses. He also performed the signs before the people, and they believed. And when they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshipped.” (Exodus 4:29-31).

In our reading of Exodus today we see the Lord is placing His plan of redemption into motion for the Israelites. They have been held captive in Egyptian slavery for 400 years and at just the right time God accomplishes His purpose through them, “For He has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; He has not hidden His face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” (Psalm 22:24).

shallow focus on blond haired woman in white long sleeve shirt carrying a baby on her backIMG_2424

IMG_4534

Psalm 22 was written by King David as his own cry for help, laced with adoration of God. This Messianic psalm looks forward to Christ our Redeemer imaging these words as well looking back to God’s great deliverance of Israel during the exodus. The Bible is layered with experiences from different men, separated by hundreds of years, yet when their stories align we see a bigger picture unfolding- God’s great mercy saving His people for His Glory and our good.

Human emotions are as old as time. We still have a felt need to be rescued from this world of captivity, to be satisfied with something meaningful and know we are loved even though we sin. The words in Scripture are comforting because they are just as relevant today as they were for Moses and David. Our God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He knows we are a needy people. When you and I recognize our need for a Savior our cries for salvation transform into songs of praise because of His mercy. Remembering that the Father delights to save and He “is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost” (Matthew 18:14)  are words of certainty we can hold onto in uncertain times.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

Holy Ground

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

Exodus 2:11-3:22; 1 Peter 2:4-10

 

Does your life feel very commonplace? Ordinary? Most of us pass our days in a fairly mundane routine. I’m all for these kinds of days and often talk about it on here. But did you know that even if you live a plain life, like every other average person, you are also holy? Jesus has made this so.

When the Lord called Moses to Himself in the burning bush, God instructs him to take off his sandals for he is “standing on holy ground”. The Great I AM used Moses to rescue Israel out of Egypt, keeping His covenant with Abraham. The Lord went to great lengths showing His love and devotion to His people. God performed miraculous signs and wonders before Pharaoh and the Egyptians to free Israel from slavery.

God came to the rescue for His people again later in history to finally redeem His own once and for all. The Lord sent His Son to the cross for sinners like you and me. Jesus endured a gruesome death, and worse, took God’s wrath upon Himself so you and I never have to experience this. Jesus set you free.

What love is this?

Who has this kind of power, defying sin and death?

AC4030C0-5FF6-484C-9C48-AE5980410232woman and girl on farm fieldIMG_3548

Only God in Heaven, who came down incarnate, to deliver us from certain eternal hell. He has restored us into fellowship with the One who loves us best. We now have Christ with us always. Be encouraged that the God of this Universe loves you enough to pursue your soul like this. God has made for Himself a holy people- you and me. We serve a Holy God and what a privilege to know Him and be known by Him. Wherever you go, whatever you do in your day-to-day routine, it is holy because Christ is in you. Jesus humbly served while on earth, doing common daily activities yet He was perfectly holy.

We may still war against our flesh and Satan, but now there are two natures at work in you (Romans 7:14-8:4). We are His saints, part of a royal priesthood, ministers of reconciliation. This is deep joy for the Christian. Moses received an up close view of God’s awesome holiness. At that time the Lord was beginning the beautiful work of introducing His character to His people. Living after the cross we now are always in His Presence, with His Spirit, standing on holy ground.

Jesus exchanged our filthy rags for robes of righteousness. Following in the footsteps of our Savior, common work becomes an act of worship. It is both solemn and filled with laughter; bustling with activity and a quiet hush of reverence. Your life in one sense is very ordinary in this world, but quite glorious in the spiritual realm which will last for eternity.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

 

Providential Care

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

Genesis 50:1- Exodus 2:10; Psalm 21; Matthew 16:13-17:9

God gives aid to His people throughout history and fights for them. In His Divine time and way the Lord orchestrates redemption for chosen Israel- time and time again. Another way we see Him at work is the outworking of our faith. Believers will bear fruit because of the transformation He has done in us. We no longer live for ourselves but for Christ. Faith brings obedience which requires action producing fruit. God blesses those who fear Him, warriors of truth and righteousness, despite worldly consequences.

God is faithful to preserve, protect and bless His children. It may be in ways we don’t foresee or understand, like Joseph’s life. God’s Glory will not and cannot be stifled by man’s plans. The Lord works through our circumstances even when there seems to be no hope. God is our Hope.

The best way the Lord has taken care of us is through His Son. When Jesus went to the cross He gave Himself, redeeming sinners from certain eternal damnation. Christ is the meaning of life, in which we can rightly view everything else in our world.

Make no mistake that God is actively at work today, just as He was with Israel in Egypt, just as He will be tomorrow. The Lord is near. We are merely called to walk by faith and obedience. Observe how the Father has taken care of you. He is our Faithful Shepherd.

Grace upon grace,

April

Guard Wisdom

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

Proverbs 4:20-27; Matthew 16:1-12

 

Jesus warns His disciples from the false teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They have no wisdom but are like the blind leading the blind. Likewise, in Proverbs the son is instructed to heed his father’s words. It will save his life because the father’s counsel is wise.

Acting in wisdom helps us make better choices, big and small. From choosing a spouse, where to worship, to how many pieces of chocolate one should have at once. Wisdom covers all of life.

lightstock_330521_download_medium_april_box_http://egoodography.wix.com/homelightstock_29810_download_medium_april_box_

Pursuing wisdom, guarding the wisdom we’ve been given, and applying it, is what is meant to persevere as a saint. This is what living in truth looks like. How can we do this? Not in our own strength. True wisdom comes with humility and a teachable spirit. The Holy Spirit then teaches and guides us.

If God is wisdom, then believers must learn to trust Him in every aspect of life. He reveals His character and will to us through Scripture. Guard the truth you know by walking in it, setting your feet on the straight path not swerving to the right or left.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

Unclean

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

Matthew 15:1-28; Ephesians 4:29-32

 

Jesus’ definition of “unclean” and the Pharisees idea of uncleanliness were different. As always, the Lord goes much deeper than outward reform- He aims for the heart. Jesus says our heart response in life, our thoughts, come out in the way we speak.

Even if we speak appropriately in public and have all the right answers, the Lord knows the inner man. He knows are thought life. Sooner or later what is suppressed will burst out in angry speech, low grumbling, or something else with devastating consequences. The longer we go unchecked in our attitude, we lose sensitivity to the Holy Spirit leading us. The heart calcifies under such conditions.

925A2739-A84E-4B73-93DA-88E70AB7F488513578D7-4D3B-4670-88E3-B1C8EE3B88B3B2C33734-8BE8-4BDD-A2C6-06FCA3D44773B03CA329-ACAC-441F-8566-927705368386

Our hearts and speech are so intertwined that James writes special caution concerning the power of the tongue (James 3). It can be a means of great poison or great healing but it begins with the diagnosis of our hearts. Jesus unveils the hypocrisy of the Pharisees by mercifully teaching them, His disciples, and also us, the real meaning of “unclean”. We are all unclean, in need of the Savior to wash us through. God gives us time now to repent and come to Him. Are you washed with the blood of Christ or left unclean?

 

Grace upon grace,

April

Unchanging God

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

Genesis 44-45; Psalm 18:37-50; Matthew 14:13-36

 

God works in many ways to display His Power. He faithfully fulfills the dreams given to Joseph as a teenager with his brothers and father now bowing before him. What Joseph’s brothers meant for evil the Lord uses for good. He not only avenges Joseph but preserves a remnant of Israel during the famine. The sons of Jacob are shown mercy and forgiveness.

Jesus demonstrates His Power through miracles as well as healing the sick and demon-possessed. He does this with a touch, just a word, and sometimes by using created things like making mud (John 9:1-12). There is no formula for how the Lord operates. What is consistent is His character: compassionate, merciful, faithful, and good. In this way God does not change.

FullSizeRender-2

 

0DD0D878-1262-4D93-BC18-4D66B086A19FIMG_0602

In C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Lucy asks Mr. Beaver about Aslan to which he replies,

“He’ll be coming and going. One day you’ll see him and another you won’t. He doesn’t like being tied down – and of course he has other countries to attend to. It’s quite all right. He’ll often drop in. Only you mustn’t press him. He’s wild you know. Not like a tame lion.“

Lewis translates the character of Aslan as a Christ figure in his children’s story. We may not be able to predict God’s ways but it doesn’t mean who He is ever changes (Hebrews 13:8).

The prophet Isaiah also writes the Lord’s ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). The Lord IS infinite wisdom. We simply must trust in His Sovereign plan for our lives and what happens in the world. Even when tragedies seem senseless, and nothing makes sense to our logic, we can rest in the character of God because of what we know to be true- that will never change.

 

Grace upon grace,

April