Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 07
March 2012
Hi all,
All
the promises of God are Yes in Christ. In his second letter to the Corinthians
Paul stated, 20 For no matter how many
promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us
to the glory of God. 2 Cor 1:20 TNIV
At
the same time, all God’s promises are conditional. Is this a contradiction? Not
at all! God’s promises to the entire human race are made possible to the
recipients in and through the finished work of Christ Jesus. We cannot add to
them or take away from them. You will find that most of them are “If/then”
statements. E.g. If you keep My commands then I will be your God and you will
be My people! By implication, if we don’t keep His commands it’s possible that
He will not be our God and we will not be His people. It’s a bit severe. But I
don’t make the laws. I only have to keep them!
The
word “Testament” gives us a clue about this. We get our expression, “Last will
and Testament” from this concept. The New Testament is a bit like God’s “will”.
In this case, Jesus has signed it at the bottom in His blood. His signature
makes it valid. Thus everything God has promised is ours by virtue of Jesus’
“signature”.
The
question is whether or not you are a beneficiary? I can’t answer that. It’s a
matter for you to settle with the Lord. Check the “If/then” clauses to see if
you are or are not!
John
Gill (1697 – 1771) in the quaint language of the 18th century
summarised the promises of God as follows:
1. There are some which concern the temporal good of the saints;
as that they shall not want any good thing; and though they shall be attended
with afflictions, these shall work for their good, and they shall be supported
under them.
2. Others concern their spiritual good; some of which relate to
God himself, that he will be their God, which includes his everlasting love,
his gracious presence, and divine protection.
3. Others relate to Christ as their surety and Saviour, by whom
they are, and shall be justified and pardoned, in whom they are adopted, and by
whom they shall be saved with an everlasting salvation:
4. Others relate to the Spirit of God, as a spirit of
illumination, faith, comfort, strength, and assistance, and to supplies of
grace by him from Christ: and
5.
Others concern everlasting life and happiness, and are all of
them very ancient, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
are exceeding great and precious, suited to the various cases of God's people;
are free and unconditional, immutable and irrevocable, and will all of them
have their certain accomplishment.
They
are a little difficult to follow. But with perseverance, you’ll find that they
are worth reading. I must state that this man’s commentary is excellent. It’s
untarnished with the opinions of later commentators. I particularly enjoy this.
It’s too easy to comment on Scripture by quoting our own “flavour of the day”. It’s
one of my shortcomings. Some 30 years ago, Malcolm Smith pointed this out. He
was right.
Our
meditation today looks at the promises of God.
Blessings
Jim & Phyllida Strickland
The Provision Decision
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We’re never
isolated, though we may think it’s true.
No matter where we go to, My
God we’re near to You.
We know you are
more able than a multi-millionaire;
That all the money in the world,
cannot buy Jesus’ care.
When I first started
knowing this, I really wasn’t sure.
You may do this for others; but
I am far from pure.
I really don’t
deserve it. You’re much too good for me.
Perhaps one day I’ll qualify;
then maybe You I’ll see!
And yet there’s
something in Him that still commands our trust.
We know that He has made us,
from a little pile of dust.
And yet the dust
has feelings, so desperately we cry!
My God I long to be with You.
How do I qualify?
I know I have to
trust You! My life is in Your hands!
Teach me how to serve You and
follow Your commands.
I’ve done this
every hour, since I was but a lad.
Help me know You love me and
make my spirit glad.
Your Word tells
me I’m holy. Why don’t I feel that way?
I feel more like a little boy
who’s wandered far astray!
So Lord Please
help me follow. I cannot trust my mind.
For every time I do it, it
seems as though I’m blind.
Perhaps Lord,
Like Elijah, You’ll send me to the brook?
Perhaps you’ll send the ravens
with food for me to cook?
Perhaps there is
a widow, already standing by?
Perhaps You’ll send the manna
which comes from You on High?
Lord, teach me
not to worry. It doesn't help at all.
It shows I only trust myself
and not Your Holy call.
I’ve looked
around at nature. The birds, the flowers, the trees.
They surely lack for nothing.
You take good care of these!
So if I’m
feeling nervous about what You’ll provide,
Help me look above it. For when
I’m at Your side,
I’m amply
provided for. For clothes and food and drink,
Will come to me in such a way
that I can never think.
In fact there
will be plenty. For surely You’ll provide!
For You are Yahweh Yireh. Who
came to earth and died.
Yes! You
provided Abraham a sacrificial ram.
He didn’t have to slay his son.
For You’re the great I AM.
You gave him
what was needed. And Lord You are the same.
You are the great provider, In
Christ the Saviour’s Name.
So Lord. please
take my worries and all my cares and fears.
Teach me that from here on in,
through my remaining years,
That You are the
provider of food and clothes and drink.
And all of the necessities my
mind can ever think!
Jim Strickland – Written 7th March 2012
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