It’s a “will worship” morning (Colossians 2:23). I’ll use Psalm 8:1 and 16:2 for Temple worship today.
My Shepherd took me into His green pastures and laid me down in Luke 16. Hmm. We are spending much time in that parcel lately. The story of the Rich man and Lazarus got my attention. The Mind of the Spirit stirred up the spirit of my mind at verse 31:
Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection are mentioned in the Gospel of Luke three times before Luke 16:31 (see Luke 9:22, 44-45; 12:50, with Luke 9:22 being the most comprehensive and clear statement that He would be killed, buried, and rise again). Abraham prophesied that Christ’s resurrection would not persuade those who refuse to hear Moses and the Prophets.
Along the still waters, I thought about the man in hell who insinuated an accusation against God, that if someone had come to him from the dead to warn him of the torments of hell, he would have repented. Abraham rebuked him: “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:31). Whatever is broken in them, so that they will not hear God’s words from the Bible, will not be repaired by a miracle. A miracle cannot replace the Bible. God has dealt to every man “the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). The words translated “cometh by” suggests the idea that the measure of faith given to us by God comes forward, responding to His word. Like natural conscience (Romans 2:14, and 1 Timothy 4:2), God’s gift of faith can be cast off (2 Thessalonians 3:2). Faith does not come by miracles. Acts of God manifesting His power in the world are wonderful witnesses to the truth of God’s Word, but these will be ignored by someone who refuses to hear His word.
Nevertheless, the resurrection is the test of faith: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). When someone reasons through the evidence supporting the resurrection, the most reasonable conclusion is that Jesus arose from the dead, like He said. But, think about it, who believes Jesus arose from the dead except those who “hear Moses and the prophets”? I have never met anyone who believes Jesus arose from the dead who did not also “hear the word of God” (Acts 13:44; see Acts 8:30-37).
It’s interesting how the “Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16). If someone challenges me to prove my faith, I have the knowledge and skill to respond with reasons for the hope that is in me (1 Peter 3:15). But how do I explain to them the witness of the Spirit to my spirit that I am a child of God? I read the Bible and I know it’s true. Someone in me confirms it, and by the Scripture of truth, I validate the witness Who is in me. At the bottom line, anyone who comes to faith gets there by the word of God. Faith is a noun and a verb. “The faith” refers to the Scripture of truth—the noun of faith. “Faith” as a verb is when we believe His word and act accordingly.
In the valley, shadowed by the Cross, I knelt in worship. I presented this body as a living sacrifice to Him (Romans 12:1-2). I denied myself, took up my cross, and tarried in His presence. I presented the sacrifice of praise, giving thanks to His name (Hebrews 13:15). I offered up the sacrifice of incense—my prayers (Psalm 141:12). And I dedicated my works to Him as the sacrifice and service of my faith (Philippians 2:17). All of this was presented as a faith response to “the faith.” We who “hear” the word of God believe. The Spirit cries within us, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6; see Mark 14:36). “Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand; but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand” (Ira Stanphill, 1950).
At the table, He anointed my head with His oil and filled my cup with His grace. Jesus and I walked together toward the Harvest. I glanced over my shoulder to see my good friends, goodness and mercy, running to catch up. We walked into the fields together.
Praying for revival! 🙏
Going live @~ 10:30 AM
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