oDay 54, Read Ac. 27:21-44. 27:43: "wanting to save Paul."

Why would the commander keep the soldiers from what was protocol simply to save Paul?  This "favoritism" had begun at the outset of the voyage when Paul, a prisoner, was given liberty at the port of Sidon (v3).  This risk could cost the commander his life as happened to the guards in Acts 12.  But it is obvious Paul had a friendship of sorts with this man whom he knew by name (v3).  Paul's integrity in not taking advantage of similar treatment in the 2 years at Caesarea was helpful to be sure (24:23).  Perhaps Paul was able to reference a certain Philippian jailer who knew of Paul's integrity (Acts 16).  So we see submission to God's minister by one who is part of wicked Rome.  Paul's integrity provided opportunities to serve God.  It's no surprise that many guards became believers (Phil. 1:12-14). Truly his chains were for the progress of the gospel.

oDay 53, Read Ac. 27:1-20. 27:2: "Aristarchus was with us."

Paul, as always, had companions.  "Us" meant Dr. Luke was also along for this trip; his medical skills would be handy, not only to Paul but to the entire ship.  As for Aristarchus, he was likely young and his strong body would be of help.  Aristarchus was from Thessalonica.  Paul visited there briefly, yet an energetic church was born, Aristarchus being one of the bright lights.  He joined Paul for the trip to Jerusalem, and then apparently stayed with him through the 2 year Caesarean imprisonment, the voyage to Rome, and the 1st Roman imprisonment.  Paul's simple description of this man was "my fellow prisoner" (Gal. 4:10; Phlm. 1:24).  There is no evidence that Aristarchus was ever arrested; he simply attached himself in love to Paul, joining him in prison to care for his needs.  He is contrasted to Demas (Col. 4:14; Phlm. 1:24).  Demas also seems to be along for now, but would later leave Paul for this world (2 Tim. 4:10).  Oh to be faithful in the obligation to love my brothers!!!

oDay 52, Read Ac. 26:24-32. 26:24: "you are beside yourself."

The world cannot withstand the gospel.  It is foolishness to Gentiles.  So first they accused them of being drunk (Acts 2), then of turning the world upside down, of destroying business (Acts 19), and of sedition against Rome.  And now, "you are mad!"  But as Paul rightly says, "I speak words of truth and reason."  Thus the world will not engage in genuine debate very often.  Muslims and Jews alike forbid Christian witness in their societies.  Let us not forget the power of the gospel to save.  It is compelling truth for those who hear.

oDay 51, Read Ac. 26:12-23. 26:19: "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision."

Note Paul's vision.  1) It was to be a minister before he was a testimony (v16).  We are always servants of God first, willing, and then serving in particular ways.  2) It is an unfolding vision, telling of things known today and things to be revealed (v16).  Our backlog of testimony grows as we grow in the Word and in grace.  3) It was especially to the Gentiles (v17).  4) It involved the gospel (v23).  5) It was a vision to bring change to their lives (v18).  Ministry is not simply a job to be done but a means of bearing fruit (John 15).  Then note the obedience: Paul immediately began to declare, right at Damascus. May we be as quick to obey every leading of the Holy Spirit.

oDay 50, Read Ac. 26:1-11. 26:4: "my manner of life from my youth."

This statement makes 2 strong points about grace.  The first is that we need not be bound by our upbringing.  It is so important to our testimony that we stop blaming today on yesterday.  But we won't do this without the 2nd point of grace, which is that we are bound by our past apart from the promise of resurrection.  This is our only hope.  Paul was bound (v9-11) until he met the resurrected Head.  He, the Lord, raised him to new life.  The world will always think it incredible that God raises the dead (v8), except for those few who accept the gospel of God's grace!

oDay 49, Read Ac. 25:13-27. 25:19: "about a certain Jesus."

There is so much doublespeak by the politicians of Paul's day.  Both Felix and Festus were simply showing favor to the Jews (24:27; 25:9). That can be so frustrating for a church that has to deal with zoning boards or city councils, etc.  But the frustration is taken out when we realize we serve a God who appoints and judges.  All the hoopla by the devil, intended to bind Paul, actually occasions a gospel sermon before high government and civic leaders.  It's because God controls and God has a plan: to build the Church of Christ.  To that extent Festus is right: it's all about Jesus, Who died, and Who is affirmed to be alive.  Remember, when we engage in the great commission, Christ will be with us in power (Mt. 28:19-20).

Psalm 24

We have noted that Psalms 22-24 form a bit of a trilogy concerning the Suffering, All-Sufficient and Sovereign Lord.  Spurgeon’s note on this thought is good: "observe the wondrous operations of the Spirit upon the mind of Israel's sweet singer, enabling him to touch the mournful string in Psalm 22, to pour forth gentle notes of peace in Ps 23, and here to utter majestic & triumphant strains.  We can do or sing all things when the Lord strengtheneth us" (from The Treasury of David, Spurgeon’s note of introduction.)

This Psalm has as a backdrop the bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 6:12-19).  It is Messianic, thanks to vs.7-10 where the Messianic King enters Jerusalem.  A simple outline might be as follows:

·         The True God, v1-2.

·         The True People, v3-6.

·         The True Redeemer, v7-10.

The Sovereignty of God is based in the thought that a person possesses what he has made.  There was a bit of a humorous story told by Betty Elliot, the missionary to the Auca Indians of Ecuador.  They thought she had stolen her possessions because when they asked her who had made those things she didn’t know the answer.  It is a fundamental, common sense truth that the Creator owns all He has made and what He has made is thus responsible to Him.  That is why people seek to suppress that truth (Rom. 1:18-20) by removing God from the origin of the universe.  Certainly David, who had tried to bring the Ark into the city once before, with tragic consequences (2 Sam. 6:1-11), had learned the truth of God’s rule.

Likewise that story would have emphasized the nature of the people who serve at and come to worship at the place where the Ark of God rested.  This was the place of God’s dwelling with His people.  Thus those people must come in purity.  It was not enough that the leaders were appointed (1 Chron. 15:5-10; 16:4-6).  They must have clean hands (actions) and pure hearts (motives).  James 4:8 repeats this for us.  Men must not think they can serve two masters; thus when they come to worship there can be no idolatry or falsehood.  This is what the Nation (Jacob) was to be.  Certainly their history would prove over and over, and our clear view from this side of the cross would demonstrate as well, that only by faith in God’s Anointed Son could there be the righteousness imputed that would allow us access by grace into the holy of holies!

So now the Ark of the Presence has come to rest in the place David had made for it.  So the Psalm turns to praise as God Himself comes to dwell with His people.  The King of Glory has come in!  If we may be permitted, listen to one of Spurgeon’s commentators (John Boys) expound on the King of Glory.

Christ in 2 respects is the king of Glory.  1. For that all honour and glory belongs properly to him--his is "the kingdom, the power, and the glory" (Mt 6:13), called in this regard "The Lord of glory."  1Cor 2:8. 2. For that Christ maketh us partakers of his glory, termed in this respect our glorious Lord Jesus.  Jas 2:1.  If the Lord of hosts, strong and mighty in battle, be the king of glory, then Christ (having conquered all his enemies, and made them his footstool, triumphing over death, and the devil which is the founder of death, and sin which is the sting of death, and the grave which is the prison of death, and hell itself which is the proper dominion of the devil & death) is doubtless in himself, "the king of glory".  And for as much as he died for our sins, & is risen again for our justification, & is ascended on high to give gifts unto men--in this life grace, in the next glory--what is he less than a "King of glory" towards us of whom and through whom alone we that fight his battles are delivered from the hands of all that hate us, and so made victors (1 Cor 15:57), yea, "more than conquerors." Rom 8:37

Worship the Coming King today!

oDay 47, Read Ac. 25:1-12. 25:11: "I appeal to Caesar."

One wonders why the Jews still want to kill Paul (v3).  Certainly the men who vowed to kill him are not still going without food or water after 2 years.  It can only be that Paul is still a threat to them.  His "prison ministry" was undoubtedly effective. So given their hatred, and Festus' favoring the Jews (v9), it makes sense humanly for Paul to stay away from Jerusalem.  But wait!  God has already told Paul he will testify at Rome; so an appeal to Caesar also makes sense.  So let us summarize about Paul, "the purpose driven man."  His purpose is from God, clearly.  He has no ability to attain this purpose because he is bound.  So he waited actively, living out the Christian life where he was, until God placed him in this position where the appeal is his only way out.  He is not so much "purpose driven" as "God driven!"  Paul did not plan this; he was only available to God.

oDay 47, Read Ac. 24:1-27. 24:25: "he reasoned about righteousness, self-control and judgment to come."

Here we see more benefits for a man secure in God's will.  First, Paul is not infuriated by false accusation.  They call him a plague when he brought help to his nation (v17).  They accuse him of riot when they caused the riot.  They label him a ringleader of a sect when he is a worshiper according to the Way.  Second, Paul is not panicky about the 2 year delay.  He won't admit guilt by paying a bribe, nor does he complain about the favoritism shown the Jews.  None of this effects him for he has a leading from God that is true and he will be in Rome (23:11).  So instead of infuriation and panic he uses the time as we must all use our time: testifying of God's grace and reasoning the gospel.  Paul is bound, but remember his words to Timothy: God's word is not bound! (2Ti. 2:9).

oDay 46, Read Ac. 23:23-35. 23:23: "2 centurions."

This is truly amazing.  When God promises safety He truly comes through.  200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, 200 spearmen, leaving at 3AM!  All for one man who has not been charged with any crime but whose life is really in danger.  Except, again, that God promised safety.  God truly has all the power in the world at His command, even the wicked government.  And from the human level, all this is happening because Paul did not consider his life dear to himself (20:24).  He did not heed those in the Church who warned of danger.  He only wanted to finish the race.  And if that is our desire, God will gladly help.

oDay 45, Read Ac. 23:12-22. 23:13: "40 who had bound this conspiracy."

These men were like "jihadists," willing to die, bent on murder/ assassination.  We often marvel at the determination of such people today.  But note that God promised Paul safety to get to Rome.  And if God doesn't want Paul to die then he won't die.  Thus the 40 terrorists are thwarted by God through a young boy, and then the Roman army.  We must remember this today in outreach to the world.  We must listen to God, not those who warn of danger.  The question is not: is this ministry safe?  The question is: is this ministry God's ministry?

oDay 44, Read Ac. 23:1-11. 23:6: "I am a Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee."

Paul does what David did before the Philistine king: he uses a rouse to save his life.  Except in Paul's case what he says is true.  Note that there is no sign that God is displeased or that Paul is failing to trust God.  He is still given a greater mission in the dream (v11).  The thing to note is the way Paul used the division in the Sanhedrin.  They had a political alliance for the sake of peace; but they had no spiritual alliance.  We must remember that doctrine is the basis for life, including politics, economics, family and education.  Thus we must be careful in our alliances.

oDay 43, Read Ac. 22:17-30. 22:22: "they listened to him until this word."

Paul had much in his background and testimony that opened a door to the Jews.  But we must never forget that in the end, the gospel is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.  The Jews stumble, for example, at the thought that their beloved Messiah could possibly be Savior of the Gentile as well.  And the Roman commander can only see foolishness in it all, wondering what could possibly be so important as to cause such an uproar.  Those wanting to be seeker friendly must be aware of all this.  We must not appeal to the worldliness of unbelievers to gain an opening.  It will only confuse the situation when the real obstacle, Jesus Christ, is presented!

Psalm 23

What Psalm is more recognizable than this?  None!  Thus we need to ask God to help us to meditate truly and deeply on it.  Familiarity breeds contempt.  It breeds a casual approach, or pride that says “I have benefited from this one many times; there is no more to learn.”  May we say the obvious: none of us has EVER studied this Psalm in the life-context of this moment?  We will find today fresh and unique applications of what our Lord and Shepherd provides for us. 

Often our familiarity comes from what someone else said.  We have perhaps heard Psalm 23 at nearly every funeral service we ever attended.  Or maybe it was committed to memory back in the recesses of our childhood minds.  We would do well to ask: have you really studied this Psalm? 

With this in mind we will ask you to fill in some blanks that require at the very least thinking about each of the phrases.  The point of the Psalm is that we have such a Shepherd as Jesus, the Good Shepherd, that as sheep we never lack anything.  And may I say, by the way, that Jesus is Israel’s Shepherd.  In Ezekiel 34:23-24 Jesus is the future Davidic Shepherd who will care for Israel.  The “Good Shepherd” sermon of John 10 is initially directed at the woeful shepherds of Israel, with Jesus saying that He will have sheep both from the fold of Israel and the fold of the Church (Jn. 10:16).  Remember Jesus is preeminent over all; He is both King of Israel and Head of the Body.

I have filled in the first and last blanks.  Please do the rest, answering the question “I shall not want for ….”  And by all means meditate on the word!  What issue in your life today has been a source of complaint to you because you have not followed your Shepherd?  Submit yourself to the One who has given us everything for life and godliness, in Whom we have every spiritual blessing!

        "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want" for...

He makes me to lie down in green pastures	Rest
He leads me beside the still waters	Refreshment
He restores my soul	Restoration
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake	Righteousness
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil	Refuge/Resolve
For You are with me	Reassurance
Your rod and Your staff they comfort me	Relief
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies	Resources
You anoint my head with oil	Rejuvenation Ps. 92:10 Rejoicing Ps. 45:7
My cup runs over	Richness
Surely goodness & mercy shall follow me all the days of my life	Redemption
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever	Relationship

oDay 42, Read Ac. 22:1-16. 22:11: "the glory of that light."

Many things in Paul's testimony appeal to the Jews: his Jewish background, association with Gamaliel and Ananias, and his persecution of the Way.  But don't miss the significance of a great light.  The glory of God had filled the tabernacle and temple at different times.  It departed 400 years earlier & how the Jews must have hoped for it's return.  Now Paul refers to a bright light and his appropriate recognition that it is the Lord (v8).  The way God worked in Paul's life gave him the testimony that would be most compelling.  We don't need to contrive or embellish or flatter in our testimonies.  God's work of grace will be useful to God at the right time and place.  Trust Him!

oDay 41, Read Ac. 21:27-40. 21:37: "Can you speak Greek?"

In this one passage we see all the major facets of Paul's birth and upbringing being used of God to not only spare his life but to give an amazing opportunity to preach Christ to the temple crowd.  His Greek language and Roman citizenship give him favor with the Romans.  His Hebrew language and Jewish origin give him an opening with the Jews.  We ought always to reject the idea that our birth and background make us useless to God.  God uses all kinds of yielded people.

oDay 40, Read Ac. 21:15-26. 21:25: "except that they should."

In Proverbs one of the 7 deadly sins is sowing discord among brothers (Prov. 6:19).  The New Testament warns about the same matter (Rom. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 3:17; Titus 3:10).  Paul was indeed controversial, but he was by no means divisive.  Here we see him, not only leaning over backwards to placate the Jews, but submitting himself to the Jerusalem Church Elders.  You see the man who cared deeply for the Church and the churches.  It is interesting that there was no division between Peter and Paul, though they had distinctively different areas of ministry (Gal. 2:9; 2 Pet. 3:14-16).  It is not often today that 2 men with successful ministries get together or work to support each other.  How sad!

oDay 39, Read Ac. 21:1-14. 21:14: "the will of the Lord be done."

Many people rely on circumstances to help them know the will of God.  Paul destroys this as a pillar of prescience.  In this passage Paul goes to Jerusalem in spite of repeated warnings of trouble, even from a prophet.  Paul had heeded this type of warning before (19:30) but not this time.  This is the same Paul who left Troas on one occasion even though a door was open for ministry (2 Cor. 2:12-13).  Fear of persecution is usually a sign not to go somewhere.  An open door is usually a sign  to go ahead and go.  But for Paul the Lord's will was the opposite in each case.  So I must recognize this in my life.  Going with circumstances  usually requires little faith, whereas following the Lord's will always requires much faith.

oDay 38, Read Ac. 20:28-38. 20:38: "they would see his face no more."

Parting can be hard, especially when the person leaving is depended on.  Do you remember the difficulty the disciples had accepting Christ's departure?  Yet the Lord left them with all they needed: the Holy Spirit, prayer in His name, the hope of heaven, the promise of peace (John 14).  So what could Paul possibly leave these Elders?  He left instruction (v28-31), an example of ministry (v31), the Word of grace (v32), an example of lifestyle (v33-35), a prayer of intercession (v36), and his tender affection (v37).  Christ gave abundantly, yet I too must leave those I disciple with something of Christ as well.

oDay 37, Read Ac. 20:17-27. 20:24: "that I may finish my race with joy."

 Paul's personal testimony is obviously something the Elders already knew.  Paul was transparent and true to the Lord.  He had suffered persecution (v19) and yet was heading for more and greater persecution (v23).  This is all true because Paul was a man with a passion to finish the race.  So let us note: finishing the race requires staying put to declare the whole counsel of God (v27,31) while at the same time moving on, even in the face of persecution.

Psalm 22

What a truly amazing Psalm.  It is full of fulfilled prophecy, which is always exciting.  But it is one of the most descriptive passages of the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.  That, more than anything else, thrills the heart of the believer.  Consider some opening thoughts.

·         This is the first of three consecutive Psalms that highlight the past, present and future ministry of the Messiah.

o   Ps. 22: Psalm of the Cross / The Suffering Savior

o   Ps. 23: Psalm of the Crook / The Good Shepherd (it’s the Shepherd’s crook, His staff)

o   Ps. 24: Psalm of the Crown / The Coming King

·         There is no known incident in David’s life that matches this Psalm.  It is quite possible it was written by David completely under the influence of the Holy Spirit, purely for Messianic purposes.  It describes things about the Messiah that were not known in David’s time, especially the practice of crucifixion which was a Roman form of execution.

·         No Psalm is so frequently quoted in the New Testament.

·         Here is an outline:

1)       v1-21: the Prayer

(1)     v1-2: problem with God

(2)     v3-5: yet God is not at fault

(3)     v6-8: problem with others

(4)     v9-11: yet God put me here

(5)     v12-18: problem with me

(6)     v19-21: but God can rescue

2)       v22-31: the Praise

a)       v22-24: personal

b)       v25-31: praise from others

The opening line is perhaps quite recognizable as they are the words Jesus spoke from the cross.  But dwell here before moving on.  It sets the stage for the entire Psalm.  But more than that, it tells us wonderful things of our God and Savior Jesus Christ as well as His Father! 

God is the God of the Son of God, the One who took on flesh and dwelt among us.  He says “My” God.  Remember that without giving up His deity our Lord humbled Himself under the mighty hand of God.  He came to do the Father’s will.  And His humble obedience brought Him to the cross.  To say, “not my will but thine be done” was to acquiesce to the Father’s plan.  The Father who was not willing that any should perish, who said He took no pleasure in the death of the wicked, nevertheless for the love of the world sent His One and Only Son, whom He loved, to die in our place.

His God forsook Him.  The Father turned His back on the Son.  Such is the affliction of our Lord who bore our sins on the tree.  The holy and righteous One became sin for us.  Thus the eternal, never at any other time broken fellowship of the Father and Son, was broken in the hours of darkness, from noon to three on the day of preparation when all the lambs were being cleansed and then slaughtered at the altar of sacrifice on the north side of the door to the temple.  There was no help for the Son of God.  He hung alone in the universe, groaning, crying out to His God who did not hear.  What pain in our stead!  What a terrible price we owed!  What a grievous enemy is sin!  What a true and faithful Savior is Jesus!

And did our Lord become bitter that He was forsaken?  Did He cry out in self-pity at His undeserved ill treatment?  No He did not!  He yet acknowledged and confessed the holiness of His God, enthroned in the praises of Israel.  He did not deny the faithful God who was trusted by the fathers who were never ashamed, never disappointed when they trusted.

Why must He suffer so?  Why must the righteous ever suffer? 

·         Sometimes we forget to pray (Jas. 4:2).

·         The answer may be on the way (Mt. 6:8).

·         Maybe Satan has delayed the answer (Dan. 10:13).

·         Perhaps there is yet a lesson to be learned (Heb. 12:5).

·         Perhaps the answer is “more grace” (2 Cor. 12:9; Jas. 4:6).

·         Perhaps there is more glory for God by our endurance (1 Pt. 1:7).

·         Perhaps the answer is already there for us (Josh. 7:10).

·         Maybe we will learn greater comfort to share with others (2 Cor. 1:4).

·         The delay may achieve greater victory (Ex. 5:19-6:1).  God hardens Pharaoh’s heart; Israel suffers more; and God does greater things.  If Stephen does not die, perhaps Paul is not saved.

·         Perhaps we have not yet learned Christ (Phil. 3:10).

·         Perhaps we cling too tightly to this world (2 Cor. 5:2).

There is no end of potential reasons that we might like to know.  In the end all we can say is that it is the Father’s will.  And the Father is holy and faithful.  We will never be ashamed if we endure patiently and joyfully!  In the end our pain fills up the suffering of Christ.  But it can never match the forsaking by His God!

·         22:5-8: On the cross He was a worm and no man, despised and reproached mercilessly by those who passed by and those who hung on either side.

·         22: 9-11: From birth He had known and anticipated this agony.  It was “His Father’s business”, the “things of God” for Him.

·         22:12-13: The powers that existed rejoiced in His demise, especially the Roaring Lion himself as he struck the heel of the Son of God.

·         22:14-15: His soul overwhelmed Him.  The despair was unimaginable as He came into the powerful, true experience of death.  In crucifixion His bones were stretched out of their joints; strength vanished.

·         22:16-18:  The dogs, legalists, the constant antagonists in His ministry, were gathered against Him.  The somewhat ignorant soldiers treated Him with utmost disdain, gambling for His garments.

·         22:19-21a:  Yet He prayed.  Still He placed His soul in the hands of His God.  “Into Thy hands I commit My spirit.”

And then He could say, YOU HAVE ANSWERED ME!  Finally, eventually, ultimately the Silent One thundered from an empty tomb!  The full identity with death became the crushing defeat of death.  There would be something to talk about (v22).  There would be reason to praise (v23).  Though silent, though forsaking, His God would show His face (v24).  Gospel praise would emanate from the Risen Lord so that every tribe, nation, language and people would join in praise and service for generations to come.  It will be preached that HE, the Son and His God has done this!

Meditate on the magnificent love of God!  Recognize your pit of despair, the pit from which you have come!  Do not deny your hopeless situation.  Know that full atonement has been made.  You will never be ashamed as you trust in, believe on, the Lord Jesus Christ!

Hallelujah!

oDay 36, Read Ac. 20:1-16. 20:2: "encouraged them with many words."

People today, as ever, want shorter sermons.  Fewer words.  We are told attention spans are shorter.  People can't handle it.  But "lengthy" (by our standards) and meaty sermons have been the rule in times of renewal.  Having said that, and seeing that Paul used many words (v7,11), let us not forget that the many words were given in a context of emotional connection.  Both in v1 and v37-38 we see Paul physically embracing those he ministered to.  This indicates a true friendship with them.  Let us not think that our "many words" are effective by their great homiletics.  That wears thin after a couple of years in a church or relationship.  The many words must properly present The Word!

oDay 35, Read Ac. 19:23-41. 19:25: "we have our prosperity."

Here we see the gospel's impact against sinful economics.  There is no other reason for the uproar but money.  Most of the people did not understand what was happening (v32).  There was no just or legal reason (v40).  It is no different today.  When God's Word challenges your spending practices you can do all manner of explaining and justifying and rationalizing.  But the fact is: it is all going to burn.  The world's economy will crash and the men of this world will be devastated (Rev. 18:17-19).  But the saints will rejoice (Rev. 18:20).  Let us not side with the world but with our Lord at all times, even with our money.

oDay 34, Read Ac. 19:11-22. 19:20: "the word of the Lord ... prevailed."

Prevailed means the Word was strong, robust, able to deliver.  This story reminds one of Jesus disciples John and James who wanted to call down fire on those who cast out demons in Jesus name.  Jesus told them to let it go, as if God would sort it out.  Here God does sort it out.  Note that Paul does not confront the sons of Sceva; the Lord simply sorts it out.  The issue is the prevailing power of the Word.  Do we believe the Word itself can prevail in the war with the world, the flesh and the devil?  It's sad how many books there are on spiritual warfare that take us to ideas and techniques that lack scriptural foundation.  But in Acts, a vibrant time in the Church's history, it was the Word that prevailed!  May it be so today.

oDay 33, Read Ac. 19:1-10. 19:9: "withdrew the disciples."

"Withdrew" really is not strong enough.  Paul divided them, set up boundaries, between the believers and the Jews.  The term is used in judgment scenarios (Mt. 13:49; 25:32).  It is the term describing our relationship with the world (2 Cor. 6:17).  Often, in our world, the Church fails to see the significance of this.  There must be a setting just for the Christians, aimed only at them.  "Seeker friendly churches" are not churches; they are evangelistic ministries.  The "church" is believers.  And yet, for those who think this is ingrown, note that the result was that "all who dwelt in Asia heard the word ... both Jews and Greeks."

oDay 32, Read Ac. 18:18-28. 18:28: "he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly."

One thing that is clear in this section is that Christians need help.  All of us.  Always.  We see the way "visiting preachers" like Paul and Apollos help the local church.  Paul returned for the third time to Galatia and strengthened the disciples.  Apollos needed more accuracy in his understanding.  And believers in Achaia needed help.  Of interest is the way Apollos helped them.  He could defend the gospel.  And he did this by publicly refuting the Jews, while at the same time helping the believers.  Now without a doubt every believer needs to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Pt. 3:18).  But let us be careful about assuming they all need to be like Apollos.  There are gifts and skills that God gives and they must be used in the Body.  The Church today has lost the vision for this kind of ministry.  It is often the result of proud pastors (3 Jn. 9-10). It is often the result of lazy churches.  It is also unlike the early church.

oDay 31, Read Ac. 18:1-17. 18:5: "compelled by the Spirit."

This ministry at Corinth is different than at other places.  First, Paul has the strong words for the Jews, rather than the Jews having the upper hand.  Further, the magistrate practices "separation of church and state" and does not oppose Paul.  This, of course, fits what the Lord said to Paul in the vision.  How confusing we might think!  How are we to know how to minister since every situation will be different?  In answer to the question we must agree that the answer will not come from the "cookie-cutter" approach of the latest pastor's convention.  Can we expect God to grant "vision" for each situation?  Yes, if we are compelled -- not by the flesh or by men but -- by the Spirit.

Psalm 21

 

In Psalm 20 the king is prayed for; in Psalm 21 God is praised because He has granted the king’s desires.  It is hard not to see the Messiah in these Psalms as He is the King of kings, God’s Anointed, the greatest Son of David who will rule on David’s throne.  But it is not solely Messianic.  This is the prayer and praise that should be part of every king of Israel.  One can imagine these Psalms as part of the regular worship of God’s people as they pray for their king.  And by application it speaks to the believer today as will be readily apparent.

The meat of this song recites the blessings of God upon the king (v3-12).  In the words of v2 these are “his heart’s desire … the request of his lips.”  In v3-6 the king has been blessed with goodness, long life, honor and majesty.  In v8-12 there is confidence that the king will destroy all his enemies. 

In the middle of that passage (v7) is the reason for the king’s success: he trusts in the LORD and His mercy.  Think about this!  This is the king we are talking about, the one who can marshal an army from any able-bodied man in the nation.  He has access to all the national treasuries.  He has great resources.  But the key to his success is “mercy” from God.  This is checed, the deep love and kindness of God.  The king is not dependent on his own resources, no matter how great they are considered to be.  He depends on God!   He is a man of faith in God.

This is the point of the Psalm.  The stage is set in v1-2 where the “joy” of the king is bound up “in Your strength, O LORD; and in Your salvation.”  The two references to “joy” are different Hebrew words but together emphasize the deep, heart satisfaction and exaltation of the king.  It is bound up in what God Himself gives and does not withhold (v2).  That is the reason why, when you come to the end of the Psalm the exaltation is not of the king but of the LORD (v13). 

Give this serious consideration today.  Like the king, you may be a very capable person, recipient of many compliments on your accomplishments.  But trust determines the object of worship and praise.  Do I depend on myself?  If so I will thrive on the praise of men!  I will never cry for mercy.  My joy will be bound up in my strength.  And when I fail I will need to blame others lest I lose the satisfaction of self-actualization.  In the end, experience proves and common sense predicts that I will be disappointed.  I will come to the end of myself. 

May we be as the king who trusts in the LORD, who humbly depends on His mercy!  Live life so God is exalted.  He will meet you with His good blessings.

oDay 30, Read Ac. 17:22-34. 17:23: "the unknown God."

He is the "unknown God" in Athens because He is unlike any and every other god.  "I am the Lord and there is no other" (Isa. 45:18).  "There is no god beside me" (Isa. 45:21).  Thus Paul says it is ignorant to think God is like anything the Greeks made (v29-30).  This sets the stage for the resurrection statement (v31).  This is the truth that sets Christ apart from every other man, ever!  And thus it ends the sermon because the Greeks are smart enough to understand the implication of someone being resurrected.  So some mocked: they wanted no talk about resurrection lest it upset their system.  Some wanted to talk more, which meant "we can't deny this so lets put it off."  A few, so few that some names could be mentioned, submitted themselves to the Lord. Jesus claims to be Lord.  His resurrection is the proof.  This must be pressed.

oDay 29, Read Ac. 17:10-21. 17:11,21: "the Scriptures ... some new thing."

In Berea we see Paul in the ideal spot: Jews who seem to understand that the only question is "What does the Bible say?"  In Athens we see Paul as the debater, in a "Francis Schaeffer" role.  The Athenian ministry is not as fruitful, but it's not because Paul chose the wrong style of presentation.  It's because these people are only enamored with new ideas.  There are no absolutes, no agreed upon source of knowledge.  We must be aware of this and tailor our ministry on the basis of where we start.  But as always we must end up at the Bible and Christ.

oDay 28, Read Ac. 17:1-9. 17:6: "turned the world upside down."

In one sense this might be seen as an exaggeration.  They have only recently gone from the area of Palestine northwest around the Mediterranean Sea and now are at their second ministry in Europe.  But on the other hand they have met stiff resistance nearly everywhere, both in Galatia and now Greece.  And it has been more than Jews, though they are the instigators.  In Philippi and in Thessalonica the city rulers have been drawn into opposition.  This is all according to the prophetic word of Christ (John 15:18-25) and thus their circumstances did not surprise nor discourage the disciples.  Oh that we would not be slaves of circumstance but the slaves of Christ!

oDay 27, Read Ac. 16:25-40. 16:28: "we are all here."

Back in Ch. 12 Peter had been led out of jail by an angel, resulting in the death of the guards and then the death of Herod.  Here God's plan is different.  Paul and Silas could have bolted the place and been praising God for His deliverance.  But remember that Paul does not count his life dear to himself (20:24).  Besides, they have already suffered from the beatings.  The result is that the jailer and family are saved and Paul has one opportunity to meet once again with the disciples (v40).  Is it any wonder this church loved Paul dearly (Phil. 1:3-8)?  This is a truth often seen, as when a pastor becomes endeared to his people by faithfully enduring a time of trial before their eyes.

oDay 26, Read Acts 16:11-24. 16:15: "she begged ... she persuaded us."

The contrast of Lydia and the demon possessed woman and her handlers are many.  One worshipped God (v14), the other worshipped money (v19).  One honored the servants of God (v15), the other harassed them (v17).  One opened her home to them (v15), the other led them to prison (v23-24).  What stands out about Lydia is her hospitality.  She begged them to stay with her.  This is from a God-fearer.  She had been able to be around the Jews at the riverside.  But they would have never come to her house.  But hospitality is a mark of true discipleship.  We can never be "hermits" or "Lone Rangers" as believers.  The Holy Spirit will not let us! (Rom. 12:13; Hb. 13:2; 1 Pt. 4:9). 

oDay 25, Read Acts 16:1-10. 16:2: "well spoken of by the brethren."

This is a classic passage on the will of God!  Paul's "Macedonian Call" yields wonderful truths.  Paul discerned God's will by closed doors.  Then, because God's will was so radically different than what Paul thought, God gave him specifics in a dream.  But what of the choice of Timothy?  How was that determined to be God's will?  He was a disciple but surely there were others.  He did not pass a detailed exam because he would have been found to have trouble relating to unbelievers (2 Tim. 1:7-8), potential physical problems (1 Tim. 5:23), and insecurities (1 Tim. 4:12).  But the choice was based in Paul's Spirit-led desire to take him along (v3) and Timothy's sterling references (v2).  Reputation among the brethren counts for a lot! (15:22; 18:27; 2 Cor. 8:22-24; etc.)

Psalm 20

 

Psalms 20 and 21 belong together.  Today’s song expresses prayer for the success of the king; next week’s expresses praise for the same.  In Psalm 20 the prayer is that God would give the king his heart’s desire (20:4).  In Psalm 21 God is praised for having given the king his heart’s desire (21:2).

The people pray for the king (v1-5) so that when they call on the king he will be able to help (v9).  The trust of the people is in God (v6-8).  While this Psalm is not specifically Messianic, it is a prayer for David and is most perfectly answered in the Messiah, the future and greatest Son of David.

·       20:1-3: First, the prayer is that God will give the king help from the sanctuary, that God will remember the king’s offerings and sacrifice.  In other words there is a recognition that this is the king of Israel, anointed by God, to rule for God and “in God’s place” over His people.  This is critical.  God had anticipated that the people would want a king even before they entered the land (Deut. 17:14-20).  The time came when the people demanded a king (1 Sam. 8).  It is apparent that their “demand” was a rejection of God (1 Sam. 8:7).  But even so, God chose the king and set the king over them to rule for Him, for God (1 Sam. 12:13).  Even with an earthly king the people were accountable for obedience to God (1 Sam. 12:14-15).  The first king, Saul, was not himself obedient to God and God rejected him.  The second king, David, was a man after God’s heart; God accepted him and established his throne forever in Zion.  Having said all this then, we see why the first request is that the king will be a man who worships God; he will be a man of the sanctuary leading the people spiritually as well as governmentally.  We always remember that Jerusalem, Zion, is both the home of the temple and the home of the palace with the Davidic king!  The two must not be separated.

·       20:4-5: It is with the assumption that the king himself is a man of God that the people can then pray that God will fulfill all his purposes and petitions.  Let us not forget this when it comes time for application.

·       20:6-8: Notice too then the confidence of the people.  They will call on the king, but only because they know the LORD saves His anointed.  As the king rules for God, God will save the king.

This is the explanation.  What about the application?  This can and should guide our praying for our own ruling authorities today, that they would be helped by God as they walk with God.  We should understand that our military is not our confidence in our international dealings.  And there is personal application as well.  Let us not present our purposes and petitions and assume God will honor them if they do not come from an obedient heart and life.  “Delight yourself also in the LORD and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Ps. 37:4).