Genesis: Abraham and Isaac

Abraham and Isaac

Text: Genesis 17 – 25

Outline:

A. 17-18, Announcement of his birth.

B. 20-21, Birth of Isaac and an immediate attack.

C. 22, Certainty of God's promise.

D. 23-24, Delegation Abraham sends to find a wife for Isaac.

E. 25, End of Abraham's life.

Comments: The story of Isaac begins even before his birth. The LORD comes twice to Abraham (Genesis 17 and 18), telling him that he will have the son of the covenant (Genesis 21:12). Note that news about birth of Isaac is given in the context of Abraham's circumcision. Circumcision for Abraham, as the sacrament of the Holy Baptism for us, marks a new beginning. In Abraham's new beginning there is a son (being fruitful), and building of covenant relationship with the neighbors (glorification, Genesis 21:22-33).

Gospel of Mark: Jesus foretells His death and resurrection

Jesus foretells His death and resurrection

Text: 8:22 – 10:52

Outline:

A. 8:22-26, Jesus heals a blind man @ Bethsaida

 B. 8:27-30, Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ

  C. 8:31 – 9: 13, 1^st Foretelling of Jesus' death and resurrection + Transfiguration

   D. 9:14-29, Father with demon possessed son

    E. 9:30-50, 2^nd Foretelling of Jesus' death and resurrection + Who is greater?

   D'. 10:1-31, Family issues: divorce, little children, and rich YOUNG man

  C'. 10:32-34, 3^rd Foretelling of Jesus' death and resurrection

 B'. 10:35-45, James and John ask for positions at the throne of resurrected Christ

A'. 10:46-52, Healing of blind man – Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) @ Jericho

Comments: Since we have this long passage, I will divide it into three blocks. First we are going to talk about healing of the blind men. Then I will show the progression of Jesus' foretelling of His fate and the response He got from His disciples. Third, we will address some family issues. Transfiguration we will save for the next time – it is too important...

Gospel of MARK: Two banquets

Two “banquets”

Text: Mark 6

Outline:

A. 6:1-6, Jesus is rejected at Nazareth

  B. 6:7-13, Jesus sends out His disciples

    C. 6:14-29, Banquet of Herod

    C’. 6:30-44, Banquet of 5000

  B’. 6:45-52, Jesus comes to His disciples by water

A’. 6:53-56, Jesus is accepted at Gennesaret

Comments: Let’s begin with the structure. A and A’ talk about Jesus reaching out to people in two different places (no other stories name the places), mentioning also “villages” (v. 6b, 56). B and B’ talks about Jesus sending out and coming to His disciples. C and C’ have stories of two banquets – one is Herod’s birthday, the second one where Jesus feeds 5000.

Psalm 13

Psalm 13 – How Long?

It is a difficult psalm for interpretation. The first two verses begin with 4 questions. Or ONE question, repeated four times: HOW LONG? 

How long? Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face? (Numbers 6:24-26)

How long must I take counsel in my soul (being self-taught) and have sorrow in my heart all the day? 

How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

In a square shaped world (four corners), every corner of psalmist’s life is in distress. He feels that God forgot about him and hides His face. There is no other source of comfort but his own soul, but his heart (decision making organ) is in distress. Then the worst comes: his enemies exalt over him – they feel victorious!

We face these kinds of situations in our lives: when friends fail us, spouses are very sick, or there is a threat of losing a job with nowhere to go… All of these feelings resurface one after another…

But ultimately, this is what Jesus experienced on the Cross – My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46). There is no inner source of comfort – for death is near (cp. v. 3b, sleep of death). And enemies were sure of their glorious victory.  

Reaction to “absence” of God – prayer

David wants to stay “in touch” with God: consider and answer… as a result of this communication – light up my eyes! Make my eyes shine – the second part of the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26).

Then come three “lest”

Lest I sleep the sleep of death

Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”

Lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

The ultimate collapse – death – is a threat to the psalmist. The way it is written tells that it is not the final and peaceful rest (that’s why Christians write Rest in Peace [RiP]). It is an expectation of distress, collapse, and separation from God.

This might look like enemies prevailed… That the psalmist is shaking – unstable… 

But in the midst of his troubles his confession is strong:

I trusted in Your steadfast love.

My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. God is the One who restores – us on our paths, life to life eternal, even the Son of God was brought back to live, to ascension, to sit at the right hand of the Father. 

I will sing to the LORD – worthy to note that there is a shift from proclaiming in Revelation 4 to singing in Revelation 5, just as the Lamb comes to the Throne of God. 

Because He has dealt bountifully with me – when we talk to other people about God, His love and care for us we share our personal interaction with Him. How blesses us day after day, providing food, roof, clothing etc. And never leaving us, no forsaking – regardless of how we feel…  

PSALM 10

Psalm 10

Since the psalm doesn’t have a superscription, it is possible that originally psalm 9 and 10 were comprising one unit.

The psalm begins from a “provocative” question “why?”

(1) why do you stand away;

(2) why do you hide.

Answer to these two questions is three-fold. First, there is a description of arrogance. Then psalmist calls upon the LORD to arise, with a conclusion that the LORD will rule forever, as THE King of the whole world.   

The answer begins with the description of the arrogant in the world – even the pious mind questions the presence of God in the world seeing them. It looks like evil dominates, vv. 2-11. This account of wickedness has a parallel in Psalm 73. After many lines of complete corruption, the list ends with “He says in his heart, “God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it.” The wicked believes in God, but God who doesn’t remember, who turned a blind eye, or he is just blind…

But in reality, the LORD is alive, He doesn’t stand away! The name of the LORD means Living One. And psalmist claims “Arise o LORD,” (vv. 12-15)

The LORD is the One who sees… notices mischief and vexation…

He is the One who supports the helpless

He is the One who helps the fatherless

He is the One who judges the wickedness and evildoings.  

And He doesn’t hide, because He is the KING forever (vv. 16-18). The nations are perishing when they attack the land. The reason is the He HEARS – He listens to our prayers and strengthens the hearts of the faithful.  

 

Psalm 9

Psalm 9

Comments: Psalm is too long to tackle it verse by verse. So, we’ll pick up the main themes.

Thankfulness to God (my whole heart). Even though the psalm will tackle some tough themes, David begins with the words of thanksgiving. If I have to limit the signs of godliness to one element it would be “thankfulness” – a missing link in the Garden story. If we compare what Jesus does at the Last Supper and Adam and his wife, we can notice the lack of thankfulness. Because it is impossible to be thankful for a stolen fruit…

Enemies in life of a believer – who are they? This is tri-folded question. First, we need to think about people wo opposed the rule or life of David. His life was a life of struggle. His father-in law brought him closer only for a single purpose – it would be easier to get rid of a young lad. Then he had to face armies and armies of neighbors – Philistines, you name it… There was a moment when his own son became a mutineer. Many people can be marked in the life of David as “enemies.” Second, there is a spiritual aspect of these assaults. From the time of the Garden the “enmity” is between the humans and the serpent… (no wonder Goliath is armed or covered with scales, which makes him look like a snake/serpent). Sometimes the lives of people are the battleground for God and diabolical forces (see the evil spirit attacking king Saul, 1 Samuel 16). Third, there are inner sinful inclination with a person – in theology it’s called fleshly desires. David’s story with Bathsheba is not a conspiracy of the Philistines or an attempt to compromise his kingship by some court provocateurs… No, it was his own inability to overcome sexual passions. So, there are three types of enemies: people/world, demons, and flesh.       

Another very big theme in the psalm is the actions of the nations or, saying it differently, a global scale of God’s influence. After the Flood and rebellion at the Tower of Babel, God chose a single family – Abram and Sarai. Through their descendants He developed them into a nation – people of Israel. He gave them the land. After the loss of the land and going through the Babylonian exile, they became a part of the empires that God erected. Then with the coming of Jesus Christ everything found its consummation – He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. But throughout of all the periods of salvation history the people of God should’ve been witnessing to their neighbors. David, who lives in the period of the kingdom of Israel in the land, brings the good news to some Philistine territories (see 1 Samuel 27:1-7). So, even when the nations conspire against God and His anointed (see psalm 2:1-2), God will turn the tables, and they will sing in their own pits (v. 15). Reflecting on the beginning of the psalm: nations have the same choice as individuals – giving thanks or to sing to the pit of our own makings.     

Death and resurrection. The more I read Psalter, the more I see this theme. Every person should have the answers for the ultimate questions – purpose of life, what will happen after death etc. v. 17 says that the wicked will go to Sheol – a place of abandonment. The reason is – they forgot God, on the national level. There ungodly nation has godly people (see Genesis 18, an argument of Abraham and God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah). Their spiritual needs and hopes will be answered (v. 18), but it is important to share the Gospel with the people on a national level. For the countries and nations can come and go – the Church is going to stand forever.      

Man vs. God. The psalm presents a strong case for rebellious human anthropology. On national and individual level men rebel against God (vv. 5, 19, 20). They try, try hard to set their own plans in motion, but God is stronger, and justice is His. That’s why David, being a man, asks the LORD to rise (v. 19). Risen Lord Jesus is the One Who prevails over men (see Acts 9 – meeting of Saul and Jesus on the road to Damascus), and He judges the nations according to His standards.    

PSALM 6 - NIGHT CRY

Psalm 6 – night prayer

Structure:

a. 6:1-4, appeal for help: o LORD, save my life [bones are troubled, turn…]

  b. 6:5-7, description of despair 

a’. 6:8-10, appeal for help: LORD have heard my supplication! [enemies are troubled, turn…]

Commentaries:

Three important notes before we’ll go into the text. First, the psalm is a night cry for help. Somehow David finds himself in trouble, deep trouble. His situation impacted his emotional life, spiritual life, and even physical aspects of life (bones are troubled, v.2). It is “natural” to experience troubles in life. They can be caused by other people or being self-afflicted. The main thing: it is a myth that Christians don’t have turmoil in their lives. Or, saying it differently, the turmoil is a result of your sin. Maybe, but maybe not…

Second, in any trouble it is important to reverse the steps of Adam. He walked away from God (Genesis 3:10). Instead of that, a believer should come closer to God. Even if it is “my” fault/sin – Father invites me to come, confess and be restored. Dr. Martin Luther wrote it this way: In all trials and affliction man should first of all run to God; he should realize and accept the fact that everything is sent by God, whether it comes from devil or man… for this is the way to learn patience and the fear of God (LW, 14:140).

Third, in the midst of troubles and trials, coming to God, it is normal to cry. We are not emotionless robots. Even Jesus expressed anger (John 2:13-17), fear (Matthew 26:38), sorrow, shedding His tears (John 11:33,35). That’s why it is good to study Psalter – then, when temptations come, a believer will be ready to react in a godly way.

A, vv. 1-4. When David addresses the LORD, he understands that there are two ways to approach Him: on our own or in His grace. Let’s start with the second one – even in the times of the Old Testament, the believers knew of gracious God, merciful LORD, whose steadfast love abounds to His children. It was fully realized in Jesus on the Cross. The sacrifice of Calvary provides an “umbrella” for us. On the other hand, when we come on our own, we are stepping out of this umbrella – God’s wrath hits us with the full force.

The gracious God is the source of healing – completely: physically (bones), emotionally/mentally (soul), and spiritually (deliver my life).

B, vv. 5-7. This leads to David’s meditation about the grave and Sheol. The verb – to remember is an interesting example of a great translation. On one hand, it is a mental exercise of bringing something from memory. On the other, it can be read is reassembling of members: re-member – that’s what death does: members of a body slowly but surely come to decay. As a result, this body without remembrance will not be able to “worship” God (no praise, v. 5). Similar idea can be found in Ps. 115:17-18.

Thinking of this, David is “crying himself to sleep,” flooding bed with tears and couch with weeping. This, again, reflects on the physical condition – growing weak (v. 7).   

A’, vv. 8-10. The final block begins and ends with a pushback toward the evil ones and enemies. Now, they shall be troubled (like the bones of the worshiper used to be). The reason for this is the acceptance of prayer (night cry) by God. The personal Name is repeated three times (see, Numbers 6:24-26). The LORD has heard the sound, the plea, and accepts the prayer. The first two use the same verb with two aspects of its meaning: hearing the sound and paying attention (hear and listen). As a result, psalmist is sure that his prayer is accepted!

Being accepted by the Creator of the Universe is a great privilege we have in Jesus. It is He, Who restored us to the Father (2 Corinthians 5:19); it is He, Who gives us words to talk to God (Philippians 4:6-7); it is He, Whom we praise, to Whom glory belongs (Revelation 5:13)! 

Psalm 118

Psalm 118 – Steadfast love of the LORD endures forever

It’s a noticeable thing – the psalm begins and ends with “catchy phrase” (vv. 1 and 29):

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good

For His steadfast love endures forever” 

vv. 2-4 Then there are three groups of people who say it:

(1) Israel, (2) house of Aaron (priests), (3) those who fear the LORD.

 Almost the whole psalm is in the first-person singular, only by the end the psalmist shifts to “we” (vv. 25-27) but then returns to “I” statements (v. 28). 

 

What kind of troubles the psalmist goes through to see and acknowledge the steadfast love of the Lord?

vv. 5-9 – personal distress. We do not know the reasons for his troubles yet (see below). Whatever it is, the psalmist acknowledges that the LORD is the helper, the LORD is at the right hand – this is the reason for the triumph. We saw something similar in psalm 23 when the LORD prepared a table and poured out the drinks before the battle – anticipating the victory.

So, LORD’s help is better (mightier) than help of the men and princes (vv. 8,9).        

 

vv. 10-13 – all nations surround me. Three times he repeats: I cut them off! Not on his own accord or strength but in the Name of the LORD, just as we discussed above. Concluding this paragraph with a confession – “the LORD helped me”.  

 

vv. 14-16 – the Lord is my strength – over years this became a famous Biblical slogan. It first appears in Exodus 15:2 – song of Red sea. Right after crossing of the sea and God’s victory over the armies of Egypt. Later Isaiah used it in his song of promise (Isaiah 12).    

 

vv. 17-18 – the psalmist takes upon the ultimate enemy – death. The discipline of the LORD does not need that He deserted us. The discipline of dying (which started with Adam) should not be seen as a disconnect with God. On the contrary, knowing that we are following the One Who went through death into resurrection, we understand this dying experience as a door into the eternity.     

 

vv. 19-24 – gates of righteousness (here, through the church, and then – eschatologically, in heaven), based on cornerstone – Jesus, see Luke 20:17, 1 Peter 2:7. Jesus used these verses when He was in the Temple during the days of the Holy Week (from Palm Sunday to Good Friday). He stated that the words of the psalm apply to Him in a prophetic way. 

Collective is a gathering of individuals – therefore, Save us, WE pray! (vv. 25-27), being blessed in the presence of the one who comes in the NAME of the LORD. – triumphant entry to Jerusalem, v. 27 sacrifice (!) [didn’t notice that before].

 

v. 28 – return to a personal confession. Interesting that the psalmist commits to very personal relationship with God and then thanks Him right away. There is no list of complaints, petitions, and such – give thanks. Even though we know that he went through a troublesome time. See above.

Then he repeats the confession and goes to exaltation – I will extol You! As my online dictionary put it: praise enthusiastically! Literally, the word means to elevate or to be or get high (not in a Californian way). It contrasts with pride and haughtiness that should be brought low (Isaiah 2:11,17).  

PSALM 30

Psalm 30

As a fan of structural analysis, I am happy to present a case where two (or even three) layouts are possible.

This is the way David A. Dorsey presents it:

a. 30:1, promise of praise, “rejoice”

 b. 30:2-3, report of appeal to God and rescue from the pit, “I cried… gone down” 

  c. 30:4-5, Statement of Yahweh’s favor (birshono)

   d. 30:6, Expression of confidence

  c’. 30:7, Statement of Yahweh’s favor (birshono)

 b’. 30:8-10, report of appeal to God and rescue from the pit, “I cried… gone down”

a’. 30:11-12, promise of praise, “joy”

Then in the footnote 23 Dorsey refers to Alden, “Chiastic Psalms”, 22 who presents nine part pattern.   

I see the parallel structure in the psalm:

a. 30:1, You drawn me up

 b. 30:2, I cried

  c. 30:3, You brought my soul from Sheol, go down to the pit

   d. 30:4, Sing praises and give thanks

    e. 30:5, His anger for a moment, His favor from a lifetime – turning point!

a’. 30:6-7, I shall not be moved by Your favor

 b’. 30:8, To You, O LORD, I cry

  c’. 30:9-10, death, going down to the pit

   d’. 30:11-12, Sing praise and give thanks    

I think, when Jesus was talking to His disciples about His death and resurrection referring to the Law of Moses (Torah), Prophets, and Psalms (Lk. 24:44-46), He was referring and/or using this psalm. One of the few that presented the picture of the One who ended up in Sheol, but YHWH brought “my soul” from it. So, it is not a death prevention psalm, it is a psalm of restoration (30:3).

This leads to singing of praises to YHWH and giving thanks to the His holy name. This demands a pause and slow reading. Think about this:

who represents (or wears) His holy name? Jesus – John 17:11-12.

Also, thanksgiving in Greek is eucharist.

Uniting these two points together we can say that Service of the Sacrament – is an act of thanksgiving of His holy name, the name of the One Who paid for our release from the fear of death with His own life. He descended into hell (cp. Apostle’s creed), He knows “firsthand” what death is all about but being sinless “death could not hold Him”, trotting a path for our re-union with the Creator.

This is even more reassured in v. 7 – He, the Creator, sustains our lives. Without Him we are dismayed.

But He is gracious and merciful, which is revealed in the following:  

vv. 8-12 We have two parts:

a. 8-10 – confessional part, when we cry for help

b. 11-12 – reversal part:  mourning into dancing

            Sackcloth into clothe of gladness

Concluding with glory, praise, and thanksgiving forever!

As a result, we can confidently say with the psalmist, described by Dr. Luther:

6. In My abundance I said, I shall never be moved. This can also be understood in the manner of that apostolic word: “Christ, rising from the dead, dies no more” (Rom. 6:9). And thus “abundance” signifies the glory of resurrection, where every kind of salvation beyond the prior life has abounded in Him. And because of this abundance He says that He will never be moved, that is, He will no longer die. And this is because the LORD God in His good pleasure “gave to My beauty (that is, beauty to humanity through the glory of the resurrection) “strength” not to die. See also Ps. 93:1: “The LORD has reigned, clothed with beauty; the LORD is clothed with strength” (LW, 10:138).     

 

Psalm 28

Psalm 28

Psalm begins with two requests (v. 1):

a. Be a rock

  b. Not to be deaf to me

  b’. if you’ll be silent

a’. I will go to the pit  

Then the primary answer is right there (v. 2):

Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help

When I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary.

 

But then David goes into a “negative” example (vv. 3-5):

a. Description:  Wicked – workers of evil 

being treacherous: speaking peace but having evil in their hearts

   b. Outcome: Give them what they deserve (in accordance with their deeds), v. 4

a’. Description of the reason: Because they do not regard the works of the LORD (the Living one, see the reference to the pit, v. 1)

   b’, Description of the outcome: He will tear them down and build them up no more – they will not experience resurrection. For all of us go through the cycles of “down-ups” or “death-resurrection.”

   

Fuller description of God’s “answers” (vv. 6-9):

a. Hearing (vv. 6-7). He hears – I give thanks with my song.

b. Lord – the strength of His people (vv. 8-9) – like a ROCK. He is a saving refuge, where people can hide in times of trouble.

PSALM 23

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd…

There are many hymns based on the hymn.

There are many services – visiting the sick, funeral, Good Shepherd Sunday… Good for Sunday school and good for adults, and good for Christians and good for unbelievers…

 

First, let us figure out who the psalm is about?

The LORD, YHWH, and we need to compare it in the whole Bible – John 10:11, 14, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. 

When Jesus calls Himself a shepherd His disciples could relate it to many Biblical and historical examples: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Saul, and David. Most of them after attending the flocks became the leaders of Israel. Joshua – Numbers 27:12-23.

When we understand that shepherding is a “military leadership,” we better understand Psalm 23:4-5.

Two things: (1) He walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death. He is not simply waiting on the other side, cheering for us – He walks with us (for You are with me).

(2) He prepares a table for us – feeding us with Himself, while the enemy can observe it. He is fully confidant in the final result – so, we can celebrate the victory even before the final strike, that’s why the Eucharistic prayer talks about “a foretaste of the feast to come.” We can have it now, but it will be much better on the other side of dark death tunnel.

LENT: EXODUS 7

Lenten devotions: Exodus 7 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

The chapter begins with the visitation of pharaoh by Moses and Aaron. It is [almost] the last attempt to “make peace” with the royalty. Instead of a decent conversation, the pharaoh set his sorcerers, magi etc. on Moses and Aaron. Aaron single-handedly wins the battle.

Then time comes for the first plague. This plague is deeply symbolic in nature – the water [of Nile] turns into blood. Modern scholarship is full of theories, trying to come up with an environmental explanation of the event. They will all fail, because the event had super-natural background.

LENT: EXODUS 6

Lenten devotions: Exodus 6 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

Chapters 5-6-7 begin a long action dialog between Moses and the LORD. God asks/tells Moses to do something – pharaoh retaliates – people complain – Moses goes to God, and ... circle repeats. So, you shouldn’t be surprised when the chapter opens with God’s answer (if you want to know what the “question” was, please read chapter 5). There are two main parts of the chapter: revelation of the name and the genealogy of Moses and Aaron. For the sake of time and space I’ll take upon a task to talk about the name.

To set the stage God promises to Moses that He will do triggering pharaoh to send them (sons of Israel) out and even drive them out (Exodus 6:1). Again, the post size doesn’t allow me to explain it in full, but please note the similarity of Adam’s exodus from the Garden [of Eden]. LORD God sent Adam out and drove him out… (Genesis 3:23-24).

LENT: Exodus 1

 Lenten devotions: Exodus 1 (please read the chapter before reading this devotion)

Today we are entering the time of Lent. There are many things that can be said about this, so I decided to do something ir-regular. The time of Lent is 40 days, so I thought why won’t we go through a book of the Bible that has 40 chapters, taking one chapter a day as a source of devotional meditation. So, here we are, the first chapter.

The first chapter of Exodus begins with a great statement concerning Israel, and almost immediate escalation of tension between the Egyptian rulers and the sons of Jacob. God blessed people of Israel abundantly: Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them (Exodus 1:6-7). As a response pharaoh at first came up with a tough plan, attempting to suppress them, but it didn’t help – “the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied” (Exodus 1:12). Then pharaoh came up with a wicked plan – murdering the newly born baby boys (Exodus 1:15-16). Sad times…

ROMANS 8. Part 2

ROMANS 8 (part 2, vv. 18-39)

the structure of the chapter as a whole can be found here.  

Part A’, vv. 18-30

St. Paul concludes the previous part with the claim of our heirloom in Christ, as long as we suffer with Him to be glorified with Him. Latin saying: “per aspera ad astra.” Through perils to stars…

Then he goes into a consideration of suffering and glory. Two things: (1) the level of suffering is not compatible to the “amount” of glory we will receive in Christ, example of groaning creation (vv. 19-25). 

(2) the Spirit (v. 26) helps us! For even do not know how to pray, but Spirit intercedes for us in our groaning…

For God knows us, predestined us, called us, being justified, and glorified! (vv. 29-30).

Conclusion (vv. 31-39). It begins like the other famous parts of Romans – 4:1, 6:1, 7:7. Later he will use it twice more in the next block (9:14, 30).

This paragraph can be an answer/conclusion to

Chapter 8, compare 8:1 reinforced by 8:38-39.  

Chapters 5-8, the name and the title if Jesus is the same in 5:1 and 8:39 (5:11, 21; 6:23; 7:25). So, it is the end of many-side discussion of the assurance we have in our LORD Jesus Christ. 

Chapters 1-8, it can be a answer to righteousness/faithfulness of God (1:17) set at the beginning and “challenged” in 3:1-8 (set of rhetorical question).  

God’s love shown in the sacrifice of Jesus is a proof and guarantee of our heirloom (v. 32):

Death and life

Angels or rulers

Things present or things to come (future)

Powers

Height or depth

ANYTHING in the created world – total 10 “units”

Can’t separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our LORD.       

ROMANS 8. part 1

ROMANS 8 (part 1, vv. 1-17)

a. 8:1-8, “Spirit” 5 times

  b. 8:9-11, “Spirit” 6 times

  b’. 8:12-17, “Spirit” 6 times

a’. 8:18-30, “Spirit” 5 times       Total: 22 times – 22 letters of Hebrew alphabet

c. 8:31-39, conclusion

a. Continuation of or response to the discussion of the law of flesh and sin.

Law of the Spirit set us free from the law of sin and death

Flesh vs. Spirit (vv. 3-8) – three (almost) pairs

1. life according to the flesh – set the mind on things of the flesh (cp. 6:16)

1'. life according to Spirit – set the mind on the things of the Spirit

2. Mind of the Flesh – death

2'. Mind of the Spirit – life and peace

3. Mind set on flesh – hostile to God

3'. The response is b. (9-11): mind set on the Spirit

v.9 Spirit dwells in you –

    Body is dead because of sin

    Spirit is life because of righteousness

v.11 Spirit dwells in you

c. Debtors vs. heirs (vv. 12-17)

Life according to the flesh – death

By the Spirit you put to death deeds of the body

Not the Spirit of slavery

Spirit of adoption – we cry “Abba, Father”

Spirit [of God] testifies to our spirit that we are children of God,

Children – then heirs,

            Heirs of God

            Heirs with Christ, when we suffer to be glorified. 

THOUGHTS on SIN

 THOUGHTS on SIN

Romans 6 – INTRO

Middendorf comes up with a helpful table in his Romans commentary (Romans 1-8, CPH, 2013, p.441), an improved version is here:

Word	Earlier	5:12-21	6:1-23	7:1-25	8:1-13	8:14-39	latter	Total
Sin	4	6	16	15	5	0	2	48
Death	2	5	7	5	2	1	0	22
Law	35	3	2	23	5	0	6	73
Flesh/ mortal Body	4/2	0/0	1/2	3/2	13/3	0/1	5/3	26/13 =39

 

According to table the main theme for chapter 6 is sin which results in death. The final verse of the chapter summarizes it, connecting both terms together: for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (6:23).

48=12*4 – square shape of 12 (tribes of Israel, apostles, etc.)

22 – number of letters in Hebrew alphabet – a complete basis for the Word. In connection with death might mean a complete sentence or judgement (cp. the structure of the Book of Lamentations).

So, what is sin? St. John says: sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4b). This reinforces what St. Paul wrote in the previous chapter – 5:13.

Both Hebrew and Greek words mean missing the mark. It might relate to the Garden story – how Adam and his wife missed the mark using the wrong tree for their spiritual growth (Gen. 2:25-3-7).

We can’t fix this – the eternal life that we get in Christ Jesus is a free gift (MS Word underlines this phase [free gift] as redundant). Question at hand – how God “brings us back to the trek” to the ways of the righteous? That’s our next lesson. 

ADAM and CHRIST

Adam and Christ

Romans 5:12-21

Structure:

a. 5:12-14, through sin death came to all

  b. 5:15, grace of God and the gracious gift

    c. 5:16a, one man trespass resulted in condemnation

    c’. 5:16b, free gift (following many trespasses) brought justification

  b’. 5:17-19, abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness

a’. 5:20-21, sin reigned in death

 

One man show – Adam’s actions had global or universal consequence. Later, people’s sins had way less impact (cp. v. 14).

Sin was in the world before the LAW – before Torah. This is just a chronological statement. Even though sin would not be counted as a “transgression” (because there was no LAW/Torah as a regulation), still death ruled in the world.

The universal impact of Adam’s sin sets him as a type of the One to come – Christ. His action also had a universal impact. Free gift of Jesus Christ brought justification. No limited atonement (cp. v. 15-16 and 18-19).

Whose action	Result	To what extend
One man’s trespass	condemnation	All men
One act of righteousness	Justification and life	All men

 

This free gift adds a reigning feature into life of a believer (v. 17).  

Reigning:

Sin reigned in death

Grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ

 

Advent Readings: Luke 23

Luke 23

The chapter of trial and crucifixion. Or, even better, the chapter of trial, crucifixion, and burial. For all the elements are essential for the ministry of Messiah. So, let’s talk about the burial. Luke points out that Joseph from Arimathea buried Jesus in the tomb “where no one had ever yet been laid” (Luke 23:53). Jesus is the first who will use the tomb.

From the story of triumphant entrance to Jerusalem we know that the disciples prepared for Jesus a colt on which no one has ever yet sat (Luke 19:30).

Jesus was the firstborn of Mary, so He first was in the womb in which no one was placed before.

He invited Levi Matthew to be His disciples, no one else would offer a spiritual leadership to the one who served Roman occupational authorities…

There are other instances I can point out, but I hope you get my point – Jesus is the one Who goes first. That’s why we don’t need to be surprised when St. Paul writes: “and He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent” (Colossians 1:18).

I believe Mary had other sons and daughters (Mk. 6:3). I can’t imagine that the owners of the colt would mummify the poor animal and never use it again. I’m pretty sure they did. It is more than possible that the tomb was used by other people and Jesus emptied the space…

Same with the resurrection. He trod the path into eternal life for us. Now we should simply follow Him. Through our trials, our death and burial into resurrection. Thanks be to God!

Notes on the ministry of High Priest

 Notes on the High Priest                                                                             November 10, 2024

 

Three main parts of HP job description:

1. Redeeming power of HP death (Number 35:28)

2. Anointment of a king (1 King 1:38-46)

3. Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16)

  

Let’s go in reversed order [chiastic structure :)]