A relationship in which people do not speak to each other will not last long. Silence is as deadly to a relationship as verbal combat. Such basic wisdom is often not applied to our relationship with God. He addresses us constantly in Scripture, and we must respond in prayer. As we continue our spiritual check-up we ask: 4. Do you give yourself to prayer?
1. The ‘WHY’ of prayer
Christians generally find prayer hard work. We need solid reasons for making the effort and giving ourselves to prayer:
(i) God’s nature. The power of prayer lies not in us but in the One to whom we pray. Note:
– God is sovereign. ‘He does whatever pleases him’ (Psalm 135:6). He is able to do all that he wills. This is a powerful motivator – nothing we ask is too big.
– God is gracious. We focus on Christ, in whom ‘we have everything we need for life and godliness’ (2 Peter 1:3). Hence the promise of Philippians 4:19 ‘meet all your needs’.
(ii) Our need. The greatest obstacle to a healthy prayer life is the lack of a sense of need of the Lord’s provision. Paul asks, ‘What do you have that you did not receive?’ (1 Corinthians 4:7). Both material and spiritual help come under the ‘daily bread’ of Matthew 6:11. Prayer is not a substitute for work (where possible), but it acknowledges our need and mortifies pride.
2. The ‘WHAT’ of prayer
Verses such as 1 John 3:22 are not a blank cheque to obtain anything we desire. Note John 14:14 ‘ask me for anything in my name’ – requesting what accords with his nature and plan. His name is not a magic charm to get whatever we want. Also we must pray ‘according to his will’ (1 John 5:14). We may not know his will in the details of life, but Scripture directs us on the big issues. It is not wrong to pray ‘if it is your will’. Note ‘things agreeable to his will’ (S. Catechism Q98). We have a vast field for prayer and that encourages big petitions.
3. The ‘HOW’ of prayer
(i) Confession. Our disobedience blocks answers to prayer (e.g. James 4:3). We must be as sure as we can of the purity of our motives. Confession of sin is part of a healthy prayer life.
(ii) Faith. Prayer expresses trust in Christ and his promises. We rest in promises such as Philippians 4:19. Praying by the Word strengthens faith and removes uncertainty.
(iii) Dependence. We depend especially on the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:18). We are to pray empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, or prayer will soon flag.
(iv) Thanksgiving. It is right and necessary to give thanks for blessings received. It also encourages future praying – Philippians 4:6 ‘by prayer and petition with thanksgiving’. If the Lord is the centre of our attention, thanksgiving will flow naturally.
It is often striking how alike members of the same family can be. They may share particular characteristics over several generations, including traits of character. The family likeness can be quite obvious. In the family of God, his children are to share God’s likeness, particularly Christ’s likeness. So in our check-up we come to 3. Do you long to be like Jesus?
1. The pattern
Those who are saved by grace (see Ephesians 2:8) are to be – and will be – transformed. Note:
(i) Jesus the perfect man. The church must be careful to assert the full humanity of Jesus. He still has a body and soul like ours, with the single exception of sin. Thus in order to save us, ‘he had to be made like his brothers in every way’ (Hebrews 2:16), including temptation (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus is everything that humanity was created to be, and so he is the perfect pattern to which we are to be conformed.
(ii) Jesus our example. The redemptive work of Jesus is unique, but in all other respects his life is the perfect example of loving conformity to God’s law (1 Peter 1:19). The desire of all God’s children is to be like their elder brother, Jesus. Note 1 John 2:6 ‘Whoever claims to live like him must walk as Jesus walked’. He is our ‘example’ (1 Peter 2:21). This is clear in his command in John 15:12 ‘Love each other as I have loved you’.
2. The progress
Central to Christian living is the command of 1 Peter 1:15 ‘just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do’. Holiness is to be understood in terms of likeness to Christ. This is Paul’s theme in 2 Corinthians 3:18 – progressive sanctification as the Holy Spirit reproduces in us the likeness of the Saviour. Ultimately this is God’s work: ‘it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose’ (Philippians 2:13). Galatians 5:22-23 on ‘the fruit of the Spirit’, describes for us the character of Jesus which is to be increasingly evident in us. The Lord’s chief concern is with the heart – the centre of our being, including our thoughts, motives and feelings (see e.g. Proverbs 4:23). God is concerned first with our being and then with the doing that flows from it. What kind of heart do you have? We must not fail to see that we have a duty to be active in this transformation, by the Spirit’s enabling. We must use the means of grace that the Lord provides, including feeding on the Word.
3. The perfection
In our battle with sin, we have the encouragement that the Lord will complete his work:
(i) In the present. Romans 6:14 ‘sin shall not be your master’. Christ is our Lord and he will remake us in his likeness. We are not doomed to perpetual defeat.
(ii) In the future. Our souls are perfected at death – ‘spirits of righteous men made perfect’ (Hebrews 12:23) and at the Lord’s return ‘we shall be like him’ (1 John 3:2-3), body and soul.
As we pursue our Spiritual Check-up, God does not leave us in the dark regarding the marks of a healthy Christian life. We are not to be influenced by the attitudes and values of the culture around us, or we may come to think that the busier we are, the healthier we must be. Today we turn to consider something that is vital for growth: 2. Do you feed on Scripture?
1. Why should you feed on Scripture?
Once new life has begun by the work of the Holy Spirit, we are to grow spiritually, and in order to grow we need food. The Lord has provided spiritual food for his people in Scripture (Psalm 111:5). Two reasons why we should feed on Scripture:
(i) Scripture is God-breathed. We feed on Scripture because of the kind of book the Bible is. The Bible is utterly unique – ‘God-breathed’ (2 Timothy 3:16). The entire Bible has its origin in God. As 2 Peter 1:19 tells us, the written word of Scripture is even more sure than the voice of God on the mountain of transfiguration. Note 2 Peter 1:21 ‘men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.’ What Scripture says, God says.
(ii) Scripture is transforming. That is so in 2 fundamental ways:
In conversion: Often the Spirit uses the Word in vital ways as he brings sinners to conversion (see 1 Peter 1:23). He applies the Word to awaken and draw sinners to Christ.
In sanctification. As the Spirit transforms us into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18) he applies the Word powerfully to stir a hatred of sin and a desire for holiness. Psalm 19:7-8 describes the practical transforming effect of the Word.
2. How should you feed on Scripture?
(i) With prayer. This is essential. Much of Scripture is beyond our natural capacities (see 2 Peter 3:16) but we have the ministry of the Spirit to enable us to understand and obey. Prayer is a cry for the help of the Spirit. Psalm 119:18 is a good prayer to use before Bible study.
(ii) With humility. We come as humble learners, not as masters of the Word. This means submitting our intellects to the authority of Scripture, not setting ourselves up as judges of what we are willing to accept. We should take Samuel’s words in 1 Samuel 3:10 as our own.
(iii) With eagerness. It is a mark of grace in our hearts when we delight in God’s Word. There are many examples in the psalms – such as Psalm 119:97. There is to be no half-hearted engagement with the Word. Our attitude to Scripture shows our attitude to God.
(iv) With obedience. Obedience is frequently commanded in Scripture. James 1:22 ‘be doers of the word, and not hearers only’. To be a hearer only is ‘deceiving yourselves’. It is dangerously easy to substitute listening alone for receiving and acting on the Word. There ought to be increasing obedience alongside increasing understanding. This is rooted in love: ‘This is love for God: to obey his commands’ (1 John 5:3) – a good test of spiritual health.
We have been living through testing times, internationally, nationally and personally. We have the assurance that God is sovereign in these events. As professing Christians we may have found our faith challenged and tested. We may well have had fresh experiences of God’s grace. As we begin a new, and different, season of work, this is a good time to take stock. In the coming weeks we will undertake a Spiritual Check-up, examining ourselves in the light of God’s Word. We begin with 1. Do you love the Lord?
1. Do you love him because he saved you?
In Psalm 116:1 the psalmist recounts his experience of God’s grace. When he was at the end of his resources, he cried out to the Lord who heard and delivered him. We are right to apply the psalmist’s words to the great issues of sin and salvation. The biggest question we all have to face is – are you saved? This is a matter of eternal life and eternal death. Whatever our bodily and mental health may be, the Bible tells us clearly that spiritually our natural condition is death: ‘dead in your transgressions and sins’ (Ephesians 2:1). Into this grim situation comes the Good News of the gospel – ‘believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved’ (Acts 16:31). The work of the Son of God in his life, death and resurrection has provided all that is necessary for sinners’ salvation and it is the fruit of God’s eternal love for sinners. 1 John 4:19 tells believers, ‘We love because he first loved us’. As we experience God’s love in Christ, we are set free to love him (and others). Any claim to be a Christian is empty unless it is accompanied by love for the Lord.
2. Do you love him because he provides for you?
Christians are able to address God as ‘Our father in heaven’ (Matthew 6:9). As a perfect father, he knows and provides for all the needs of his children, much more than an earthly father (Matthew 7:11). This is ‘God who provides us with everything for our enjoyment’ (1 Timothy 6:17). In response we are filled with love and thankfulness for the supply we have in Christ (Psalm 31:23). The test of the genuineness of our love is – do we love him when he disciplines us in love (Hebrews 12:6). We do not love only when his provision is easy to accept. This is true also in trials – James 1:2. In all circumstances God’s promise is ‘My grace is sufficient for you’ (2 Corinthians 12:9). Are we growing in love for him?
3. Do you show your love for him by obedience?
The Bible makes clear that a profession of love for the Lord is empty unless there is solid evidence for that claim. That evidence is obedience. The Bible never sees any tension or contradiction between loving the Lord and obeying him. Jesus tells his disciples, ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments’ (John14:15). In one sense this is a statement – this is what will flow from loving him. It is also a command, coming with the full authority of the Lord – this is what we must do. We must not fall into the error of the Pharisees. They were outstanding keepers of the law, yet Jesus condemned them (Mark 7:6). Mere outward keeping of the rules is insufficient. The obedience the Lord requires flows from love (1 John 5:3). Here is a good test to apply as we take stock spiritually: is our love shown in obedience?
The disciples thought they were going to die, on the Sea of Galilee in ‘a furious storm’ (Matthew 8:24). Indeed ‘the boat was being swamped’ (Luke 8:23). They are at the end of their resources, but they do turn to Jesus. We hear their panic in Mark 4:38 ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ In the middle of the storm Jesus sleeps on a cushion (Mark 4:38). What do we learn about Jesus from this? Consider Matthew 8:24 Jesus slept.
24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Matthew 8:24-27 (NIV)
1. An evidence of humanity
Jesus slept because he needs sleep. He experienced the same kind of human needs as any of us, including tiredness (John 4:6) and thirst (John 19:28). The range of human experience is shared by Jesus. What we read here provides clear evidence of Jesus’ humanity. What the Son of God has taken into union with his divine nature is human nature in its entirety – a body and a soul, with the sole exception of sin. It is human nature just like ours. As we defend the deity of Christ, we must equally vigorously defend his humanity. Early heretics such as the Docetists were influenced by Greek thought and could not conceive of deity in union with humanity. The church from the outset understood the importance of the Lord’s human nature. Hebrews 2:17 tells us that ‘he had to be made like his brothers in every way’ in order to provide salvation – human sin must be dealt with by a human Saviour, who is also fully God. We must not forget that as Jesus slept in the boat (according to his human nature) he also reigned over the entire universe (according to his divine nature) – as stated in Hebrews 1:3.
2. A testimony of faith
Jesus sleeps soundly in the midst of the storm. Note his response to the disciples’ panic – ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ (v26). He sees that the issue at stake is faith (or their lack of it). Jesus’ sleeping in the storm is a testimony of faith. This is apparent in the psalms, which we can take as being all messianic: Jesus is the primary speaker. Thus we apply Psalm 23:1 first to him –he says, ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’, expressing faith in his Father’s loving care for him and provision for him in all circumstances. This trust was what Satan chiefly attacked in the temptations (Matthew 4:1ff). The Saviour also speaks in Psalm 4:8 ‘I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.’
3. An example to follow
Jesus according to his human nature is the exemplar of the godly life his people are to live. We see in him what a Spirit-empowered human life is to look like. In his sleeping in the storm there are lessons for us:
(i) Our humanity: we are creatures with limitations, including bodies that need rest. It is foolish to disregard the proper care of the bodies that God has given us, suggesting we are wiser than the Creator. Note Psalm 127:2 ‘he grants sleep to those he loves’.
(ii) Our faith: trust in the Lord is a great source of security and peace. This is not a guarantee of sound sleep but the believer trusting in the Lord is freed from many burdens and anxieties that others bear. Psalm 4:8 ‘I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.’ That should be our prayerful desire and aim, even in trials.
We are bombarded from all sides by words – especially with the advent of the internet and social media. The big question is – which words are worthy of our attention? Which words should we believe? Generally, we have to ask – do we trust the source? This challenge was posed right at the beginning of human history – Genesis 3:1 ‘Did God really say…?’
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” 4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
1. The temptation we encounter
Genesis 3 provides a historical record of Satan’s temptation of our first parents. What happens concerns two individual human beings, although as our representative, Adam’s actions also concern all of us. Satan however uses the same method to attack God’s people in all ages, so we are to learn from this account what to expect. Satan begins with a question designed to provoke questions on Eve’s part (v1). The aim is to get Eve to evaluate God’s word critically – is his prohibition reasonable or fair? Eve exaggerates the prohibition – ‘you must not touch it’ (v3). Satan then progresses to an outright denial of the truthfulness of God’s word – ‘You will not surely die’ (v4). Is the God who gave the word to be trusted? Often we face the same basic temptation – do we trust the word of God, even when it goes against what we desire, or it is difficult to understand, or it is questioned by ‘experts’, or it is mocked in society around us. We may be tempted to question God’s word in Scripture.
2. The choice we must make
The word of God and the word of Satan present 2 rival interpretations of reality. The whole of a person’s life is involved in this contest. Which interpretation will we believe and act upon? We have two ‘words’ offering diametrically opposed ‘world and life views’ – which one will guide us?
(i) The word of the Creator: given by authoritative revelation. This provides the standard for all the big issues – how we can have accurate knowledge, how we are to understand our true identity, and how we are to conduct our lives.
(ii) The word of the rebel: Satan opposes God’s truth in every way possible. He is ‘a liar and the father of lies’ (John 8:44). His rival word is a false interpretation of reality.
In Eden we see human beings trying to occupy the place of God. Instead of submitting to the Creator and his word, Adam and Eve set themselves up as judges of truth. This refusal to accept our God-given position is the root of the sin that requires a Saviour.
3. The example we are to follow
Christ himself provides us with the perfect example of how we are to receive and use God’s Word. In his redemptive work, he is unique, but in his earthly life, he is our example. Note the statement in 1 John 1:6 ‘Whoever claims to live in [God] must walk as Jesus did’. Jesus’ fundamental commitment was to obey the divine Word – ‘your word is truth’ (John 17:17). Every part of the Saviour’s life was governed by the Word – ‘I have come to do your will, O God’ (Hebrews 10:7). This is clear in his response to Satan’s temptations – ‘it stands written’ (Matthew 4:4,7,10). We are to be imitators of him, with all our thinking and living to be done in joyful and loving submission to the Word of God.
As we exit lockdown and begin services of worship again, what should our thoughts be? We may experience all kinds of anxieties and concerns, but as Christians, our focus must surely be on the Lord. Much has changed, but he has not. Consider Psalm 115:12-13.
12 The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, 13 he will bless those who fear the Lord— small and great alike.
Psalm 115:12-13 (NIV)
1. God has remembered
Our basic attitude is expressed in v1 ‘Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory’. The fundamental reason is ‘because of your love and your faithfulness’. These truths lie behind the statement of v12. The verb refers primarily to the past – ‘The Lord has remembered us’ (ESV). This then describes his fixed attitude and so NIV reads ‘The Lord remembers us’. When Scripture says that the Lord remembered, it is not merely referring to his having exhaustive information about us – it speaks of his saving action on our behalf. The Lord saves those he remembers. He could remember our sins, but instead, we have the language of grace: ‘I am he who blots out your transgressions…and remembers your sins no more’ (Isaiah 43:25). The name he uses is significant: ‘the Lord’, the God who makes a covenant of love with his people.
2. God will bless
The Lord’s remembering us in grace includes all the provision we require, yet he loves his people so much that he goes on to give rich promises: ‘The Lord…will bless us’ (v12). The future is always uncertain (as James 4:15 reminds us) and our present circumstances emphasise that uncertainty. If we focus on the uncertainties we will become worried, fearful or even depressed. The ultimate solution is to focus on the Lord. In the full light of the New Testament we see that all blessing comes through Christ whose redemptive work has made all necessary provision. Hence we have the promises of Philippians 4:19 and 2 Peter 1:3. Note 3 times, ‘He will bless’ – absolute assurance.
3. God is to be feared
The promise of blessing is only for ‘the house of Israel…the house of Aaron’ – God’s own people. The language of 1 Peter 2:9 shows that we can apply these words to ourselves as Christians (see also Galatians 3:29). As v13 shows, the blessing is for those ‘who fear the Lord’ – who love and reverence their heavenly Father. The blessing is for ‘small and great alike’ – the only qualification is godly fear for the Lord who saves us. With such an assurance those who fear the Lord can face whatever the future brings.
One of the most controversial doctrines of the Christian faith is election – the belief that God has chosen some for salvation and not others. ‘That’s not fair,’ many say. ‘Why doesn’t he choose everybody?’ is a frequent question. Some of the questions cannot be answered – we are, after all, dealing with an infinite God whose ways are often beyond our understanding. There are vital things about election that we can understand, however, because God has revealed them to us.
For the Christian, election is in fact a doctrine that is full of encouragement – a source of joy and thanksgiving, not a perplexing puzzle. Let’s consider some of these great truths as we turn to Ephesians 1:4 Chosen in Christ
1. The nature of election
In v3 Paul gives thanks to God the Father for ‘every spiritual blessing in Christ’. Salvation is rich and wonderful. Why do we receive such bounty? The answer is given in v4 ‘For he chose us in him…’ The origin of salvation is not in us but in the God who elects. Note 4 elements:
(i).It is sovereign. ‘he chose us’. The reference is to ‘the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ’ (v3). This does not exclude the Son and the Holy Spirit since all the persons of the Trinity are involved in all God’s works, but it is particularly the Father to whom election is ascribed.
By its very nature, this action is an exercise of sovereign authority. The Father selects, sets apart for himself, a certain group of people. From start to finish this is God’s work. It is a bestowing of grace – love to the utterly undeserving. It is something done freely by God, not conditioned in any way by the objects of his choice. This is underlined by Paul in Romans 8:29 ‘those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son’. There ‘foreknowledge’ indicates the inauguration of a relationship of redeeming love that will result in salvation.
(ii).It is personal. ‘he chose us’. Who is in view? This cannot be confined to Paul and his original readers. The whole description is cast in terms of the universal church and the reference is clearly to all believers. But the choice was exercised before they were believers. Indeed most of those to whom Paul refers had not yet been born. The biblical evidence forces us to conclude that it is sinners whom God has elected. This fits with Romans 5:8 ‘While we were still sinners, Christ died for us’. This is the wonder of grace – it is for the unworthy.
God’s gracious election does not apply to a faceless multitude but to specific individuals. Those saved can delight in the personal love of God that they experience. Notice Paul’s reference in Galatians 2:20 to ‘the Son of God who loved me’. Election is not a cold, impersonal decree.
(iii). It is Christ-centred. ‘he chose us in him’. The identity of the one in whom we are chosen is clear from v3. It is in Christ. He is the foundation of election.
What does it mean to be chosen in Christ? We find in the New Testament clear evidence of a people being given to Christ in eternity. As he prays to the Father, he refers in John 17:6 to ‘those you have given me out of the world’. He says that he will ‘give eternal life to all those you have given him’ (v2). We also have a reference in Revelation 17:8 to names ‘written in the book of life from the creation of the world’.
For those given to him, the Son of God undertook to do all that is necessary for their salvation. In the plan of God laid before creation he took on the role of the Representative and Surety of his people – ‘he is the surety [or ‘guarantee’] of a better covenant’ (Hebrews 7:22). Christ assumes our debt of sin and at the cross discharges that debt fully. The whole of salvation centres on the person and work of Christ.
(iv). It is eternal. That is the significance of the words ‘before the creation of the world’. Before ‘time’ even existed, only the timeless God existed. Election is an eternal decree of God that is not dependent on any of his creatures. As a result, it is certain to be fulfilled. That is a great source of reassurance to his people. Our sins and failures, and there are many of them, do not thwart his purposes.
This statement also underlines the fact that election is not due to any merit in us. Think of the contrasting examples of Jacob and Esau: Romans 9:11 tells us that God chose Jacob ‘before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad – in order that God’s purpose of election might stand’. Election is entirely by grace.
2. The purpose of election
Our all-wise God does all things for a purpose – nothing is random or by chance. We can therefore be sure that election is purposeful. The ultimate purpose of all of God’s works is the manifestation of his own glory. He does, however, also have other purposes in what he does. In this verse, Paul indicates what we could call the proximate purpose of election. He mentions two aspects of it:
(i). Holiness. ‘he chose us to be holy’. The outworking of the decree of election is the redemptive work of Christ which transforms those God chooses into holy people. We are changed from sinners into those who increasingly share in the holiness of God. As Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:3 ‘It is God’s will that you should be holy’. At conversion sinners are declared to be holy in God’s sight. That is the justification that changes our standing in relation to God’s law. Following on from that, sinners are throughout their lives made holy in thought, word and action. That is lifelong sanctification, the work of the Holy Spirit in us as we use the means of grace that God has provided. Ultimately, beyond this life, our holiness will be complete as we experience glorification. All this flows from election.
(ii). Fellowship. ‘in his sight’ or ‘in his presence’. This indicates that those who are made holy are also brought into personal fellowship with our gracious God. That is the supreme privilege conferred by election. We have living communion with the Lord. As John states in 1 John 1:3 ‘our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ’. As our holiness grows, so does the closeness of our fellowship. That is a great cause for thanksgiving and a stimulus to seek greater holiness, as we anticipate the day of perfection in glory.
The Transfiguration 2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.
‘I wish I had been there’. Are there events in the Bible that make you wish you had been there? Maybe the crossing of the Red Sea, the giving of the Law at Sinai, David defeating Goliath, or in the New Testament, the birth of Jesus or the raising of Lazarus? One of the most striking episodes in the Gospels, and one which left a deep imprint on the memories of those who were there, was the transfiguration of Jesus – what would it have been like to be there?
In Mark 9:1 Jesus speaks about some people not tasting death before they see ‘the kingdom of God come with power’. Immediately afterwards three disciples accompany him to the top of a high mountain and there see something of the glory of the King and his kingdom. Let’s consider Mark 9:2-10 The Saviour transfigured.
1. His transformation
During the whole of his ministry on earth Jesus appeared to be just like any other man. He grew up from a child and lived a normal human life, sharing our human nature with the sole exception of sin. Although he was the Son of God, nevertheless, as Paul says, ‘he emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men’ (Philippians 2:7). He veiled his divine glory for the period of his humiliation on earth. He never ceased for a moment, however, to be the perfect reflection of his Father. He was ‘the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being’ (Hebrews 1:3).
The eternal Word (John 1:1) came in servant form. On the mountain top, however, 3 disciples were privileged to see something of the radiance of the Son of God. On the mountain, away from the other disciples, the veil was partly drawn aside: ‘he was transfigured before them’ (v2). Each evangelist describes it in his own way. Mark says, ‘his clothes became dazzling white’ (v3), using the homely image of a bleacher. According to Luke, his clothes became ‘as bright as a flash of lightning’ (Luke 9:29). In Matthew’s account, ‘his face shone like the sun’ (Matthew 17:2). What the 3 disciples saw was almost beyond description.
The language used in the Gospels draws on the description of the ‘Ancient of Days’ in Daniel 7:9. It is the very glory of deity, an indication of Jesus’ true identity. Peter writes later that ‘we were eyewitnesses of his majesty’ (2 Peter 1:16). He is the eternal Son of God, sovereign and glorious. Here we have a foretaste of the glory to come at his resurrection and, ultimately, at the Last Day when he returns. The suffering and death of the Saviour should not blind us to his deity and glory. He is worthy of all of our worship and service.
2. His conversation
At the transfiguration, Jesus is not alone. As v4 tells us, ‘there appeared before them Elijah and Moses’. They represent the Prophets and the Law, summing up the whole of the Old Testament. Their presence at this crucial event is a visible token that what they spoke and wrote about is fulfilled in Jesus. They were permitted to appear with him and also they ‘were talking with Jesus’. Here is an indication of the reality and the closeness of the fellowship enjoyed in heaven, even before the final resurrection. That surely is encouraging knowledge for us to have.
What was the subject of their conversation? We are told in Luke 9:31 ‘They spoke about his departure which he was about to bring to fulfilment at Jerusalem’. The focus is on Jesus’ death. Notice how it is described: it is (literally) ‘his exodus’. His leading the people of God out of the bondage of sin was foreshadowed in the bringing of Israel out of Egypt. In Jesus there is true liberation – as he says in John 8:36, ‘if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed’. In him, God’s eternal plan of salvation is being brought to fulfilment. In his conversation with Elijah and Moses, there is a joyful anticipation of victory at the cross and the empty tomb.
3. His vindication
In v7 we are told ‘a cloud appeared and enveloped them’. It is a manifestation of the presence of God, as in the pillar of cloud that led the Israelites during the exodus. In it, God reveals himself yet at the same time veils himself. There is also a ‘voice’ (v7), again a reminder of the voice heard at the giving of the Law at Sinai (Exodus 24:16). The transfiguration recalls in so many ways God’s meeting with his people at Sinai, again at a mountain.
The voice of God speaks an authoritative word: ‘This is my Son whom I love’. The Father identifies with his Son, as he did at the beginning of his ministry, at his baptism (Mark 1:11). The words used signify ‘my only-beloved’. The unique eternal relationship between Father and Son has not been broken by the incarnation. The Father expresses his full approval and endorsement of the path that Jesus treads. The Son has successfully resisted all temptations to turn aside and he is now strengthened for his final walk to the cross. Thus the Saviour is given great encouragement by his Father at this vital moment. He will lay down his life for his people and will accomplish full salvation for them.
‘Listen to him’ is the Father’s command. Jesus is the authoritative Revealer and Redeemer. We must hear and obey him. The only proper response from us is to submit to his every word and trust in him for salvation.
4. His prohibition
It is no surprise that the 3 disciples are amazed, afraid and confused – who would not have been? As usual, Peter is the one who speaks, although ‘he did not know what to say’ (v6). He proposes putting up three shelters for Jesus, Elijah and Moses, perhaps to prolong this amazing experience. They have been the privileged recipients of a special revelation of the Lord’s glory and they are still struggling to grasp its significance. What does it tell them about Jesus’ identity and his mission? As yet they are not ready to put all the pieces together – only later, with the help of the Holy Spirit will they do so, and realise that he is the Messiah who has come to save.
If you have undergone some amazing experience, your first thought will probably be to tell someone else. The disciples’ natural reaction is certainly to try to tell others, probably beginning with the rest of the disciples. Jesus, however, ‘gave them orders not to tell anyone’ (v9). There is the danger of misunderstanding his true mission and raising expectations he will not fulfil. An end to the prohibition will come: ‘until the Son of Man had risen from the dead’. In the light of his completed atonement, the whole story can be told. We have the duty to proclaim the message of what Jesus has done to save sinners and how we have met with him in a life-changing way. We have seen his glory and look forward to the full revelation at his return.
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Hebrews 4:14-16, Christ Exalted and Compassionate
It is not easy to live the Christian life in our world. There are many pressures on those who seek to follow Christ consistently. In our present circumstances, where there is much suffering, uncertainty and fear, we can find our faith tested and we may be tempted to give up. We need not think we are unique in this respect. The recipients of the Letter to the Hebrews faced many pressures on their Christian faith and some were tempted to give up and go back to Judaism. The writer has much to say by way of challenge and encouragement. Let’s consider Hebrews 4:14-16 which turns our thoughts to our great Saviour.
1. The exaltation of Christ
The focus of encouragement must always be Christ and what he has done for his people. Here the writer demonstrates the superiority of his work as Priest over that of any earthly priest. He writes in v14 ‘we have a great high priest’. There are several reasons for his greatness.
The writer begins with his present position of glory – Jesus has ‘gone through the heavens’. The Saviour has ascended to the Father, who has ‘seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms’ (as Paul puts it in Ephesians 1:20). Jesus has been granted the place of supreme exaltation. His exaltation is based on his earthly work as Priest, and so he is referred to as ‘Jesus’, his earthly human name. As Priest, he offered himself as the perfect sacrifice on the cross for the sins of his people. The price has been paid – that is the good news of the gospel.
Notice also that he is called ‘the Son of God’ – he is a unique High Priest, indeed he is God himself come in human flesh. On that account, his sacrifice has infinite value. It is sufficient to save multitudes. It manifests perfect divine love. His work is fully accomplished and so he sits at the Father’s right hand. He is not paying a fleeting visit to heaven. He remains in the Father’s presence to intercede for us (as 7:25 tells us). That is a tremendous encouragement.
2. Let us hold firmly to our faith
The practical effect of having such a great High Priest ought to be steadfastness in our faith. To people tempted to give up their faith the writer says ‘let us hold firmly to the faith we profess’. The essentials of that faith have already been stated in the first part of v14 – a Saviour who is both God and man, who by his death and resurrection has made atonement for sins and who now reigns over all things. That is the core of the gospel, which is not negotiable.
To an unbelieving world, these truths seem ridiculous – the gospel is ‘foolishness to the Gentiles’ (I Corinthians 1:23), provoking ridicule or hostility. You may well have experienced something like that. Such a reaction may shake our faith, we may begin to waiver in our commitment. However, we must not give up the truths that determine our eternal destiny. We know our High Priest personally and we are committed to him and his cause.
The idea of ‘hold fast’ includes a holding forth of the truth of the gospel to a Christ-rejecting world, whatever the response. People need to hear these truths and in troubled times like ours, some will be more open to listening to the gospel. We do have new opportunities.
3. The compassion of Christ
Such an exalted Saviour might seem cold and distant. Does he understand the pressures we have to face? The writer reassures us that we do not need to worry on that account. Jesus has an unequaled capacity to understand. It is not the case that he is ‘unable to sympathize with our weaknesses’ (v15). His exaltation has not destroyed his humanity.
It is marvelous news that he was ‘tempted in every way just as we are’. Nothing in human experience, except sin, is foreign to Jesus. In fact, he was tested to an extent we will never face. He spent 40 days in the wilderness battling Satan (Matthew 4:1ff); he was challenged to come down from the cross (Mark 15:30). Jesus made a public profession before the Jews and Pilate and so he knows the pressures that entails.
Notice too the end of v15 ‘yet was without sin’ – he never capitulated to pressure or temptation. That does not distance him from us so that he does not understand our struggles and failures. Instead, it shows how he endured far beyond the point where we would give up and so knows the full force of temptation in a way that we do not. Our Saviour endured all the kinds of trials we face, including the temptation to give up when our faith is under pressure. Jesus, however, came through it all triumphant and he understands us and our struggles fully. That should be a great encouragement in our trials, especially when we feel we have reached our limit and cannot carry on any longer.
4. Let us approach the throne of grace
In v16 the writer makes a very practical application of what he has just said about the compassion of the Lord. We are exhorted to be praying people. He exhorts us, ‘Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence’. What would once have been the throne of judgment for sinners like us is now a place of grace for Christians. On that throne is a crucified and risen High Priest. We can thus come ‘with confidence’, not rashly or self-confidently, but in humble faith, not fearing rejection or wrath.
What will we obtain? We will obtain ‘mercy’, dealing with our past failures, and ‘grace to help us’, for present and future needs, whatever they may be. The Lord’s supply will not fail. He promises, ‘my grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9). Help comes ‘in our time of need’ – at the right time, not before we need it. Grace is always provided for our present trials. So we dare not be prayerless. To neglect prayer is to say we can cope without the Lord’s help, and we know we cannot. With such wonderful assurances, let us trust in the Lord and approach the throne of grace daily.
David McKay
Covid-19 Response
It is with great regret that Session has decided to suspend public worship services on the Lord’s Day for the time being due to the coronavirus. Our concern has to be the safety of our members and friends, and so we have taken this step with immediate effect. We are of course still a congregation even though we are not meeting for worship.
We encourage you to continue faithfully in personal and family worship. We also plan to send out by e-mail a weekly devotional and video that can be found on the postsalong with any important news and announcements.
Remember too that there are over 850 Shaftesbury sermons available at: Sermon Audio.
You won’t have heard them all!
