Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Loving Our Neighbor" for Wednesday, 1 July 2015
Today's Reflection:
Recently, I met a woman named Bertha, a Guatemalan woman with AIDS. She was talking about how people with HIV and AIDS are alienated from society. “Even the church can cause great damage to those struggling with AIDS,” she said. She quietly told me about a single mom in El Salvador who went to a church for comfort. Upon hearing of her situation, the priest warned the entire community to “beware” of this woman. Consequently, the woman left the village. Bertha explained that some women who are stigmatized choose suicide.
Bertha’s story broke my heart. It caused me to question my own actions. How do I, as a believer in Jesus Christ, embrace those who are suffering with AIDS? How can I bring comfort and hope for those who are sick and in need of care? In Galatians, Paul calls us to bear one another’s burdens, not to discriminate against those who are struggling or different from us. We are called to act with loving kindness, without judgment, showing the love of Christ in all we do.[Prayers for Encouragement (from Pocket Prayers series)]
From page 29 of Pocket Prayers for Encouragement: Hope for Persons Living with HIV and Aids, Malaria, Tuberculosis, and Other Serious Diseases. Copyright © 2007 by Upper Room Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Do you avoid anyone because he or she is different from you? Consider reaching out to him or her instead.
Today’s Scripture:
Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.[Psalm 48:1-2, NRSV]
This Week: pray for those who cannot take time to rest.
Recently, I met a woman named Bertha, a Guatemalan woman with AIDS. She was talking about how people with HIV and AIDS are alienated from society. “Even the church can cause great damage to those struggling with AIDS,” she said. She quietly told me about a single mom in El Salvador who went to a church for comfort. Upon hearing of her situation, the priest warned the entire community to “beware” of this woman. Consequently, the woman left the village. Bertha explained that some women who are stigmatized choose suicide.Bertha’s story broke my heart. It caused me to question my own actions. How do I, as a believer in Jesus Christ, embrace those who are suffering with AIDS? How can I bring comfort and hope for those who are sick and in need of care? In Galatians, Paul calls us to bear one another’s burdens, not to discriminate against those who are struggling or different from us. We are called to act with loving kindness, without judgment, showing the love of Christ in all we do.[Prayers for Encouragement (from Pocket Prayers series)]
From page 29 of Pocket Prayers for Encouragement: Hope for Persons Living with HIV and Aids, Malaria, Tuberculosis, and Other Serious Diseases. Copyright © 2007 by Upper Room Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Do you avoid anyone because he or she is different from you? Consider reaching out to him or her instead.
Today’s Scripture:
Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.[Psalm 48:1-2, NRSV]
This Week: pray for those who cannot take time to rest.
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Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers, call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center web site.
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Saints, Inc.:
This week we remember: Thomas (July 3).
Thomas
July 03
We can identify with the apostle, Thomas. He wears his heart on his sleeve and shows what he is thinking and feeling as he listens to Jesus and takes seriously all that his master says. Thomas pledges himself ready to die with Jesus (John 11:16), and is unafraid to admit, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" (John 14:5)
He is the only person in all of scripture who addresses Jesus as "My Lord and my God!" Of course, he said it after the Risen Christ responded to his need to touch ("Unless I ...put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.") Thus, the Doubting Thomas nickname and image. His detractors forget that he did not wallow in doubt, but once he saw the Risen Christ, dedicated his life to telling that good news. Couldn't we also call him "Thomas the Believer?"
Church tradition says Thomas traveled extensively as a missionary and was martyred in India. When Portuguese first landed in India in the early 1600 they found the Mar Thomas Church where a Christian community called themselves "St. Thomas Christians."
If Thomas had taken the Spiritual Types Test, he probably would have been a Sage. Thomas is remembered on July 3.
This image is Thomas the apostle, Russian icon from first quarter of 18th cen. Iconostasis of Transfiguration church, Kizhi monastery, Karelia, Russia.
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Thomas
July 03
We can identify with the apostle, Thomas. He wears his heart on his sleeve and shows what he is thinking and feeling as he listens to Jesus and takes seriously all that his master says. Thomas pledges himself ready to die with Jesus (John 11:16), and is unafraid to admit, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" (John 14:5)
He is the only person in all of scripture who addresses Jesus as "My Lord and my God!" Of course, he said it after the Risen Christ responded to his need to touch ("Unless I ...put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.") Thus, the Doubting Thomas nickname and image. His detractors forget that he did not wallow in doubt, but once he saw the Risen Christ, dedicated his life to telling that good news. Couldn't we also call him "Thomas the Believer?"
Church tradition says Thomas traveled extensively as a missionary and was martyred in India. When Portuguese first landed in India in the early 1600 they found the Mar Thomas Church where a Christian community called themselves "St. Thomas Christians."
If Thomas had taken the Spiritual Types Test, he probably would have been a Sage. Thomas is remembered on July 3.
This image is Thomas the apostle, Russian icon from first quarter of 18th cen. Iconostasis of Transfiguration church, Kizhi monastery, Karelia, Russia.
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Lectionary Readings:
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Psalm 48
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13
Lectionary Texts:
2 Samuel 5:1 Then all the tribes of Isra’el came to David in Hevron and said, “Here, we are your own flesh and bone. 2 In the past, when Sha’ul was king over us, it was you who led Isra’el’s military campaigns; and Adonai said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Isra’el, and you will be chief over Isra’el.’” 3 So all the leaders of Isra’el came to the king in Hevron, and King David made a covenant with them in Hevron in the presence of Adonai. Then they anointed David king over Isra’el. 4 David was thirty years old when he began his rule, and he ruled forty years. 5 In Hevron he ruled over Y’hudah seven years and six months; then in Yerushalayim he ruled thirty-three years over all Isra’el and Y’hudah.
9 David lived in the stronghold and called it the City of David. Then David built up the city around it, starting at the Millo [earth rampart] and working inward. 10 David grew greater and greater, because Adonai the God of Armies was with him.
Psalm 48:(0) A song. A psalm of the descendants of Korach:
2 (1) Great is Adonai
and greatly to be praised,
in the city of our God,
his holy mountain,
3 (2) beautiful in its elevation,
the joy of all the earth,
Mount Tziyon, in the far north,
the city of the great king.
4 (3) In its citadels God
has been revealed as a strong defense.
5 (4) For the kings met by agreement;
together they advanced.
6 (5) They saw and were filled with consternation;
terrified, they took to flight.
7 (6) Trembling took hold of them,
pains like those of a woman in labor,
8 (7) as when the wind out of the east
wrecks the “Tarshish” ships.
9 (8) We heard it, and now we see for ourselves
in the city of Adonai-Tzva’ot,
in the city of our God.
May God establish it forever. (Selah)
10 (9) God, within your temple
we meditate on your grace.
11 (10) God, your praise, like your name,
extends to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
12 (11) Let Mount Tziyon rejoice,
let the daughters of Y’hudah be glad,
because of your judgment [on the enemy].
13 (12) Walk through Tziyon, go all around it;
count how many towers it has.
14 (13) Note its ramparts, pass through its citadels,
so that you can tell generations to come
15 (14) that such is God, our God forever;
he will guide us eternally.
2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in union with the Messiah who fourteen years ago was snatched up to the third heaven; whether he was in the body or outside the body I don’t know, God knows. 3 And I know that such a man — whether in the body or apart from the body I don’t know, God knows — 4 was snatched into Gan-‘Eden and heard things that cannot be put into words, things unlawful for a human being to utter. 5 About such a man I will boast; but about myself I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. 6 If I did want to boast, I would not be foolish; because I would be speaking the truth. But, because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, I refrain, so that no one will think more of me than what my words or deeds may warrant. 7 Therefore, to keep me from becoming overly proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from the Adversary to pound away at me, so that I wouldn’t grow conceited. 8 Three times I begged the Lord to take this thing away from me; 9 but he told me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is brought to perfection in weakness.” Therefore, I am very happy to boast about my weaknesses, in order that the Messiah’s power will rest upon me. 10 Yes, I am well pleased with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties endured on behalf of the Messiah; for it is when I am weak that I am strong.
Mark 6:1 Then Yeshua left and went to his home town, and his talmidim followed him. 2 On Shabbat he started to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They asked, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom he has been given? What are these miracles worked through him? 3 Isn’t he just the carpenter? the son of Miryam? the brother of Ya‘akov and Yosi and Y’hudah and Shim‘on? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 But Yeshua said to them. “The only place people don’t respect a prophet is in his home town, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 So he could do no miracles there, other than lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of trust.
Then he went through the surrounding towns and villages, teaching.
7 Yeshua summoned the Twelve and started sending them out in pairs, giving them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them, “Take nothing for your trip except a walking stick — no bread, no pack, no money in your belt. 9 Wear shoes but not an extra shirt. 10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place; 11 and if the people of some place will not welcome you, and they refuse to hear you, then, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a warning to them.”
12 So they set out and preached that people should turn from sin to God, 13 they expelled many demons, and they anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Psalm 48
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13
Lectionary Texts:
2 Samuel 5:1 Then all the tribes of Isra’el came to David in Hevron and said, “Here, we are your own flesh and bone. 2 In the past, when Sha’ul was king over us, it was you who led Isra’el’s military campaigns; and Adonai said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Isra’el, and you will be chief over Isra’el.’” 3 So all the leaders of Isra’el came to the king in Hevron, and King David made a covenant with them in Hevron in the presence of Adonai. Then they anointed David king over Isra’el. 4 David was thirty years old when he began his rule, and he ruled forty years. 5 In Hevron he ruled over Y’hudah seven years and six months; then in Yerushalayim he ruled thirty-three years over all Isra’el and Y’hudah.
9 David lived in the stronghold and called it the City of David. Then David built up the city around it, starting at the Millo [earth rampart] and working inward. 10 David grew greater and greater, because Adonai the God of Armies was with him.
Psalm 48:(0) A song. A psalm of the descendants of Korach:
2 (1) Great is Adonai
and greatly to be praised,
in the city of our God,
his holy mountain,
3 (2) beautiful in its elevation,
the joy of all the earth,
Mount Tziyon, in the far north,
the city of the great king.
4 (3) In its citadels God
has been revealed as a strong defense.
5 (4) For the kings met by agreement;
together they advanced.
6 (5) They saw and were filled with consternation;
terrified, they took to flight.
7 (6) Trembling took hold of them,
pains like those of a woman in labor,
8 (7) as when the wind out of the east
wrecks the “Tarshish” ships.
9 (8) We heard it, and now we see for ourselves
in the city of Adonai-Tzva’ot,
in the city of our God.
May God establish it forever. (Selah)
10 (9) God, within your temple
we meditate on your grace.
11 (10) God, your praise, like your name,
extends to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
12 (11) Let Mount Tziyon rejoice,
let the daughters of Y’hudah be glad,
because of your judgment [on the enemy].
13 (12) Walk through Tziyon, go all around it;
count how many towers it has.
14 (13) Note its ramparts, pass through its citadels,
so that you can tell generations to come
15 (14) that such is God, our God forever;
he will guide us eternally.
2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in union with the Messiah who fourteen years ago was snatched up to the third heaven; whether he was in the body or outside the body I don’t know, God knows. 3 And I know that such a man — whether in the body or apart from the body I don’t know, God knows — 4 was snatched into Gan-‘Eden and heard things that cannot be put into words, things unlawful for a human being to utter. 5 About such a man I will boast; but about myself I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. 6 If I did want to boast, I would not be foolish; because I would be speaking the truth. But, because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, I refrain, so that no one will think more of me than what my words or deeds may warrant. 7 Therefore, to keep me from becoming overly proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from the Adversary to pound away at me, so that I wouldn’t grow conceited. 8 Three times I begged the Lord to take this thing away from me; 9 but he told me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is brought to perfection in weakness.” Therefore, I am very happy to boast about my weaknesses, in order that the Messiah’s power will rest upon me. 10 Yes, I am well pleased with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties endured on behalf of the Messiah; for it is when I am weak that I am strong.
Mark 6:1 Then Yeshua left and went to his home town, and his talmidim followed him. 2 On Shabbat he started to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They asked, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom he has been given? What are these miracles worked through him? 3 Isn’t he just the carpenter? the son of Miryam? the brother of Ya‘akov and Yosi and Y’hudah and Shim‘on? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 But Yeshua said to them. “The only place people don’t respect a prophet is in his home town, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 So he could do no miracles there, other than lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of trust.
Then he went through the surrounding towns and villages, teaching.
7 Yeshua summoned the Twelve and started sending them out in pairs, giving them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them, “Take nothing for your trip except a walking stick — no bread, no pack, no money in your belt. 9 Wear shoes but not an extra shirt. 10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place; 11 and if the people of some place will not welcome you, and they refuse to hear you, then, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a warning to them.”
12 So they set out and preached that people should turn from sin to God, 13 they expelled many demons, and they anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
John Wesley's Notes-commentary for 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Verse 2
[2] Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.
Shalt feed — That is, rule them, and take care of them, as a shepherd doth of his sheep, Psalms 78:70,71. This expression, he useth to admonish David, that he was not made a king to advance his own glory, but for the good of his people; whom he ought to rule with all tenderness, and to watch over with all diligence.
Verse 3
[3] So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.
A league — Whereby David obliged himself to rule them according to God's laws; and the people promised obedience to him.
Verse 2
[2] Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.
Shalt feed — That is, rule them, and take care of them, as a shepherd doth of his sheep, Psalms 78:70,71. This expression, he useth to admonish David, that he was not made a king to advance his own glory, but for the good of his people; whom he ought to rule with all tenderness, and to watch over with all diligence.
Verse 3
[3] So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.
A league — Whereby David obliged himself to rule them according to God's laws; and the people promised obedience to him.
Verse 9
[9] So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.
Millo — Which seems to have been the town-hall or, state-house, near the wall of the city of Zion.Psalm 48
Verse 1
[1] Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
The city — In Jerusalem.
Mountain — In his holy mountain.
Verse 2
[2] Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
The joy — This is spoken prophetically, because the joyful doctrine of the gospel was to go from thence to all nations.
The city — Of God, who justly calls himself a great king.
Verse 3
[3] God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
Known — By long experience.
Palaces — Possibly he may point at the king's palace and the temple, which was the palace of the king of heaven; which two palaces God did in a singular manner protect, and by protecting them, protected the whole city and people.
Verse 4
[4] For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.
The kings — Either those kings confederate against Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 20:1, or the Assyrian princes; whom they vain-gloriously called kings, Isaiah 10:8.
Passed — In their march towards Jerusalem.
Verse 5
[5] They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.
Saw it — They did only look upon it, but not come into it, nor shoot an arrow there - nor cast a bank against it, 2 Kings 19:32.
Marvelled — At the wonderful works wrought by God.
Verse 6
[6] Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
Fear — At the tidings of Tirhakah's coming against them, 2 Kings 19:9, and at that terrible slaughter of their army, verse 2 Kings 19:35.
Verse 7
[7] Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
Breakest — Thou didst no less violently and suddenly destroy these raging enemies of Jerusalem, than sometimes thou destroyest the ships at sea with a fierce and vehement wind, such as the eastern winds were in those parts.
Verse 8
[8] As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. /*Selah*/.
Heard — The predictions of the prophets have been verified by the events.
Establish — God will defend her in all succeeding ages. And so God would have done, if Jerusalem had not forsaken him, and forfeited his protection.
Verse 9
[9] We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
Thought — It hath been the matter of our serious and deep meditation, when we have been worshipping in thy temple.
Verse 10
[10] According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
So — Thou art acknowledged to be such an one as thou hast affirmed thyself to be in thy Word, God Almighty, or All-sufficient, the Lord of hosts, and a strong tower to all that trust in thee.
Righteousness — Of righteous actions; by which thou discoverest thy holiness.
Verse 11
[11] Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
Judgments — Upon thine and their enemies.
Verse 12
[12] Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
Tell — He bids them mark well her towers, bulwarks, and palaces, with thankfulness to God, when they should find upon enquiry, that not one of them were demolished.
Verse 13
[13] Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
Tell it — That they may continue their praises to God for this mercy, by which they hold and enjoy all their blessings.2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Verse 2
[2] I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
I knew a man in Christ — That is, a Christian. It is plain from 2 Corinthians 12:6,7, that he means himself, though in modesty he speaks as of a third person.
Whether in the body or out of the body I know not — It is equally possible with God to present distant things to the imagination in the body, as if the soul were absent from it, and present with them; or to transport both soul and body for what time he pleases to heaven; or to transport the soul only thither for a season, and in the mean time to preserve the body fit for its re-entrance. But since the apostle himself did not know whether his soul was in the body, or whether one or both were actually in heaven, it would be vain curiosity for us to attempt determining it.
The third heaven — Where God is; far above the aerial and the starry heaven. Some suppose it was here the apostle was let into the mystery of the future state of the church; and received his orders to turn from the Jews and go to the gentiles.
Verse 3
[3] And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
Yea, I knew such a man — That at another time.
Verse 4
[4] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
He was caught up into paradise — The seat of happy spirits in their separate state, between death and the resurrection.
Things which it is not possible for man to utter — Human language being incapable of expressing them. Here he anticipated the joyous rest of the righteous that die in the Lord. But this rapture did not precede, but follow after, his being caught up to the third heaven: a strong intimation that he must first discharge his mission, and then enter into glory. And beyond all doubt, such a foretaste of it served to strengthen him in all his after trials, when he could call to mind the very joy that was prepared for him.
Verse 5
[5] Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
Of such an one I will — I might, glory; but I will not glory of myself - As considered in myself.
Verse 6
[6] For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
For if I should resolve to glory — Referring to, I might glory of such a glorious revelation.
I should not be a fool — That is, it could not justly be accounted folly to relate the naked truth.
But I forbear — I speak sparingly of these things, for fear any one should think too highly of me - O where is this fear now to be found? Who is afraid of this?
Verse 7
[7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
There was given me — By the wise and gracious providence of God.
A thorn in the flesh — A visitation more painful than any thorn sticking in the flesh. A messenger or angel of Satan to buffet me - Perhaps both visibly and invisibly; and the word in the original expresses the present, as well as the past, time. All kinds of affliction had befallen the apostle. Yet none of those did he deprecate. But here he speaks of one, as above all the rest, one that macerated him with weakness, and by the pain and ignominy of it prevented his being lifted up mere, or, at least, not less, than the most vehement head ache could have done; which many of the ancients say he laboured under. St. Paul seems to have had a fresh fear of these buffetings every moment, when he so frequently represses himself in his boasting, though it was extorted from him by the utmost necessity.
Verse 8
[8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Concerning this — He had now forgot his being lifted up.
I besought the Lord thrice — As our Lord besought his Father.
Verse 9
[9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
But he said to me — ln answer to my third request.
My grace is sufficient for thee — How tender a repulse! We see there may be grace where there is the quickest sense of pain. My strength is more illustriously displayed by the weakness of the instrument. Therefore I will glory in my weaknesses rather than my revelations, that the strength of Christ may rest upon me - The Greek word properly means, may cover me all over like a tent. We ought most willingly to accept whatever tends to this end, however contrary to flesh and blood.
Verse 10
[10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Weaknesses — Whether proceeding from Satan or men.
For when I am weak — Deeply conscious of my weakness, then does the strength of Christ rest upon me.Mark 6:1-13
Verse 3
[3] Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
Is not this the carpenter? — There can be no doubt, but in his youth he wrought with his supposed father Joseph.
Verse 5
[5] And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
He could do no miracle there — Not consistently with his wisdom and goodness. It being inconsistent with his wisdom to work them there, where it could not promote his great end; and with his goodness, seeing he well knew his countrymen would reject whatever evidence could be given them. And therefore to have given them more evidence, would only have increased their damnation.
Verse 6
[6] And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
He marvelled — As man. As he was God, nothing was strange to him.
Verse 7
[7] And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
Matthew 10:1; Luke 9:1.
Verse 8
[8] And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
He commanded them to take nothing for their journey — That they might be always unincumbered, free, ready for motion.
Save a staff only — He that had one might take it; but he that had not was not to provide one, Matthew 10:9; Luke 9:3.
Verse 9
[9] But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
Be shod with sandals — As you usually are. Sandals were pieces of strong leather or wood, tied under the sole of the foot by thongs, something resembling modern clogs. The shoes which they are in St. Matthew forbidden to take, were a kind of short boots, reaching a little above the mid-leg, which were then commonly used in journeys. Our Lord intended by this mission to initiate them into their apostolic work. And it was doubtless an encouragement to them all their life after, to recollect the care which God took of them, when they had left all they had, and went out quite unfurnished for such an expedition. In this view our Lord himself leads them to consider it, Luke 22:35: When I sent you forth without purse or scrip, lacked ye any thing?
Verse 10
[10] And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
Matthew 10:11; Luke 9:4.
Verse 12
[12] And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Luke 9:6.
Verse 13
[13] And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
They anointed with oil many that were sick — Which St. James gives as a general direction, James 5:14,15, adding those peremptory words, And the Lord shall heal him - He shall be restored to health: not by the natural efficacy of the oil, but by the supernatural blessing of God. And it seems this was the great standing means of healing, desperate diseases in the Christian Church, long before extreme unction was used or heard of, which bears scarce any resemblance to it; the former being used only as a means of health; the latter only when life is despaired of.
[9] So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.
Millo — Which seems to have been the town-hall or, state-house, near the wall of the city of Zion.Psalm 48
Verse 1
[1] Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
The city — In Jerusalem.
Mountain — In his holy mountain.
Verse 2
[2] Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
The joy — This is spoken prophetically, because the joyful doctrine of the gospel was to go from thence to all nations.
The city — Of God, who justly calls himself a great king.
Verse 3
[3] God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
Known — By long experience.
Palaces — Possibly he may point at the king's palace and the temple, which was the palace of the king of heaven; which two palaces God did in a singular manner protect, and by protecting them, protected the whole city and people.
Verse 4
[4] For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.
The kings — Either those kings confederate against Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 20:1, or the Assyrian princes; whom they vain-gloriously called kings, Isaiah 10:8.
Passed — In their march towards Jerusalem.
Verse 5
[5] They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.
Saw it — They did only look upon it, but not come into it, nor shoot an arrow there - nor cast a bank against it, 2 Kings 19:32.
Marvelled — At the wonderful works wrought by God.
Verse 6
[6] Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
Fear — At the tidings of Tirhakah's coming against them, 2 Kings 19:9, and at that terrible slaughter of their army, verse 2 Kings 19:35.
Verse 7
[7] Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
Breakest — Thou didst no less violently and suddenly destroy these raging enemies of Jerusalem, than sometimes thou destroyest the ships at sea with a fierce and vehement wind, such as the eastern winds were in those parts.
Verse 8
[8] As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. /*Selah*/.
Heard — The predictions of the prophets have been verified by the events.
Establish — God will defend her in all succeeding ages. And so God would have done, if Jerusalem had not forsaken him, and forfeited his protection.
Verse 9
[9] We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
Thought — It hath been the matter of our serious and deep meditation, when we have been worshipping in thy temple.
Verse 10
[10] According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
So — Thou art acknowledged to be such an one as thou hast affirmed thyself to be in thy Word, God Almighty, or All-sufficient, the Lord of hosts, and a strong tower to all that trust in thee.
Righteousness — Of righteous actions; by which thou discoverest thy holiness.
Verse 11
[11] Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
Judgments — Upon thine and their enemies.
Verse 12
[12] Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
Tell — He bids them mark well her towers, bulwarks, and palaces, with thankfulness to God, when they should find upon enquiry, that not one of them were demolished.
Verse 13
[13] Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
Tell it — That they may continue their praises to God for this mercy, by which they hold and enjoy all their blessings.2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Verse 2
[2] I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
I knew a man in Christ — That is, a Christian. It is plain from 2 Corinthians 12:6,7, that he means himself, though in modesty he speaks as of a third person.
Whether in the body or out of the body I know not — It is equally possible with God to present distant things to the imagination in the body, as if the soul were absent from it, and present with them; or to transport both soul and body for what time he pleases to heaven; or to transport the soul only thither for a season, and in the mean time to preserve the body fit for its re-entrance. But since the apostle himself did not know whether his soul was in the body, or whether one or both were actually in heaven, it would be vain curiosity for us to attempt determining it.
The third heaven — Where God is; far above the aerial and the starry heaven. Some suppose it was here the apostle was let into the mystery of the future state of the church; and received his orders to turn from the Jews and go to the gentiles.
Verse 3
[3] And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
Yea, I knew such a man — That at another time.
Verse 4
[4] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
He was caught up into paradise — The seat of happy spirits in their separate state, between death and the resurrection.
Things which it is not possible for man to utter — Human language being incapable of expressing them. Here he anticipated the joyous rest of the righteous that die in the Lord. But this rapture did not precede, but follow after, his being caught up to the third heaven: a strong intimation that he must first discharge his mission, and then enter into glory. And beyond all doubt, such a foretaste of it served to strengthen him in all his after trials, when he could call to mind the very joy that was prepared for him.
Verse 5
[5] Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
Of such an one I will — I might, glory; but I will not glory of myself - As considered in myself.
Verse 6
[6] For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
For if I should resolve to glory — Referring to, I might glory of such a glorious revelation.
I should not be a fool — That is, it could not justly be accounted folly to relate the naked truth.
But I forbear — I speak sparingly of these things, for fear any one should think too highly of me - O where is this fear now to be found? Who is afraid of this?
Verse 7
[7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
There was given me — By the wise and gracious providence of God.
A thorn in the flesh — A visitation more painful than any thorn sticking in the flesh. A messenger or angel of Satan to buffet me - Perhaps both visibly and invisibly; and the word in the original expresses the present, as well as the past, time. All kinds of affliction had befallen the apostle. Yet none of those did he deprecate. But here he speaks of one, as above all the rest, one that macerated him with weakness, and by the pain and ignominy of it prevented his being lifted up mere, or, at least, not less, than the most vehement head ache could have done; which many of the ancients say he laboured under. St. Paul seems to have had a fresh fear of these buffetings every moment, when he so frequently represses himself in his boasting, though it was extorted from him by the utmost necessity.
Verse 8
[8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Concerning this — He had now forgot his being lifted up.
I besought the Lord thrice — As our Lord besought his Father.
Verse 9
[9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
But he said to me — ln answer to my third request.
My grace is sufficient for thee — How tender a repulse! We see there may be grace where there is the quickest sense of pain. My strength is more illustriously displayed by the weakness of the instrument. Therefore I will glory in my weaknesses rather than my revelations, that the strength of Christ may rest upon me - The Greek word properly means, may cover me all over like a tent. We ought most willingly to accept whatever tends to this end, however contrary to flesh and blood.
Verse 10
[10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Weaknesses — Whether proceeding from Satan or men.
For when I am weak — Deeply conscious of my weakness, then does the strength of Christ rest upon me.Mark 6:1-13
Verse 3
[3] Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
Is not this the carpenter? — There can be no doubt, but in his youth he wrought with his supposed father Joseph.
Verse 5
[5] And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
He could do no miracle there — Not consistently with his wisdom and goodness. It being inconsistent with his wisdom to work them there, where it could not promote his great end; and with his goodness, seeing he well knew his countrymen would reject whatever evidence could be given them. And therefore to have given them more evidence, would only have increased their damnation.
Verse 6
[6] And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
He marvelled — As man. As he was God, nothing was strange to him.
Verse 7
[7] And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
Matthew 10:1; Luke 9:1.
Verse 8
[8] And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
He commanded them to take nothing for their journey — That they might be always unincumbered, free, ready for motion.
Save a staff only — He that had one might take it; but he that had not was not to provide one, Matthew 10:9; Luke 9:3.
Verse 9
[9] But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
Be shod with sandals — As you usually are. Sandals were pieces of strong leather or wood, tied under the sole of the foot by thongs, something resembling modern clogs. The shoes which they are in St. Matthew forbidden to take, were a kind of short boots, reaching a little above the mid-leg, which were then commonly used in journeys. Our Lord intended by this mission to initiate them into their apostolic work. And it was doubtless an encouragement to them all their life after, to recollect the care which God took of them, when they had left all they had, and went out quite unfurnished for such an expedition. In this view our Lord himself leads them to consider it, Luke 22:35: When I sent you forth without purse or scrip, lacked ye any thing?
Verse 10
[10] And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
Matthew 10:11; Luke 9:4.
Verse 12
[12] And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Luke 9:6.
Verse 13
[13] And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
They anointed with oil many that were sick — Which St. James gives as a general direction, James 5:14,15, adding those peremptory words, And the Lord shall heal him - He shall be restored to health: not by the natural efficacy of the oil, but by the supernatural blessing of God. And it seems this was the great standing means of healing, desperate diseases in the Christian Church, long before extreme unction was used or heard of, which bears scarce any resemblance to it; the former being used only as a means of health; the latter only when life is despaired of.
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Upper Room Ministries, a ministry of Discipleship Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004 United States
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Sermon Story "Being Anointed" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 5 July 2015 with Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1 Then all the tribes of Isra’el came to David in Hevron and said, “Here, we are your own flesh and bone. 2 In the past, when Sha’ul was king over us, it was you who led Isra’el’s military campaigns; and Adonai said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Isra’el, and you will be chief over Isra’el.’” 3 So all the leaders of Isra’el came to the king in Hevron, and King David made a covenant with them in Hevron in the presence of Adonai. Then they anointed David king over Isra’el. 4 David was thirty years old when he began his rule, and he ruled forty years. 5 In Hevron he ruled over Y’hudah seven years and six months; then in Yerushalayim he ruled thirty-three years over all Isra’el and Y’hudah.
9 David lived in the stronghold and called it the City of David. Then David built up the city around it, starting at the Millo [earth rampart] and working inward. 10 David grew greater and greater, because Adonai the God of Armies was with him.
After the death of King Saul, the tribe of Judah anointed David as there King even though he was anointed some 11 years earlier by the Prophet Samuel. Apparently, there were some Israelites that felt a son of Saul should be king instead of David this Shepherd boy. The People of his own tribe realized that even while Saul was King, David led the armies of Israel into many victories over their enemies. King David reigned three years in Hebron until the whole nation of Israel made David the King of all Israel for 37 years more or a total of 40 years before David died. In this Time of His reign he built up many buildings in Jerusalem or what is known as the City of David except a permanent Temple because God would not allow him to because of much blood he shed in making Israel a great nation. How do you understand his own tribe to proclaim him King after Sul was dead? How do you understand the rest of Israel proclaiming him King some three years later? How do you respond to the current anoint pastor of your church as well as the past anointed pastor of your local church? Many people who have been called into ministry of God's and have been anointed by for His ministry have not received the anointing of the church and their leaders, but this does not remove God's anointing. The anointing of God is forever and leads the person into fulfilling their call in God's way and timing. Yes, even the people who are called to allow the church to begin to fully include people who are differently abled within the Church as laity or clergy. We come to receive God's anointing of His Grace, Love, and Mercy as we come and eat His Body and Drink His Blood through the participation of the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We come to receive His anointing singing the Hymn "The Anointing" by John P. Kee
Verse 1:
I asked the Lord one day for direction
and He showed me the way that I must go.
And now that the Lord has appointed me,
I’m so very glad He anointed me,
(the anointing makes a difference in my life).
Chorus:
The anointing of God (the anointing detroys the old).
The anointing of God (if you need love and you won’t show it’s solid).
The anointing of God (I declare it can mend up a broken heart),
the anointing makes a difference in my life.
Verse 2:
The love of God is so good,
that’s how I know my call is so pure.
The Lord, He has appointed me,
and there’s no doubt He’s anointed me,
(the anointing makes a difference in my life).
Chorus:
The anointing of God (the anointing detroys the old).
The anointing of God (if you need love and you won’t show it’s solid).
The anointing of God (I declare it can mend up a broken heart),
the anointing makes a difference in my life.
Bridge:
If your yoke is not broken
and your burdens are hard to bear,
your yoke can be destroyed,
take your burdens to God
and leave them there, leave them there.
Vamp:
The anointing
Ending:
The anointing makes a difference in my life.
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9 David lived in the stronghold and called it the City of David. Then David built up the city around it, starting at the Millo [earth rampart] and working inward. 10 David grew greater and greater, because Adonai the God of Armies was with him.
After the death of King Saul, the tribe of Judah anointed David as there King even though he was anointed some 11 years earlier by the Prophet Samuel. Apparently, there were some Israelites that felt a son of Saul should be king instead of David this Shepherd boy. The People of his own tribe realized that even while Saul was King, David led the armies of Israel into many victories over their enemies. King David reigned three years in Hebron until the whole nation of Israel made David the King of all Israel for 37 years more or a total of 40 years before David died. In this Time of His reign he built up many buildings in Jerusalem or what is known as the City of David except a permanent Temple because God would not allow him to because of much blood he shed in making Israel a great nation. How do you understand his own tribe to proclaim him King after Sul was dead? How do you understand the rest of Israel proclaiming him King some three years later? How do you respond to the current anoint pastor of your church as well as the past anointed pastor of your local church? Many people who have been called into ministry of God's and have been anointed by for His ministry have not received the anointing of the church and their leaders, but this does not remove God's anointing. The anointing of God is forever and leads the person into fulfilling their call in God's way and timing. Yes, even the people who are called to allow the church to begin to fully include people who are differently abled within the Church as laity or clergy. We come to receive God's anointing of His Grace, Love, and Mercy as we come and eat His Body and Drink His Blood through the participation of the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We come to receive His anointing singing the Hymn "The Anointing" by John P. Kee
Verse 1:
I asked the Lord one day for direction
and He showed me the way that I must go.
And now that the Lord has appointed me,
I’m so very glad He anointed me,
(the anointing makes a difference in my life).
Chorus:
The anointing of God (the anointing detroys the old).
The anointing of God (if you need love and you won’t show it’s solid).
The anointing of God (I declare it can mend up a broken heart),
the anointing makes a difference in my life.
Verse 2:
The love of God is so good,
that’s how I know my call is so pure.
The Lord, He has appointed me,
and there’s no doubt He’s anointed me,
(the anointing makes a difference in my life).
Chorus:
The anointing of God (the anointing detroys the old).
The anointing of God (if you need love and you won’t show it’s solid).
The anointing of God (I declare it can mend up a broken heart),
the anointing makes a difference in my life.
Bridge:
If your yoke is not broken
and your burdens are hard to bear,
your yoke can be destroyed,
take your burdens to God
and leave them there, leave them there.
Vamp:
The anointing
Ending:
The anointing makes a difference in my life.
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Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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