The Upper Room Daily Reflections from Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Growing and Becoming" for Wednesday, 29 June 2016
Today’s Reflection:
ONE OF MY VIVID CHILDHOOD MEMORIES is of riding the merry-go-round at the seashore park. You would think that five rides on a merry-go-round were enough, but I kept begging my parents for “just one more ride.” Finally I stated, “I want to live on the merry-go-round.”
At times life is like a merry-go-round, but the roller-coaster life is more challenging and interesting. As we review our ups and downs, we gain a greater sense of self-worth and God’s gracious providence. We may take one step forward and two back, but somehow we move through these ups and downs ever onward.
That is the biblical model of growing older; it is never a matter of going forward or backward but of going onward. We never arrive; we are always on the way, always becoming.[Richard L. Morgan, Remembering Your Story]
From pages 92-93 of Remembering Your Story: Creating Your Own Spiritual Autobiography by Richard L. Morgan. Copyright © 2002 by Richard L. Morgan. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Looking back on your life, where do you see you have grown and become in your Christian walk?
Today’s Scripture:
Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me! O LORD, be my helper!”[Psalm 30:10, NRSV]
This Week: pray for those who are struggling financially.
At times life is like a merry-go-round, but the roller-coaster life is more challenging and interesting. As we review our ups and downs, we gain a greater sense of self-worth and God’s gracious providence. We may take one step forward and two back, but somehow we move through these ups and downs ever onward.
That is the biblical model of growing older; it is never a matter of going forward or backward but of going onward. We never arrive; we are always on the way, always becoming.[Richard L. Morgan, Remembering Your Story]
From pages 92-93 of Remembering Your Story: Creating Your Own Spiritual Autobiography by Richard L. Morgan. Copyright © 2002 by Richard L. Morgan. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Looking back on your life, where do you see you have grown and become in your Christian walk?
Today’s Scripture:
Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me! O LORD, be my helper!”[Psalm 30:10, NRSV]
This Week: pray for those who are struggling financially.
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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 website.
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This week we remember: Paul (June 29).
Paul
June 29
Paul reached out to Jews and Gentiles, determined to share the good news of Jesus Christ. He traveled throughout the eastern Mediterranean. He survived being stoned, beaten and thrown into jail. Despite the persecution in eight years of travel he touched countless lives with his preaching, established Christian communities, and encouraged people's spiritual growth by letters (the New Testament's Epistles).
Sometime between 62 and 67 Paul was beheaded by the Emperor Nero. The uplifting words he wrote to early Christians continue to inspire contemporary Christians.
If Paul had taken the Spiritual Types Test he probably would have been a Sage. Paul is remembered on June 29.
Image is detail of St. Paul icon, compliments of St. Isaac of Syria Skete, www.skete.com
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 website.
This week we remember: Paul (June 29).
Paul
June 29
Paul reached out to Jews and Gentiles, determined to share the good news of Jesus Christ. He traveled throughout the eastern Mediterranean. He survived being stoned, beaten and thrown into jail. Despite the persecution in eight years of travel he touched countless lives with his preaching, established Christian communities, and encouraged people's spiritual growth by letters (the New Testament's Epistles).
Sometime between 62 and 67 Paul was beheaded by the Emperor Nero. The uplifting words he wrote to early Christians continue to inspire contemporary Christians.
If Paul had taken the Spiritual Types Test he probably would have been a Sage. Paul is remembered on June 29.
Image is detail of St. Paul icon, compliments of St. Isaac of Syria Skete, www.skete.com
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Lectionary Readings:
Sunday, 3 July 2016
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Scripture Texts for:2 Kings 5:1 Na‘aman, commander of the king of Aram’s army, was highly respected and esteemed by his master; because through him Adonai had brought victory to Aram. But although he was a brave warrior, he also suffered from tzara‘at. 2 Now on one of their raids into Isra’el’s territory, Aram carried away captive a little girl, who became a servant for Na‘aman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “I wish my lord could go to the prophet in Shomron! He could heal his tzara‘at.” 4 Na‘aman went in and told his lord, “The girl from the land of Isra’el said such-and-such.” 5 The king of Aram said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Isra’el.”
He set out, taking with him 660 pounds of silver, 6,000 pieces of gold and ten changes of clothes. 6 He brought the king of Isra’el the letter, which said, “When this letter reaches you, you will see that I have sent my servant Na‘aman to you, so that you can heal his tzara‘at.” 7 When the king of Isra’el finished reading the letter, he tore his clothes. “Am I God, able to kill and make alive,” he asked, “so that he sends me a man to heal of tzara‘at? You can see that he is only seeking an excuse to quarrel with me.” 8 But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Isra’el had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king: “Why did you tear your clothes? Just have him come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Isra’el.”
9 So Na‘aman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 Elisha sent a messenger to him, who said, “Go, and bathe in the Yarden seven times. Your skin will become as it was, and you will be clean.” 11 But Na‘aman became angry and left, saying, “Here now! I thought for certain that he would come out personally, that he would stand, call on the name of Adonai his God and wave his hand over the diseased place and thus heal the person with tzara‘at. 12 Aren’t Amanah and Parpar, the rivers of Dammesek, better than all the water in Isra’el? Why can’t I bathe in them and be clean?” So he turned and went off in a rage. 13 But his servants approached him and said, “My father! If the prophet had asked you to do something really difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So, doesn’t it make even more sense to do what he says, when it’s only, ‘Bathe, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Yarden, as the man of God had said to do; and his skin was restored and became like the skin of a child; and he became clean.
Psalm 30:1 (0) A psalm. A song for the dedication of the house. By David:
2 (1) I will exalt you, Adonai, because you drew me up;
you didn’t let my enemies rejoice over me.
3 (2) Adonai my God, I cried out to you,
and you provided healing for me.
4 (3) Adonai, you lifted me up from Sh’ol;
you kept me alive when I was sinking into a pit.
5 (4) Sing praise to Adonai, you faithful of his;
and give thanks on recalling his holiness.
6 (5) For his anger is momentary,
but his favor lasts a lifetime.
Tears may linger for the night,
but with dawn come cries of joy.
7 (6) Once I was prosperous and used to say,
that nothing could ever shake me —
8 (7) when you showed me favor, Adonai,
I was firm as a mighty mountain.
But when you hid your face,
I was struck with terror.
9 (8) I called to you, Adonai;
to Adonai I pleaded for mercy:
10 (9) “What advantage is there in my death,
in my going down to the pit?
Can the dust praise you?
Can it proclaim your truth?
11 (10) Hear me, Adonai, and show me your favor!
Adonai, be my helper!”
12 (11) You turned my mourning into dancing!
You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
13 (12) so that my well-being can praise you and not be silent;
Adonai my God, I will thank you forever!
Galatians 6:1 Brothers, suppose someone is caught doing something wrong. You who have the Spirit should set him right, but in a spirit of humility, keeping an eye on yourselves so that you won’t be tempted too. 2 Bear one another’s burdens — in this way you will be fulfilling the Torah’s true meaning, which the Messiah upholds. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is really nothing, he is fooling himself. 4 So let each of you scrutinize his own actions. Then if you do find something to boast about, at least the boasting will be based on what you have actually done and not merely on a judgment that you are better than someone else; 5 for each person will carry his own load. 6 But whoever is being instructed in the Word should share all the good things he has with his instructor. 7 Don’t delude yourselves: no one makes a fool of God! A person reaps what he sows. 8 Those who keep sowing in the field of their old nature, in order to meet its demands, will eventually reap ruin; but those who keep sowing in the field of the Spirit will reap from the Spirit everlasting life. 9 So let us not grow weary of doing what is good; for if we don’t give up, we will in due time reap the harvest. 10 Therefore, as the opportunity arises, let us do what is good to everyone, and especially to the family of those who are trustingly faithful.
11 Look at the large letters I use as I close in my own handwriting.
12 It is those who want to look good outwardly who are trying to get you to be circumcised. The only reason they are doing it is to escape persecution for preaching about the Messiah’s execution-stake. 13 For even those who are getting circumcised don’t observe the Torah. On the contrary, they want you to get circumcised so that they can boast of having gained your adherence. 14 But as for me, Heaven forbid that I should boast about anything except the execution-stake of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah! Through him, as far as I am concerned, the world has been put to death on the stake; and through him, as far as the world is concerned, I have been put to death on the stake.
15 For neither being circumcised nor being uncircumcised matters; what matters is being a new creation. 16 And as many as order their lives by this rule, shalom upon them and mercy, and upon the Isra’el of God!
Luke 10:1 After this, the Lord appointed seventy other talmidim and sent them on ahead in pairs to every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 He said to them, “To be sure, there is a large harvest. But there are few workers. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the Harvest that he speed workers out to gather in his harvest. 3 Get going now, but pay attention! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Don’t carry a money-belt or a pack, and don’t stop to shmoose with people on the road.
5 “Whenever you enter a house, first say, ‘Shalom!’ to the household. 6 If a seeker of shalom is there, your ‘Shalom!’ will find its rest with him; and if there isn’t, it will return to you. 7 Stay in that same house, eating and drinking what they offer, for a worker deserves his wages — don’t move about from house to house.
8 “Whenever you come into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is put in front of you. 9 Heal the sick there, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they don’t make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off as a sign against you! But understand this: the Kingdom of God is near!’
16 “Whoever listens to you listens to me, also whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the One who sent me.”
17 The seventy came back jubilant. “Lord,” they said, “with your power, even the demons submit to us!” 18 Yeshua said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Remember, I have given you authority; so you can trample down snakes and scorpions, indeed, all the Enemy’s forces; and you will remain completely unharmed. 20 Nevertheless, don’t be glad that the spirits submit to you; be glad that your names have been recorded in heaven.”
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Lectionary Readings:
Sunday, 3 July 2016
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Scripture Texts for:2 Kings 5:1 Na‘aman, commander of the king of Aram’s army, was highly respected and esteemed by his master; because through him Adonai had brought victory to Aram. But although he was a brave warrior, he also suffered from tzara‘at. 2 Now on one of their raids into Isra’el’s territory, Aram carried away captive a little girl, who became a servant for Na‘aman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “I wish my lord could go to the prophet in Shomron! He could heal his tzara‘at.” 4 Na‘aman went in and told his lord, “The girl from the land of Isra’el said such-and-such.” 5 The king of Aram said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Isra’el.”
He set out, taking with him 660 pounds of silver, 6,000 pieces of gold and ten changes of clothes. 6 He brought the king of Isra’el the letter, which said, “When this letter reaches you, you will see that I have sent my servant Na‘aman to you, so that you can heal his tzara‘at.” 7 When the king of Isra’el finished reading the letter, he tore his clothes. “Am I God, able to kill and make alive,” he asked, “so that he sends me a man to heal of tzara‘at? You can see that he is only seeking an excuse to quarrel with me.” 8 But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Isra’el had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king: “Why did you tear your clothes? Just have him come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Isra’el.”
9 So Na‘aman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 Elisha sent a messenger to him, who said, “Go, and bathe in the Yarden seven times. Your skin will become as it was, and you will be clean.” 11 But Na‘aman became angry and left, saying, “Here now! I thought for certain that he would come out personally, that he would stand, call on the name of Adonai his God and wave his hand over the diseased place and thus heal the person with tzara‘at. 12 Aren’t Amanah and Parpar, the rivers of Dammesek, better than all the water in Isra’el? Why can’t I bathe in them and be clean?” So he turned and went off in a rage. 13 But his servants approached him and said, “My father! If the prophet had asked you to do something really difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So, doesn’t it make even more sense to do what he says, when it’s only, ‘Bathe, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Yarden, as the man of God had said to do; and his skin was restored and became like the skin of a child; and he became clean.
Psalm 30:1 (0) A psalm. A song for the dedication of the house. By David:
2 (1) I will exalt you, Adonai, because you drew me up;
you didn’t let my enemies rejoice over me.
3 (2) Adonai my God, I cried out to you,
and you provided healing for me.
4 (3) Adonai, you lifted me up from Sh’ol;
you kept me alive when I was sinking into a pit.
5 (4) Sing praise to Adonai, you faithful of his;
and give thanks on recalling his holiness.
6 (5) For his anger is momentary,
but his favor lasts a lifetime.
Tears may linger for the night,
but with dawn come cries of joy.
7 (6) Once I was prosperous and used to say,
that nothing could ever shake me —
8 (7) when you showed me favor, Adonai,
I was firm as a mighty mountain.
But when you hid your face,
I was struck with terror.
9 (8) I called to you, Adonai;
to Adonai I pleaded for mercy:
10 (9) “What advantage is there in my death,
in my going down to the pit?
Can the dust praise you?
Can it proclaim your truth?
11 (10) Hear me, Adonai, and show me your favor!
Adonai, be my helper!”
12 (11) You turned my mourning into dancing!
You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
13 (12) so that my well-being can praise you and not be silent;
Adonai my God, I will thank you forever!
Galatians 6:1 Brothers, suppose someone is caught doing something wrong. You who have the Spirit should set him right, but in a spirit of humility, keeping an eye on yourselves so that you won’t be tempted too. 2 Bear one another’s burdens — in this way you will be fulfilling the Torah’s true meaning, which the Messiah upholds. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is really nothing, he is fooling himself. 4 So let each of you scrutinize his own actions. Then if you do find something to boast about, at least the boasting will be based on what you have actually done and not merely on a judgment that you are better than someone else; 5 for each person will carry his own load. 6 But whoever is being instructed in the Word should share all the good things he has with his instructor. 7 Don’t delude yourselves: no one makes a fool of God! A person reaps what he sows. 8 Those who keep sowing in the field of their old nature, in order to meet its demands, will eventually reap ruin; but those who keep sowing in the field of the Spirit will reap from the Spirit everlasting life. 9 So let us not grow weary of doing what is good; for if we don’t give up, we will in due time reap the harvest. 10 Therefore, as the opportunity arises, let us do what is good to everyone, and especially to the family of those who are trustingly faithful.
11 Look at the large letters I use as I close in my own handwriting.
12 It is those who want to look good outwardly who are trying to get you to be circumcised. The only reason they are doing it is to escape persecution for preaching about the Messiah’s execution-stake. 13 For even those who are getting circumcised don’t observe the Torah. On the contrary, they want you to get circumcised so that they can boast of having gained your adherence. 14 But as for me, Heaven forbid that I should boast about anything except the execution-stake of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah! Through him, as far as I am concerned, the world has been put to death on the stake; and through him, as far as the world is concerned, I have been put to death on the stake.
15 For neither being circumcised nor being uncircumcised matters; what matters is being a new creation. 16 And as many as order their lives by this rule, shalom upon them and mercy, and upon the Isra’el of God!
Luke 10:1 After this, the Lord appointed seventy other talmidim and sent them on ahead in pairs to every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 He said to them, “To be sure, there is a large harvest. But there are few workers. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the Harvest that he speed workers out to gather in his harvest. 3 Get going now, but pay attention! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Don’t carry a money-belt or a pack, and don’t stop to shmoose with people on the road.
5 “Whenever you enter a house, first say, ‘Shalom!’ to the household. 6 If a seeker of shalom is there, your ‘Shalom!’ will find its rest with him; and if there isn’t, it will return to you. 7 Stay in that same house, eating and drinking what they offer, for a worker deserves his wages — don’t move about from house to house.
8 “Whenever you come into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is put in front of you. 9 Heal the sick there, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they don’t make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off as a sign against you! But understand this: the Kingdom of God is near!’
16 “Whoever listens to you listens to me, also whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the One who sent me.”
17 The seventy came back jubilant. “Lord,” they said, “with your power, even the demons submit to us!” 18 Yeshua said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Remember, I have given you authority; so you can trample down snakes and scorpions, indeed, all the Enemy’s forces; and you will remain completely unharmed. 20 Nevertheless, don’t be glad that the spirits submit to you; be glad that your names have been recorded in heaven.”
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John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for:2 Kings 5:1-14
Verse 5
[5] And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.
Go to, … — It was very natural for a king to suppose, that the king of Israel could do more than any of his subjects.
Verse 10
[10] And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
Elisha sent — Which he did, partly, to exercise Naaman's faith and obedience: partly, for the honour of his religion, that it might appear he sought not his own glory and profit, but only God's honour, and the good of men.
Verse 11
[11] But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
Was wroth — Supposing himself despised by the prophet.
Verse 12
[12] Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
Are not, … — Is there not as great a virtue in them to this purpose? But he should have considered, that the cure was not to be wrought by the water, but by the power of God.
Verse 13
[13] And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
My father — Or, our father. So they call him, to shew their reverence and affection to him.
Psalm 30
Verse 5
[5] For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Cometh — Speedily and in due season.
Verse 7
[7] LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
Mountain — My kingdom: kingdoms are usually called mountains in prophetical writings.
Verse 9
[9] What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
Profit — What wilt thou gain by it? The dust - Shall they that are dead celebrate thy goodness in the land of the living? Or, shall my dust praise thee?
Verse 11
[11] Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
Sackcloth — Given me occasion to put off that sackcloth, which they used to wear in times of mourning, Esther 4:1; Psalms 35:13; Isaiah 32:11; Joel 1:13.
Girded — With joy, as with a garment, surrounding me on every side.
Verse 12
[12] To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
My glory — My tongue.
Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16
Verse 1
[1] Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in any fault — By surprise, ignorance, or stress of temptation.
Ye who are spiritual — Who continue to live and walk by the Spirit.
Restore such an one — By reproof, instruction, or exhortation. Every one who can, ought to help herein; only in the spirit of meekness - This is essential to a spiritual man; and in this lies the whole force of the cure.
Considering thyself — The plural is beautifully changed into the singular. Let each take heed to himself.
Lest thou also be tempted — Temptation easily and swiftly passes from one to another; especially if a man endeavours to cure another without preserving his own meekness.
Verse 2
[2] Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Bear ye one another's burdens — Sympathize with, and assist, each other, in all your weaknesses, grievances, trials.
And so fulfil the law of Christ — The law of Christ (an uncommon expression) is the law of love: this our Lord peculiarly recommends; this he makes the distinguishing mark of his disciples.
Verse 3
[3] For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
If any one think himself to be something — Above his brethren, or by any strength of his own.
When he is nothing, he deceiveth himself — He alone will bear their burdens, who knows himself to be nothing.
Verse 4
[4] But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
But let every man try his own work — Narrowly examine all he is, and all he doeth.
And then he shall have rejoicing in himself — He will find in himself matter of rejoicing, if his works are right before God.
And not in another — Not in glorying over others.
Verse 5
[5] For every man shall bear his own burden.
For every one shall bear his own burden — ln that day shall give an account of himself to God.
Verse 6
[6] Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Let him that is taught impart to him that teacheth all such temporal good things as he stands in need of.
Verse 7
[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
God is not mocked — Although they attempt to mock him, who think to reap otherwise than they sow.
Verse 8
[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
For he that now soweth to the flesh — That follows the desires of corrupt nature. Shall hereafter of the flesh - Out of this very seed.
Reap corruption — Death everlasting.
But he that soweth to the Spirit — That follows his guidance in all his tempers and conversation.
Shall of the Spirit — By the free grace and power of God, reap life everlasting.
Verse 9
[9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
But let us not be weary in well doing — Let us persevere in sowing to the Spirit.
For in due season — When the harvest is come, we shall reap, if we faint not.
Verse 10
[10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Therefore as we have opportunity — At whatever time or place, and in whatever manner we can. The opportunity in general is our lifetime; but there are also many particular opportunities. Satan is quickened in doing hurt, by the shortness of the time, Revelation 12:12. By the same consideration let us be quickened in doing good.
Let us do good — In every possible kind, and in every possible degree.
Unto all men — Neighbours or strangers, good or evil, friends or enemies. But especially to them who are of the household of faith. For all believers are but one family.
Verse 11
[11] Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
Ye see how large a letter — St. Paul had not yet wrote a larger to any church.
I have written with my own hand — He generally wrote by an amanuensis.
Verse 12
[12] As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
As many as desire to make a fair appearance in the flesh — To preserve a fair character.
These constrain you — Both by their example and importunity.
To be circumcised — Not so much from a principle of conscience, as lest they should suffer persecution - From the unbelieving Jews.
For the cross of Christ — For maintaining that faith in a crucified Saviour is alone sufficient for justification.
Verse 13
[13] For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
For neither they themselves keep the whole law — So far are they from a real zeal for it. But yet they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh - That they may boast of you as their proselytes, and make a merit of this with the other Jews.
Verse 14
[14] But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
But God forbid that I should glory — Should boast of anything I have, am, or do; or rely on anything for my acceptance with God, but what Christ hath done and suffered for me. By means of which the world is crucified to me - All the things and persons in it are to me as nothing.
And I unto the world — I am dead to all worldly pursuits, cares, desires, and enjoyments.
Verse 15
[15] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
For neither circumcision is anything, nor uncircumcision — Neither of these is of any account.
But a new creation — Whereby all things in us become new.
Verse 16
[16] And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
And as many as walk according to this rule — 1. Glorying only in the cross of Christ. 2. Being crucified to the world. And, 3. Created anew. Peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel, that is, the Church, of God - Which consists of all those, and those only, of every nation and kindred, who walk by this rule.
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Verse 3
[3] Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
Matthew 10:16.
Verse 4
[4] Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
Salute no man by the way — The salutations usual among the Jews took up much time. But these had so much work to do in so short a space, that they had not a moment to spare.
Verse 6
[6] And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
A son of peace — That is, one worthy of it.
Verse 7
[7] And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
Matthew 10:11.
Verse 11
[11] Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
The kingdom of God is at hand — Though ye will not receive it.
Verse 16
[16] He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.
Matthew 10:40; John 13:20.
Verse 18
[18] And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
I beheld Satan — That is, when ye went forth, I saw the kingdom of Satan, which was highly exalted, swiftly and suddenly cast down.
Verse 19
[19] Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
I give you power — That is, I continue it to you: and nothing shall hurt you - Neither the power, nor the subtilty of Satan.
Verse 20
[20] Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Rejoice not so much that the devils are subject to you, as that your names are written in heaven - Reader, so is thine, if thou art a true, believer. God grant it may never be blotted out!
Verse 5
[5] And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.
Go to, … — It was very natural for a king to suppose, that the king of Israel could do more than any of his subjects.
Verse 10
[10] And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
Elisha sent — Which he did, partly, to exercise Naaman's faith and obedience: partly, for the honour of his religion, that it might appear he sought not his own glory and profit, but only God's honour, and the good of men.
Verse 11
[11] But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
Was wroth — Supposing himself despised by the prophet.
Verse 12
[12] Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
Are not, … — Is there not as great a virtue in them to this purpose? But he should have considered, that the cure was not to be wrought by the water, but by the power of God.
Verse 13
[13] And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
My father — Or, our father. So they call him, to shew their reverence and affection to him.
Psalm 30
Verse 5
[5] For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Cometh — Speedily and in due season.
Verse 7
[7] LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
Mountain — My kingdom: kingdoms are usually called mountains in prophetical writings.
Verse 9
[9] What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
Profit — What wilt thou gain by it? The dust - Shall they that are dead celebrate thy goodness in the land of the living? Or, shall my dust praise thee?
Verse 11
[11] Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
Sackcloth — Given me occasion to put off that sackcloth, which they used to wear in times of mourning, Esther 4:1; Psalms 35:13; Isaiah 32:11; Joel 1:13.
Girded — With joy, as with a garment, surrounding me on every side.
Verse 12
[12] To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
My glory — My tongue.
Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16
Verse 1
[1] Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in any fault — By surprise, ignorance, or stress of temptation.
Ye who are spiritual — Who continue to live and walk by the Spirit.
Restore such an one — By reproof, instruction, or exhortation. Every one who can, ought to help herein; only in the spirit of meekness - This is essential to a spiritual man; and in this lies the whole force of the cure.
Considering thyself — The plural is beautifully changed into the singular. Let each take heed to himself.
Lest thou also be tempted — Temptation easily and swiftly passes from one to another; especially if a man endeavours to cure another without preserving his own meekness.
Verse 2
[2] Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Bear ye one another's burdens — Sympathize with, and assist, each other, in all your weaknesses, grievances, trials.
And so fulfil the law of Christ — The law of Christ (an uncommon expression) is the law of love: this our Lord peculiarly recommends; this he makes the distinguishing mark of his disciples.
Verse 3
[3] For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
If any one think himself to be something — Above his brethren, or by any strength of his own.
When he is nothing, he deceiveth himself — He alone will bear their burdens, who knows himself to be nothing.
Verse 4
[4] But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
But let every man try his own work — Narrowly examine all he is, and all he doeth.
And then he shall have rejoicing in himself — He will find in himself matter of rejoicing, if his works are right before God.
And not in another — Not in glorying over others.
Verse 5
[5] For every man shall bear his own burden.
For every one shall bear his own burden — ln that day shall give an account of himself to God.
Verse 6
[6] Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Let him that is taught impart to him that teacheth all such temporal good things as he stands in need of.
Verse 7
[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
God is not mocked — Although they attempt to mock him, who think to reap otherwise than they sow.
Verse 8
[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
For he that now soweth to the flesh — That follows the desires of corrupt nature. Shall hereafter of the flesh - Out of this very seed.
Reap corruption — Death everlasting.
But he that soweth to the Spirit — That follows his guidance in all his tempers and conversation.
Shall of the Spirit — By the free grace and power of God, reap life everlasting.
Verse 9
[9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
But let us not be weary in well doing — Let us persevere in sowing to the Spirit.
For in due season — When the harvest is come, we shall reap, if we faint not.
Verse 10
[10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Therefore as we have opportunity — At whatever time or place, and in whatever manner we can. The opportunity in general is our lifetime; but there are also many particular opportunities. Satan is quickened in doing hurt, by the shortness of the time, Revelation 12:12. By the same consideration let us be quickened in doing good.
Let us do good — In every possible kind, and in every possible degree.
Unto all men — Neighbours or strangers, good or evil, friends or enemies. But especially to them who are of the household of faith. For all believers are but one family.
Verse 11
[11] Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
Ye see how large a letter — St. Paul had not yet wrote a larger to any church.
I have written with my own hand — He generally wrote by an amanuensis.
Verse 12
[12] As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
As many as desire to make a fair appearance in the flesh — To preserve a fair character.
These constrain you — Both by their example and importunity.
To be circumcised — Not so much from a principle of conscience, as lest they should suffer persecution - From the unbelieving Jews.
For the cross of Christ — For maintaining that faith in a crucified Saviour is alone sufficient for justification.
Verse 13
[13] For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
For neither they themselves keep the whole law — So far are they from a real zeal for it. But yet they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh - That they may boast of you as their proselytes, and make a merit of this with the other Jews.
Verse 14
[14] But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
But God forbid that I should glory — Should boast of anything I have, am, or do; or rely on anything for my acceptance with God, but what Christ hath done and suffered for me. By means of which the world is crucified to me - All the things and persons in it are to me as nothing.
And I unto the world — I am dead to all worldly pursuits, cares, desires, and enjoyments.
Verse 15
[15] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
For neither circumcision is anything, nor uncircumcision — Neither of these is of any account.
But a new creation — Whereby all things in us become new.
Verse 16
[16] And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
And as many as walk according to this rule — 1. Glorying only in the cross of Christ. 2. Being crucified to the world. And, 3. Created anew. Peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel, that is, the Church, of God - Which consists of all those, and those only, of every nation and kindred, who walk by this rule.
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Verse 3
[3] Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
Matthew 10:16.
Verse 4
[4] Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
Salute no man by the way — The salutations usual among the Jews took up much time. But these had so much work to do in so short a space, that they had not a moment to spare.
Verse 6
[6] And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
A son of peace — That is, one worthy of it.
Verse 7
[7] And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
Matthew 10:11.
Verse 11
[11] Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
The kingdom of God is at hand — Though ye will not receive it.
Verse 16
[16] He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.
Matthew 10:40; John 13:20.
Verse 18
[18] And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
I beheld Satan — That is, when ye went forth, I saw the kingdom of Satan, which was highly exalted, swiftly and suddenly cast down.
Verse 19
[19] Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
I give you power — That is, I continue it to you: and nothing shall hurt you - Neither the power, nor the subtilty of Satan.
Verse 20
[20] Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Rejoice not so much that the devils are subject to you, as that your names are written in heaven - Reader, so is thine, if thou art a true, believer. God grant it may never be blotted out!
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The Upper Room Ministries
The Upper Room Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004, United States
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