The Upper Room Daily Reflections in Nashville, Tennessee, United States from Monday, 5 June 2017 through Sunday, 11 June 2017 |
"God’s Great Yes" for Sunday, 11 June 2017Today’s Reflection:MAY YOU EXPERIENCE ANEWGod’s great Yes to you and to creation – and may this Yes set you free. Amen! [Sam Hamilton-Poore, Earth Gospel: A Guide to Prayer for God’s Creation] Today’s Question:Pray today’s blessing. MAY YOU EXPERIENCE ANEWGod’s great Yes to you and to creation – and may this Yes set you free. Amen! Today’s Scripture:“…and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” [Matthew 28:20, NRSV]This Week: pray for someone who is mourning. |
"To Know God’s Will" for Saturday, 10 June 2017
Today’s Reflection:
PRAYING TO KNOW God’s will is a fundamental act of repentance. It is our way of saying to God, “I am willing to look at life from your point of view. I am willing to change my mind and heart and no longer look at life through the lens of my ego.”
That is where the formation of a discerning heart begins, where the gospel begins, where life (abundant and everlasting) begins. Discernment offers a powerful way to deny the lure of egotism and discover the life of God in our souls. It is simultaneously an act of defiance and an act of devotion. So, in the context of walking with a formed heart, we begin with repentance. [Steve Harper. Walking in the Light]
From page 39 of Walking in the Light: Knowing and Doing God’s Will by Steve Harper. Copyright © 2014 by Steve Harper. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom. org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
This Week: pray for someone who is mourning.
-------That is where the formation of a discerning heart begins, where the gospel begins, where life (abundant and everlasting) begins. Discernment offers a powerful way to deny the lure of egotism and discover the life of God in our souls. It is simultaneously an act of defiance and an act of devotion. So, in the context of walking with a formed heart, we begin with repentance. [Steve Harper. Walking in the Light]
From page 39 of Walking in the Light: Knowing and Doing God’s Will by Steve Harper. Copyright © 2014 by Steve Harper. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.
Today’s Question:
As you pray today, begin with a prayer of repentance.Today’s Scripture:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit….” [Matthew 28:19, NRSV]This Week: pray for someone who is mourning.
"Empowered to Walk in the Light" for Friday, 9 June 2017
Today’s Reflection:
THE HOLY SPIRIT draws us into a shared life by empowering us to walk in the light. We cannot walk in the light by our strength only. How often, especially within the setting of the church, do we tend to give the impression that we are more honest, more caring, more virtuous than we really are.
In theory we may be willing to see the value of being open, honest, and transparent; but we seldom find it easy to put this theory into practice. Somehow it is easier to pretend to look good than to be good, to pretend to love than to love, to appear to be holy than to be holy. Rather than living in the power of the Spirit we become imposters of the Spirit.
A quick test: When did you last honestly share a weakness, sin, or struggle with a sibling in the faith? [Trevor Hudson, Holy Spirit Here and Now]
From page 48 of Holy Spirit Here and Now by Trevor Hudson. Copyright © 2013 by Trevor Hudson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom. org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
This Week: pray for someone who is mourning.
-------In theory we may be willing to see the value of being open, honest, and transparent; but we seldom find it easy to put this theory into practice. Somehow it is easier to pretend to look good than to be good, to pretend to love than to love, to appear to be holy than to be holy. Rather than living in the power of the Spirit we become imposters of the Spirit.
A quick test: When did you last honestly share a weakness, sin, or struggle with a sibling in the faith? [Trevor Hudson, Holy Spirit Here and Now]
From page 48 of Holy Spirit Here and Now by Trevor Hudson. Copyright © 2013 by Trevor Hudson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.
Today’s Question:
Today’s reading asks, “When did you last honestly share a weakness, sin, or struggle with a sibling in the faith?”Today’s Scripture:
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” [Matthew 28:18, NRSV]This Week: pray for someone who is mourning.
"Deepen My Inner Life" for Thursday, 8 June 2017
Today’s Reflection:
MERCIFUL GOD, I am trying to deepen my inner life, to spend more time reading scripture and spiritual books, but I am so easily interrupted and distracted. The phone rings and someone wants me to listen. People stop by to share their stories, and my family demands so much time. I take courage in remembering that Jesus was often interrupted by human need. So much so, he had to withdraw to the mountains to be alone and pray. But there was no escape, even there. A father’s cry for his epileptic son, the disciples’ incessant questions, a woman at the well. Give me grace to see your presence in the spaces created by these interruptions. Amen. [Richard Lyon Morgan, Fire in the Soul]
From page 50 of Fire in the Soul: A Prayer Book for the Later Years by Richard Lyon Morgan. Copyright © 2000 by Richard Lyon Morgan. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom. org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
This Week: pray for someone who is mourning
From page 50 of Fire in the Soul: A Prayer Book for the Later Years by Richard Lyon Morgan. Copyright © 2000 by Richard Lyon Morgan. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.
Today’s Question:
Pray today’s prayer. MERCIFUL GOD, I am trying to deepen my inner life, to spend more time reading scripture and spiritual books, but I am so easily interrupted and distracted. The phone rings and someone wants me to listen. People stop by to share their stories, and my family demands so much time. I take courage in remembering that Jesus was often interrupted by human need. So much so, he had to withdraw to the mountains to be alone and pray. But there was no escape, even there. A father’s cry for his epileptic son, the disciples’ incessant questions, a woman at the well. Give me grace to see your presence in the spaces created by these interruptions. Amen.Today’s Scripture:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. [2 Corinthians 13:13, NRSV]This Week: pray for someone who is mourning
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"This Is Where You Belong" for Wednesday, 7 June 2017
Today’s Reflection:
Resting in God
MANY OF US have images of God that prevent us from seeing ourselves as merely resting in God’s lap. But eventually words cease, requests run out, arguments stop, and we are invited simply to be with God. Not seeking a feeling. Not looking for an answer. Not actively imagining God, listening to God, or talking to God, but crawling up in the lap of Love, resting our head against Love’s breast, and taking comfort in that slow, steady heartbeat of grace that says, “This is where you belong.” [L. Roger Owens, What We Need Is Here]
From page 33 of What We Need Is Here: Practicing the Heart of Christian Spirituality by L. Roger Owens. Copyright © 2015 by L. Roger Owens. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom. org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
This Week: pray for someone who is mourning.
-------MANY OF US have images of God that prevent us from seeing ourselves as merely resting in God’s lap. But eventually words cease, requests run out, arguments stop, and we are invited simply to be with God. Not seeking a feeling. Not looking for an answer. Not actively imagining God, listening to God, or talking to God, but crawling up in the lap of Love, resting our head against Love’s breast, and taking comfort in that slow, steady heartbeat of grace that says, “This is where you belong.” [L. Roger Owens, What We Need Is Here]
From page 33 of What We Need Is Here: Practicing the Heart of Christian Spirituality by L. Roger Owens. Copyright © 2015 by L. Roger Owens. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.
Today’s Question:
When do you feel closest to God?Today’s Scripture:
O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. [Psalm 8:1, NRSV]This Week: pray for someone who is mourning.
"God’s Blessing" for Tuesday, 6 June 2017
Today’s Reflection:
THE PERSON IN NEED OF care is a beloved daughter or son of God. The identity is unchanged by weakness, illness, or death. When Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor” (see Luke 6:20), he is speaking not just of the poor economically but each of us, his beloved brothers and sisters, when we experience our human fragility.
That basic human weakness is never more evident than when people fall sick or face the reality of their death. Perhaps not so strangely, however, people seldom consider themselves “blessed” when weakness befalls them.
We want to help. We want to do something for people in need. We want to offer consolation to those who are in grief and alleviate the suffering of those who are in pain. There is obviously nothing wrong with the desire. It is a noble and grace-filled desire. But unless we realize that God’s blessing is coming to us from those we want to serve, our help will be short-lived, and eventually we may feel burned out. [Henri J. M. Nouwen, edited by John S. Mogabgab, A Spirituality of Caregiving]
From page 65 of A Spirituality of Caregiving by Henri J. M. Nouwen, edited by John S. Mogabgab. Copyright © 2011 by The Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom. org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
[Genesis 2:3, NRSV]
This Week: pray for someone who is mourning.
-------That basic human weakness is never more evident than when people fall sick or face the reality of their death. Perhaps not so strangely, however, people seldom consider themselves “blessed” when weakness befalls them.
We want to help. We want to do something for people in need. We want to offer consolation to those who are in grief and alleviate the suffering of those who are in pain. There is obviously nothing wrong with the desire. It is a noble and grace-filled desire. But unless we realize that God’s blessing is coming to us from those we want to serve, our help will be short-lived, and eventually we may feel burned out. [Henri J. M. Nouwen, edited by John S. Mogabgab, A Spirituality of Caregiving]
From page 65 of A Spirituality of Caregiving by Henri J. M. Nouwen, edited by John S. Mogabgab. Copyright © 2011 by The Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.
Today’s Question:
How are you blessed by caring for others?Today’s Scripture:
So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.[Genesis 2:3, NRSV]
This Week: pray for someone who is mourning.
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Today’s Reflection:
AT VARIOUS TIMES throughout the day, I take a few moments to focus on my breathing and think of breathing not only air but God’s spirit (spirit and breath are the same word in Hebrew), envisioning it flowing to all parts of my body. I also envision my hurts, my sins, or any toxicity I may have absorbed during the day flowing to the shining center that is God. I ask God to cleanse, heal, and renew these energies, and to send them forth again as transformed empowerment.
Sometimes I place my open palms over my heart while I envision this inner cycle of cleansing and healing. Such an inner recentering can be done frequently throughout the day, if only for a few minutes each time. I try to remember first to take a few slow, deep breaths without pushing or gasping, then let the breath become gentle and natural. [Flora Slosson Wuellner, Forgiveness, the Passionate Journey]
From page 104 of Forgiveness, the Passionate Journey: Nine Steps of Forgiving Through Jesus’ Beatitudes by Flora Slosson Wuellner. Copyright © 2001 by Flora Slosson Wuellner. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.
Today’s Question:
Focus on your breathe during your prayer time today. Imagine breathing in the Holy Spirit as you pray.
Today’s Scripture:
Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. [Genesis 1:3, NRSV
This Week: pray for someone who is mourning.
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. |
| 1:1 | Observe here. 1. The effect produced, The heaven and the earth - That is, the world, including the whole frame and furniture of the universe. But 'tis only the visible part of the creation that Moses designs to give an account of. Yet even in this there are secrets which cannot be fathomed, nor accounted for. But from what we see of heaven and earth, we may infer the eternal power and godhead of the great Creator. And let our make and place, as men, mind us of our duty, as Christians, which is always to keep heaven in our eye, and the earth under our feet. Observe 2. The author and cause of this great work, God. TheHebrew word is Elohim; which (1.) seems to mean The Covenant God, being derived from a word that signifies to swear. (2.) The plurality of persons in the Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The plural name of God in Hebrew, which speaks of him as many, tho' he be but one, was to the Gentiles perhaps a favour of death unto death, hardening them in their idolatry; but it is to us a favour of life unto life, confirming our faith in the doctrine of the Trinity, which, tho' but darkly intimated in the Old Testament, is clearly revealed in the New. Observe 3. The manner how this work was effected; God created, thatis, made it out of nothing. There was not any pre - existent matter out of which the world was produced. The fish and fowl were indeed produced out of the waters, and the beasts and man out of the earth; but that earth and those waters were made out of nothing. Observe 4. When this work was produced; In the beginning - That is,in the beginning of time. Time began with the production of those beings that are measured by time. Before the beginning of time there was none but that Infinite Being that inhabits eternity. Should we ask why God made the world no sooner, we should but darken counsel by words without knowledge; for how could there be sooner or later in eternity? |
| 1:2 | Where we have an account of the first matter, and the first Mover. 1. A chaos was the first matter. 'Tis here called the earth, (tho' the earth, properly taken, was not made 'till the third day, Genesis 1:10 ) because it did most resemble that which was afterwards calledearth, a heavy unwieldy mass. 'Tis also called the deep, both for its vastness, and because the waters which were afterwards separated from the earth were now mixed with it. This mighty bulk of matter was it, out of which all bodies were afterwards produced. The Creator could have made his work perfect at first, but by this gradual proceeding he would shew what is ordinarily the method of his providence, and grace. This chaos, was without form and void. Tohu and Bohu, confusion and emptiness, so those words are rendered, Isaiah 34:11 . 'Twas shapeless, 'twas useless, 'twas without inhabitants, without ornaments; the shadow or rough draught of things to come. To those who have their hearts in heaven, this lower world, in comparison of the upper, still appears to be confusion and emptiness. And darkness was upon the face of the deep - God did not create this darkness, (as he is said to create the darkness of affliction, Isaiah 45:7 .) for it was only the want of light. 2. The Spirit of God was the first Mover; He moved upon the face of thewaters - He moved upon the face of the deep, as the hen gathereth her chicken under her wings, and hovers over them, to warm and cherish them, Matthew 23:37 , , , , , , , and fluttereth over her young, ('tis the same word that is here used) 32:11. |
| 1:3 | We have here a farther account of the first day's work.In which observe, 1. That the first of all visible beings which God created was light, the great beauty and blessing of the universe: like the first - born, it doth, of all visible beings, most resemble its great parent in purity and power, brightness and beneficence. 2. That the light was made by the word of God's power; He said, Let there be light - He willed it, and it was done; there was light - Such a copy as exactly answered the original idea in the eternal mind. 3. That the light which God willed, he approved of. God saw the light, that it was good - 'Twas exactly as he designed it; and it was fit to answer the end for which he designed it. 4. That God divided the light from the darkness - So put them asunder as they could never be joined together: and yet he divided time between them, the day for light, and the night for darkness, in a constant succession. Tho' the darkness was now scattered by the light, yet it has its place, because it has its use; for as the light of the morning befriends the business of the day, so the shadows of the evening befriend the repose of the night. God has thus divided between light and darkness, because he would daily mind us that this is a world of mixtures and changes. In heaven there is perpetual light, and no darkness; in hell utter darkness, and no light: but in this world they are counter - changed, and we pass daily from one to another; that we may learn to expect the like vicissitudes in the providence of God. 5. That God divided them from each other by distinguishing names. He called the light Day, and the darkness he called night - He gave them names as Lord of both. He is the Lord of time, and will be so 'till day and night shall come to an end, and the stream of time be swallowed up in the ocean of eternity. 6. That this was the first day's work, The evening and the morning were the first day - The darkness of the evening was before the light of the morning, that it might set it off, and make it shine the brighter.See note at "Ge 1:3" See note at "Ge 1:3" |
| 1:6 | We have here an account of the second day's work, the creation of the firmament. In which observe, 1. The command of God; Let there be a firmament - An expansion; so the Hebrew word signifies, like a sheet spread, or a curtain drawn out. This includes all that is visible above the earth, between it and the third heavens, the air, its higher, middle, and lower region, the celestial globe, and all the orbs of light above; it reaches as high as the place where the stars are fixed, for that is called here the firmament of heaven, Genesis 1:14,15, and as low as the place where the birds fly for that also is called the firmament of heaven, Genesis 1:20. 2. The creation of it: and God made the firmament. 3. The design ofit; to divide the waters from the waters - That is, to distinguish between the waters that are wrapt up in the clouds, and those that cover the sea; the waters in the air, and those in the earth. 4. The naming it; He called the firmament Heaven - 'Tis the visible heaven, the pavement of the holy city. The height of the heavens should mind us of God's supremacy, and the infinite distance that is between us and him; the brightness of the heavens, and their purity, should mind us of his majesty, and perfect holiness; the vastness of the heavens, and their encompassing the earth, and influence upon it, should mind us of his immensity and universal providence.See note at "Ge 1:6 See note at "Ge 1:6 |
| 1:9 | The third day's work is related in these verses; the forming the sea and the dry land, and making the earth fruitful.Hitherto the power of the Creator had been employed about the upper part of the visible world; now he descends to this lower world, designed for the children of men, both for their habitation, and their maintenance. And here we have an account of the fitting of it for both; the building of their house, and the spreading of their table. Observe, 1. How the earth was prepared to be a habitation for manby the gathering of the waters together, and making the dry land appear. Thus, instead of that confusion which was, when earth and water were mixed in one great mass; now there is order, by such a separation as rendered them both useful. (1.) The waters which covered the earth were ordered to retire, and to gather into one place, viz. those hollows which were fitted for their reception. The waters thus lodged in their proper place, he called Seas; for though they are many, in distant regions, yet either above ground or under ground, they have communication with each other, and so they are one, and the common receptacle of waters, into which all the rivers run. (2.) The dry land was made to appear, and emerge out of the waters, and was called Earth. Observe, 2. How the earth was furnished for the support of man, Genesis 1:11,12. Present provision was made, by the immediate products ofthe earth, which, in obedience to God's command, was no sooner made but it became fruitful. Provision was likewise made for time to come, by the perpetuating of the several species of vegetables, every one having its seed in itself after its kind, that during the continuance of man upon the earth, food might be fetched out of the earth, for his use and benefit.See note at "Ge 1:9 See note at "Ge 1:9 See note at "Ge 1:9 See note at "Ge 1:9 |
| 1:14 | This is the history of the fourth day'swork, the creating the sun, moon and stars. Of this we have an account,
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| 1:20 | Each day hitherto hath produced very excellent beings, but we do not read of the creation of any living creature till the fifth day. The work of creation not only proceeded gradually from one thing to another, but advanced gradually from that which was less excellent, to that which was more so. 'Twas on the fifth day that the fish and fowl were created, and both out of the waters. Observe, 1. The making of the fish and fowl at first. Genesis 1:20,21God commanded them to be produced, he said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly - The fish in the waters, and the fowl out of them.This command he himself executed, God created great whales, &c. - Insects which are as various as any species of animals, and their structure as curious, were part of this day's work, some of them being allied to the fish, and others to the fowl. Notice is here taken of the various species of fish and fowl, each after their kind; and of the great numbers of both that were produced, for the waters brought forth abundantly; and in particular of great whales the largest of fishes, whose bulk and strength, are remarkable proofs of the power and greatness of the Creator. Observe, 2, The blessing of them in order to their continuance. Lifeis a wasting thing, its strength is not the strength of stones; therefore the wise Creator not only made the individuals, but provided for the propagating of the several species, Genesis 1:22.God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply - Fruitfullness is the effect of God's blessing, and must be ascribed to it; the multiplying of the fish and fowl from year to year, is still the fruit of this blessing here.See note at "Ge 1:20 See note at "Ge 1:20 See note at "Ge 1:20 |
| 1:24 | We have here the first part of the sixth day's work. The sea was the day before replenished with fish, and the air with fowl; and this day are made the beasts of the earth, cattle, and the creeping things that pertain to the earth. Here, as before, (1.) The Lord gave the word: he said, Let The earth bring forth - Let these creatures come into being upon the earth, and out of it, in their respective kinds. 2. He also did the work; he made them all after their kind - Not onlyof divers shapes, but of divers natures, manners, food, and fashions: In all which appears the manifold wisdom of the Creator.See note at "Ge 1:24 |
| 1:26 | We have here the second part of the sixth day's work, the creation of man, which we are in a special manner concerned to take notice of. Observe,
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| 1:29 | We have here the third part of the sixth day's work, whichwas not any new creation, but a gracious provision of food for all flesh, Psalms 136:25. - Here is, 1. Food provided for man, Ge 1:29.herbs and fruits must be his meat, including corn, and all the products of the earth. And before the earth was deluged, much more before it was cursed for man's sake, its fruits no doubt, were more pleasing to the taste, and more strengthening and nourishing to the body. 2. Food provided for the beasts, Genesis 1:30. Doth God take care of oxen? Yes, certainly, he provides food convenient for them; and not for oxen only that were used in his sacrifices, and man's service, but even the young lions and the young ravens are the care of his providence, they ask and have their meat from God.See note at "Ge 1:29 |
| 1:31 | We have here the approbation and conclusion of the whole work of creation. Observe,
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Chapter Overview:
This chapter is an appendix to the history of the creation, explaining, and enlarging on that part of it, which relates immediately to man.We have in it,
Verses:
- The institution of the sabbath, which was made for man, to further his holiness and comfort, ver. 1 - 3.
- A more particular account of man's creation, as the summary of the whole work, ver. 4 - 7.
- A description of the garden of Eden, and the placing of man in it under the obligations of a law and covenant, ver. 8 - 17.
- The creation of the woman, her marriage to the man, and the institution of the ordinance of marriage, ver. 18 - 25.
| 2:1 | We have here, (1.) The settlement of the kingdom of nature, in God's resting from the work of creation, Genesis 2:1 ,2.Where observe, 1. That the creatures made both in heaven and earth, are the hosts or armies of them, which speaks them numerous, but marshalled, disciplined, and under command. God useth them as his hosts for the defence of his people, and the destruction of his enemies. 2. That the heavens and the earth are finished pieces, and so are all the creatures in them. So perfect is God's work that nothing can be added to it or taken from it, Ecclesiastes 3:14 . 3. That after the end of the first six days, God ceased from all work of creation. He hath so ended his work, as that though in his providence he worketh hitherto, 5:17 .preserving and governing all the creatures, yet he doth not make any new species of creatures. 4. That the eternal God, tho' infinitely happy in himself, yet took a satisfaction in the work of his own hands. He did not rest as one weary, but as one well - pleased with the instances of his own goodness. (2.) The commencement of the kingdom of grace, in the sanctification of the sabbath day, Genesis 2:3 . He rested on that day, and took a complacency in his creatures, and then sanctified it, and appointed us on that day to rest and take a complacency in the Creator; and his rest is in the fourth commandment made a reason for ours after six days labour. Observe, 1. That the solemn observation of one day in seven as a day of holy rest, and holy work, is the indispensible duty of all those to whom God has revealed his holy sabbaths. 2. That sabbaths are as ancient as the world. 3. That the sabbath of the Lord is truly honourable, and we have reason to honour it; honour it for the sake of its antiquity, its great author, and the sanctification of the first sabbath by the holy God himself, and in obedience to him, by our first parents in innocency.See note at "Ge 2:1 See note at "Ge 2:1 |
| 2:4 | In these verses, 1. Here is a name given to the Creator, which we have not yet met with, Jehovah. The LORD in capital letters, is constantly used in our English translation, for Jehovah.This is that great and incommunicable name of God, which speaks his having his being of himself, and his giving being to all things. It properly means, He that was, and that is, and that is to come. 2. Further notice taken of the production of plants and herbs, because they were made to be food for man. 3. A more particular account of the creation of man, Genesis 2:7 . Man is a little world, consisting of heaven and earth, soul andbody. Here we have all account of the original of both, and the putting of both together: The Lord God, the great fountain of being and power, formed man. Of the other creatures it is said, they were created and made; but of man, that he was formed, which notes a gradual process in the work with great accuracy and exactness. To express the creation of this new thing, he takes a new word: a word (some think) borrowed from the potter's forming his vessel upon the wheel. The body of man is curiously wrought. And the soul takes its rise from the breath of heaven. It came immediately from God; he gave it to be put into the body, Ecclesiastes 12:7 , , , gave the tables of stone of his own writing to be put into theark. 'Tis by it that man is a living soul, that is, a living man.The body would be a worthless, useless carcase, if the soul did not animate it.See note at "Ge 2:4 See note at "Ge 2:4 See note at "Ge 2:4 |
Psalm 8
Chapter 8
David extols the majesty, power, and providence of God, ver. 1, 2.Verses:
And his loving - kindness to mankind, ver. 3 - 5.
In giving him dominion over this lower world, ver. 6 - 9.
To the chief musician upon Gittith, A psalm of David.
Title of the psalm. Gittith - This also is supposed to be the name of a tune, or instrument.
| 8:1 | In - Not only in Israel, but among all nations. Which shews that this psalm speaks of the Messiah, and the times of the New Testament.Heavens - Where thy throne of glory is established, where the blessed angels celebrate thy praises, where Christ sitteth at thy right hand in glorious majesty, from whence he poureth down excellent gifts upon babes. |
| 8:2 | Babes - Weak and foolish, and contemptible persons, who are frequently called babes or children. Such are very unfit to grapple with an enemy: and therefore when such persons conquer the most powerful and malicious enemies, it must needs confound them, and advance the glory of God: as indeed it did, when such mean persons as the apostles, and disciples of Christ, maintained and propagated the gospel, in spite of all the wit, power, and rage of their enemies. Ordained - Perfectly or firmly settled strength; that is, the praise of his strength or power, Matthew 21:16 , it is rendered praise. Still - Silence and confound them.Avenger - The devil, and all who are his vassals and espouse his quarrel. |
| 8:3 | The moon - Either the sun is included under this general title: or he omitted it, because he made this psalm by night. Ordained - Placed in that excellent and unalterable order, and directed to their several motions. |
| 8:4 | What is man - How mean and inconsiderable a thing is man, if compared with thy glorious majesty. Man - Heb. infirm, or miserable man. By which it is apparent that he speaks of man, not according to the state of his creation, but as fallen into a state of sin and misery, and mortality. Mindful - Carest for him, and conferest such high favours upon him. The son - Heb. the son of Adam, that great apostate from God, the sinful son of a sinful father, his son by likeness of disposition and manners, no less than by procreation. All which tends to magnify the following mercy. Visitest - Not in anger, as that word is sometimes used, but with thy grace and mercy. |
| 8:5 | For - Thou hast in Christ mercifully restored man to his primitive estate, wherein he was but one remove below the angels; from which he was fallen by sin. Crowned - Man, fallen and lost man: who is actually restored to glory and dominion in Christ his head and representative, who received this crown and dominion for man's good, and in his stead; which he will in due time communicate to his members. And so the two expositions of this place concerning mankind and concerning Christ, may be reconciled. For he speaks of that honourable estate conferred first upon Christ, and then by his hands upon mankind. But the words more literally rendered are, Thou madest him a little less than God.And hence some have inferred, that man in his original state was the highest of all creatures. |
12 Corinthians 13:11-13
Verses:
| 13:11 | Be perfect - Aspire to the highest degree of holiness.Be of good comfort - Filled with divine consolation. Be of one mind - Desire, labour, pray for it, to the utmost degree that is possible. |
| 13:13 | The grace - Or favour. Of our Lord Jesus Christ - By which alone we can come to the Father. And the love of God - Manifested to you, and abiding in you. And the communion - Orfellowship. Of the Holy Ghost - In all his gifts and graces. It is with great reason that this comprehensive and instructiveblessing is pronounced at the close of our solemn assemblies; and it is a very indecent thing to see so many quitting them, or getting into postures of remove, before this short sentence can be ended. How often have we heard this awful benediction pronounced! Letus study it more and more, that we may value it proportionably; that we may either deliver or receive it with a becoming reverence, with eyes and hearts lifted up to God, "who giveth the blessing out of Sion, and life for evermore." |
Matthew 28:16-20
Verses:
| 28:16 | To the mountain where Jesus had appointed them - This was probably Mount Tabor, where, (it is commonly supposed,) he had been before transfigured. It seems to have been here also, that he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once. |
| 28:18 | All power is given to me - Even as man. As God, he had all power from eternity. |
| 28:19 | Disciple all nations - Make them my disciples. This includes the whole design of Christ's commission. Baptizing and teaching are the two great branches of that general design. And these were to be determined by the circumstances of things; which made it necessary in baptizing adult Jews or heathens, to teach them before they were baptized; in discipling their children, to baptize them before they were taught; as the Jewish children in all ages were first circumcised, and after taught to do all God had commanded them. 16:15 . |
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Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004, United States


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