Today’s Reflection:
From page 19 of Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts: Building Up the Body of Christ Through the Gifts of the Spirit by Charles V. Bryant. Copyright © 1991 by Charles V. Bryant. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question: What would others say are you spiritual gifts?
Today’s Scripture: So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord — for we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:6-7, NRSV)
This Week: pray for those who need comfort.
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: Anthony of Padua (June 13).
Anthony of Padua
June 13
Anthony of Padua was born in Portugal in 1195, but his life's work was in Italy. At the age of fifteen Anthony joined the Augustinians. When he met a group of Franciscans who were subsequently martyred in Morocco, Anthony became a Franciscan. He, too, hoped to be a martyr. He traveled to Morocco to carry on the work of the murdered friars, but had to return because he was ill. On his way back to Portugal, his ship was blown off course and he ended up in Sicily. Anthony went north to Assisi and met Saint Francis himself.
From Assisi Anthony was sent to live quietly at the Hermitage of San Paolo. When he preached an outstanding sermon at an ordination ceremony, his superiors discovered his astounding oratorical skills. Soon, Anthony was preaching to thousands of people and is still considered to have been one of the greatest preachers of all time. He died in 1231 at the age of thirty-six.
Anthony of Padua is known as the patron saint of lost articles.
If Anthony had taken the Spiritual Types Test, he probably would have been a Sage. Anthony of Padua is remembered on June 13.
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13
Psalm 20
2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17
Mark 4:26-34
1 Samuel 15:34 Sh’mu’el returned to Ramah, and Sha’ul went up to his house in Giv‘at-Sha’ul. 35 Never again did Sh’mu’el see Sha’ul, until the day he died. But Sh’mu’el grieved over Sha’ul, and Adonai regretted that he had made Sha’ul king over Isra’el.
16:1 Adonai said to Sh’mu’el, “How much longer are you going to go on grieving for Sha’ul, now that I have rejected him as king over Isra’el? Fill your horn with oil, and set out; I will send you to Yishai the Beit-Lachmi, because I have chosen myself a king from among his sons.” 2 Sh’mu’el said, “How can I go? If Sha’ul hears of it, he will have me killed.” Adonai said, “Take a female cow with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to Adonai.’ 3 Summon Yishai to the sacrifice. I will tell you what to do, and you are to anoint for me the person I point out to you.”
4 Sh’mu’el did what Adonai said and arrived at Beit-Lechem. The leaders of the city came trembling to meet him and asked, “Are you coming in peace?” 5 He answered, “In peace. I have come to sacrifice to Adonai. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” He consecrated Yishai and his sons and summoned them to the sacrifice. 6 When they had come, he looked at Eli’av and said, “This has to be Adonai’s anointed one, here before him.” 7 But Adonai said to Sh’mu’el, “Don’t pay attention to how he looks or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. Adonai doesn’t see the way humans see — humans look at the outward appearance, but Adonai looks at the heart.” 8 Then Yishai called Avinadav and presented him to Sh’mu’el; but he said, “Adonai hasn’t chosen this one either.” 9 Yishai presented Shammah; again Sh’mu’el said, “Adonai hasn’t chosen this one either.” 10 Yishai presented seven of his sons to Sh’mu’el; but Sh’mu’el told Yishai, “Adonai has not chosen these. 11 Are all your sons here?” Sh’mu’el asked Yishai. He replied, “There is still the youngest; he’s out there tending the sheep.” Sh’mu’el said to Yishai, “Send and bring him back, because we won’t sit down to eat until he gets here.” 12 He sent and brought him in. With ruddy cheeks, red hair and bright eyes, he was a good-looking fellow. Adonai said, “Stand up and anoint him; he’s the one.” 13 Sh’mu’el took the horn of oil and anointed him there in his brothers’ presence. From that day on, the Spirit of Adonai would fall upon David with power. So Sh’mu’el set out and went to Ramah.
Psalm 20:1 (0) For the leader. A psalm of David:
2 (1) May Adonai answer you in times of distress,
may the name of the God of Ya‘akov protect you.
3 (2) May he send you help from the sanctuary
and give you support from Tziyon.
4 (3) May he be reminded by all your grain offerings
and accept the fat of your burnt offerings. (Selah)
5 (4) May he grant you your heart’s desire
and bring all your plans to success.
6 (5) Then we will shout for joy at your victory
and fly our flags in the name of our God.
May Adonai fulfill all your requests.
7 (6) Now I know that Adonai
gives victory to his anointed one —
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with mighty victories by his right hand.
8 (7) Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we praise the name of Adonai our God.
9 (8) They will crumple and fall,
but we will arise and stand erect.
10 (9) Give victory, Adonai!
Let the King answer us the day we call.
2 Corinthians 5:6 So we are always confident — we know that so long as we are at home in the body, we are away from our home with the Lord; 7 for we live by trust, not by what we see. 8 We are confident, then, and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and come to our home with the Lord.
9 Therefore, whether at home or away from home, we try our utmost to please him; 10 for we must all appear before the Messiah’s court of judgment, where everyone will receive the good or bad consequences of what he did while he was in the body.
11 So it is with the fear of the Lord before us that we try to persuade people. Moreover, God knows us as we really are; and I hope that in your consciences you too know us as we really are. 12 We are not recommending ourselves to you again but giving you a reason to be proud of us, so that you will be able to answer those who boast about a person’s appearance rather than his inner qualities. 13 If we are insane, it is for God’s sake; and if we are sane, it is for your sake. 14 For the Messiah’s love has hold of us, because we are convinced that one man died on behalf of all mankind (which implies that all mankind was already dead), 15 and that he died on behalf of all in order that those who live should not live any longer for themselves but for the one who on their behalf died and was raised. 16 So from now on, we do not look at anyone from a worldly viewpoint. Even if we once regarded the Messiah from a worldly viewpoint, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is united with the Messiah, he is a new creation — the old has passed; look, what has come is fresh and new!
Mark 4:26 And he said, “The Kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. 27 Nights he sleeps, days he’s awake; and meanwhile the seeds sprout and grow — how, he doesn’t know. 28 By itself the soil produces a crop — first the stalk, then the head, and finally the full grain in the head. 29 But as soon as the crop is ready, the man comes with his sickle, because it’s harvest-time.”
30 Yeshua also said, “With what can we compare the Kingdom of God? What illustration should we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when planted, is the smallest of all the seeds in the field; 32 but after it has been planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all the plants, with such big branches that the birds flying about can build nests in its shade.”
33 With many parables like these he spoke the message to them, to the extent that they were capable of hearing it. 34 He did not say a thing to them without using a parable; when he was alone with his own talmidim he explained everything to them. (Complete Jewish Bible).
1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13
Verse 35
[35] And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.
To see Saul — That is, to visit him, in token of respect or friendship: or, to seek counsel from God for him. Otherwise he did see him chap. 19:24. Though indeed it was not Samuel that came thither with design to see Saul, but Saul went thither to see Samuel, and that accidentally.
Anthony of Padua
June 13
Anthony of Padua was born in Portugal in 1195, but his life's work was in Italy. At the age of fifteen Anthony joined the Augustinians. When he met a group of Franciscans who were subsequently martyred in Morocco, Anthony became a Franciscan. He, too, hoped to be a martyr. He traveled to Morocco to carry on the work of the murdered friars, but had to return because he was ill. On his way back to Portugal, his ship was blown off course and he ended up in Sicily. Anthony went north to Assisi and met Saint Francis himself.
From Assisi Anthony was sent to live quietly at the Hermitage of San Paolo. When he preached an outstanding sermon at an ordination ceremony, his superiors discovered his astounding oratorical skills. Soon, Anthony was preaching to thousands of people and is still considered to have been one of the greatest preachers of all time. He died in 1231 at the age of thirty-six.
Anthony of Padua is known as the patron saint of lost articles.
If Anthony had taken the Spiritual Types Test, he probably would have been a Sage. Anthony of Padua is remembered on June 13.
Lectionary Readings for Sunday, 17 June 2018
1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13
Psalm 20
2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17
Mark 4:26-34
1 Samuel 15:34 Sh’mu’el returned to Ramah, and Sha’ul went up to his house in Giv‘at-Sha’ul. 35 Never again did Sh’mu’el see Sha’ul, until the day he died. But Sh’mu’el grieved over Sha’ul, and Adonai regretted that he had made Sha’ul king over Isra’el.
16:1 Adonai said to Sh’mu’el, “How much longer are you going to go on grieving for Sha’ul, now that I have rejected him as king over Isra’el? Fill your horn with oil, and set out; I will send you to Yishai the Beit-Lachmi, because I have chosen myself a king from among his sons.” 2 Sh’mu’el said, “How can I go? If Sha’ul hears of it, he will have me killed.” Adonai said, “Take a female cow with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to Adonai.’ 3 Summon Yishai to the sacrifice. I will tell you what to do, and you are to anoint for me the person I point out to you.”
4 Sh’mu’el did what Adonai said and arrived at Beit-Lechem. The leaders of the city came trembling to meet him and asked, “Are you coming in peace?” 5 He answered, “In peace. I have come to sacrifice to Adonai. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” He consecrated Yishai and his sons and summoned them to the sacrifice. 6 When they had come, he looked at Eli’av and said, “This has to be Adonai’s anointed one, here before him.” 7 But Adonai said to Sh’mu’el, “Don’t pay attention to how he looks or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. Adonai doesn’t see the way humans see — humans look at the outward appearance, but Adonai looks at the heart.” 8 Then Yishai called Avinadav and presented him to Sh’mu’el; but he said, “Adonai hasn’t chosen this one either.” 9 Yishai presented Shammah; again Sh’mu’el said, “Adonai hasn’t chosen this one either.” 10 Yishai presented seven of his sons to Sh’mu’el; but Sh’mu’el told Yishai, “Adonai has not chosen these. 11 Are all your sons here?” Sh’mu’el asked Yishai. He replied, “There is still the youngest; he’s out there tending the sheep.” Sh’mu’el said to Yishai, “Send and bring him back, because we won’t sit down to eat until he gets here.” 12 He sent and brought him in. With ruddy cheeks, red hair and bright eyes, he was a good-looking fellow. Adonai said, “Stand up and anoint him; he’s the one.” 13 Sh’mu’el took the horn of oil and anointed him there in his brothers’ presence. From that day on, the Spirit of Adonai would fall upon David with power. So Sh’mu’el set out and went to Ramah.
Psalm 20:1 (0) For the leader. A psalm of David:
2 (1) May Adonai answer you in times of distress,
may the name of the God of Ya‘akov protect you.
3 (2) May he send you help from the sanctuary
and give you support from Tziyon.
4 (3) May he be reminded by all your grain offerings
and accept the fat of your burnt offerings. (Selah)
5 (4) May he grant you your heart’s desire
and bring all your plans to success.
6 (5) Then we will shout for joy at your victory
and fly our flags in the name of our God.
May Adonai fulfill all your requests.
7 (6) Now I know that Adonai
gives victory to his anointed one —
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with mighty victories by his right hand.
8 (7) Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we praise the name of Adonai our God.
9 (8) They will crumple and fall,
but we will arise and stand erect.
10 (9) Give victory, Adonai!
Let the King answer us the day we call.
2 Corinthians 5:6 So we are always confident — we know that so long as we are at home in the body, we are away from our home with the Lord; 7 for we live by trust, not by what we see. 8 We are confident, then, and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and come to our home with the Lord.
9 Therefore, whether at home or away from home, we try our utmost to please him; 10 for we must all appear before the Messiah’s court of judgment, where everyone will receive the good or bad consequences of what he did while he was in the body.
11 So it is with the fear of the Lord before us that we try to persuade people. Moreover, God knows us as we really are; and I hope that in your consciences you too know us as we really are. 12 We are not recommending ourselves to you again but giving you a reason to be proud of us, so that you will be able to answer those who boast about a person’s appearance rather than his inner qualities. 13 If we are insane, it is for God’s sake; and if we are sane, it is for your sake. 14 For the Messiah’s love has hold of us, because we are convinced that one man died on behalf of all mankind (which implies that all mankind was already dead), 15 and that he died on behalf of all in order that those who live should not live any longer for themselves but for the one who on their behalf died and was raised. 16 So from now on, we do not look at anyone from a worldly viewpoint. Even if we once regarded the Messiah from a worldly viewpoint, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is united with the Messiah, he is a new creation — the old has passed; look, what has come is fresh and new!
Mark 4:26 And he said, “The Kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. 27 Nights he sleeps, days he’s awake; and meanwhile the seeds sprout and grow — how, he doesn’t know. 28 By itself the soil produces a crop — first the stalk, then the head, and finally the full grain in the head. 29 But as soon as the crop is ready, the man comes with his sickle, because it’s harvest-time.”
30 Yeshua also said, “With what can we compare the Kingdom of God? What illustration should we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when planted, is the smallest of all the seeds in the field; 32 but after it has been planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all the plants, with such big branches that the birds flying about can build nests in its shade.”
33 With many parables like these he spoke the message to them, to the extent that they were capable of hearing it. 34 He did not say a thing to them without using a parable; when he was alone with his own talmidim he explained everything to them. (Complete Jewish Bible).
1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13
Verse 35
[35] And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.
To see Saul — That is, to visit him, in token of respect or friendship: or, to seek counsel from God for him. Otherwise he did see him chap. 19:24. Though indeed it was not Samuel that came thither with design to see Saul, but Saul went thither to see Samuel, and that accidentally.
16. Verse 1
[1] And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
Mourn — And pray for his restitution, which the following words imply he did.
Oil — Which was used in the inauguration of kings. But here it is used in the designation of a king; for David was not actually made king by it, but still remained a subject. And the reason of this anticipation was the comfort of Samuel, and other good men, against their fears in case of Saul's death, and the assurance of David's title, which otherwise would have been doubtful.
I have provided — This phrase is very emphatical, and implies the difference between this and the former king. Saul was a king of the people's providing, he was the product of their sinful desires: but this is a king of my own providing, to fulfil all my will, and to serve my glory.
Verse 4
[4] And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?
Trembled — Because it was strange and unexpected to them, this being but an obscure town, and remote from Samuel, and therefore they justly thought there was some extraordinary reason for it.
Peaceable — The Hebrew phrase, comest thou in peace, is as much as to say (in our phrase) is all well?
Verse 5
[5] And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.
He sanctified — It seems evident that there was something peculiar in Jesse's invitation. For first, both he and his sons were invited, whereas the others were only invited for their own persons. Secondly, the different phrase here used, that he sanctified these, when he only bade the other sanctify themselves; argues a singular care of Samuel in their sanctification. Which makes it probable, that the rest were only to join with them in the act of sacrificing; but these, and only these, were invited to feast upon the remainders of the sacrifices.
Verse 6
[6] And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD's anointed is before him.
Before him — That is, in this place where God is now present. For it is observable, that not only the sacrifice is said to be offered, but even the feast upon the remainders of it is said, to be eaten before the Lord, Deuteronomy 12:7, that is, before or near his altar, where God was present in a special manner. This I take to be the person I am sent to anoint: wherein yet be was mistaken, as other prophets sometimes were, when they hastily spake their own thoughts, before they had consulted God.
Verse 10
[10] Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.
Seven — There are but seven named, 1 Chronicles 2:13-15, because one of them was either born of a concubine: or, died immediately after this time.
Verse 11
[11] And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
Keepeth sheep — And consequently is the most unfit of all my sons for that high employment. Either therefore he did not understand David's wisdom and valour, or he judged him unfit, by reason of his mean education. And God so ordered it by his providence, that David's choice might plainly appear to be God's work, and not Samuel's, or Jesse's. David signifies beloved: a fit name for so eminent a type of the Beloved Son. It is supposed, David was now about twenty years old. If so, his troubles by Saul lasted near ten years: for he was thirty years old when Saul died. Samuel having done this went to Ramah. He retired to die in peace, since his eyes had seen the salvation, even the sceptre brought into the tribe of Judah.
Verse 13
[13] Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
Anointed him — David's brethren saw David's unction, yet did not understand, that he was anointed to the kingdom; but were only told by Samuel, that he was anointed to some great service, which hereafter they should know. Thus Jesse only, and David, understood the whole business, and his brethren were able to attest to that act of Samuel's anointing him, which, with other collateral evidences, was abundantly sufficient to prove David's right to the kingdom, if need should be.
The spirit, etc., — That is, he was immediately endowed with extraordinary gifts of God's Spirit, as strength, and courage, and wisdom, and other excellent qualities which fitted him for, and put him upon noble attempts.
Psalm 20
Verse 1
[1] The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
God of Jacob — God had made a covenant with Jacob and his posterity.
Verse 2
[2] Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
Sanctuary — From the tabernacle in Zion, where the ark then was; toward which the Israelites directed their prayers.
Verse
[5] We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.
Rejoice — Hereby they shew their confidence in God, and their assurance of the victory.
Name — To the honour of God.
Set up — In way of triumph.
Verse 6
[6] Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
Now — We are already sure of victory by the consideration of God's power and faithfulness and love to David, and to his people. They speak as one person, because they were unanimous in this prayer.
Saveth — Will certainly save.
Strength — This shews how God will hear him, even by saving him with a strong hand.
Verse 7
[7] Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Remember — Trust in it.
Verse 8
[8] They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
Brought down — From their horses and chariots, to which they trusted.
Stand — Stand firmly, and keep the field.
Verse 9
[9] Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.
Let the king — God, the supreme monarch, the king of kings, and in a peculiar manner the king of Israel.
2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17
Verse 6
[6] Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
Therefore we behave undauntedly — But most of all when we have death in view; knowing that our greatest happiness lies beyond the grave.
Verse 7
[7] (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
For we cannot clearly see him in this life, wherein we walk by faith only: an evidence, indeed, that necessarily implies a kind of "seeing him who is invisible;" yet as far beneath what we shall have in eternity, as it is above that of bare, unassisted reason.
Verse 8
[8] We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Present with the Lord — This demonstrates that the happiness of the saints is not deferred till the resurrection.
Verse
[9] Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
Therefore we are ambitious — The only ambition which has place in a Christian.
Whether present — In the body.
Or absent — From it.
Verse 10
[10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
For we all — Apostles as well as other men, whether now present in the body, or absent from it.
Must appear — Openly, without covering, where all hidden things will be revealed; probably the sins, even of the faithful, which were forgiven long before. For many of their good works, as their repentance, their revenge against sin, cannot other wise appear. But this will be done at their own desire, without grief, and without shame.
According to what he hath done in the body, whether good or evil — In the body he did either good or evil; in the body he is recompensed accordingly.
Verse 11
[11] Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we the more earnestly persuade men to seek his favour; and as God knoweth this, so, I trust, ye know it in your own consciences.
Verse 12
[12] For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
We do not say this, as if we thought there was any need of again recommending ourselves to you, but to give you an occasion of rejoicing and praising God, and to furnish you with an answer to those false apostles who glory in appearance, but not in heart, being condemned by their own conscience.
Verse 13
[13] For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
For if we are transported beyond ourselves — Or at least, appear so to others, treated of, 2 Corinthians 5:15-21, speaking or writing with uncommon vehemence.It is to God — He understands (if men do not) the emotion which himself inspires.
If we be sober — Treated of, 2 Corinthians 6:1-10. If I proceed in a more calm, sedate manner.
It is for your sakes — Even good men bear this, rather than the other method, in their teachers. But these must obey God, whoever is offended by it.
Verse 14
[14] For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
For the love of Christ — To us, and our love to him.
Constraineth us — Both to the one and the other; beareth us on with such a strong, steady, prevailing influence, as winds and tides exert when they waft the vessel to its destined harbour. While we thus judge, that if Christ died for all, then are all, even the best of men, naturally dead - In a state of spiritual death, and liable to death eternal. For had any man been otherwise, Christ had not needed to have died for him.
Verse 15
[15] And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
And that he died for all — That all might be saved.
That they who live — That all who live upon the earth.
Should not henceforth — From the moment they know him.
Live unto themselves — Seek their own honour, profit, pleasure.
But unto him — In all righteousness and true holiness.
Verse 16
[16] Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
So that we from this time — That we knew the love of Christ.
Know no one — Neither ourselves, nor you, neither the rest of the apostles, Galatians 2:6, nor any other person.
After the flesh — According to his former state, country, descent, nobility, riches, power, wisdom. We fear not the great. We regard not the rich or wise. We account not the least less than ourselves. We consider all, only in order to save all. Who is he that thus knows no one after the flesh? ln what land do these Christians live? Yea, if we have known even Christ after the flesh - So as to love him barely with a natural love, so as to glory in having conversed with him on earth, so as to expect only temporal benefits from him.
Verse 17
[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Therefore if any one be in Christ — A true believer in him.
There is a new creation — Only the power that makes a world can make a Christian. And when he is so created, the old things are passed away - Of their own accord, even as snow in spring.
Behold — The present, visible, undeniable change! All things are become new - He has new life, new senses, new faculties, new affections, new appetites, new ideas and conceptions. His whole tenor of action and conversation is new, and he lives, as it were, in a new world. God, men, the whole creation, heaven, earth, and all therein, appear in a new light, and stand related to him in a new manner, since he was created anew in Christ Jesus.Mark 4:26-34
Verse 26
[26] And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
So is the kingdom of God — The inward kingdom is like seed which a man casts into the ground - This a preacher of the Gospel casts into the heart. And he sleeps and rises night and day - That is, he has it continually in his thoughts. Meantime it springs and grows up he knows not how - Even he that sowed it cannot explain how it grows. For as the earth by a curious kind of mechanism, which the greatest philosophers cannot comprehend, does as it were spontaneously bring forth first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear: so the soul, in an inexplicable manner, brings forth, first weak graces, then stronger, then full holiness: and all this of itself, as a machine, whose spring of motion is within itself. Yet observe the amazing exactness of the comparison. The earth brings forth no corn (as the soul no holiness) without both the care and toil of man, and the benign influence of heaven.
Verse 29
[29] But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
He putteth in the sickle — God cutteth down and gathereth the corn into his garner.
Verse 30
[30] And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
Matthew 13:31; Luke 13:18.
Verse 33
[33] And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
He spake the word as they were able to hear it — Adapting it to the capacity of his hearers; and speaking as plain as he could without offending them. A rule never to be forgotten by those who instruct others. (John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes).
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[1] And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
Mourn — And pray for his restitution, which the following words imply he did.
Oil — Which was used in the inauguration of kings. But here it is used in the designation of a king; for David was not actually made king by it, but still remained a subject. And the reason of this anticipation was the comfort of Samuel, and other good men, against their fears in case of Saul's death, and the assurance of David's title, which otherwise would have been doubtful.
I have provided — This phrase is very emphatical, and implies the difference between this and the former king. Saul was a king of the people's providing, he was the product of their sinful desires: but this is a king of my own providing, to fulfil all my will, and to serve my glory.
Verse 4
[4] And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?
Trembled — Because it was strange and unexpected to them, this being but an obscure town, and remote from Samuel, and therefore they justly thought there was some extraordinary reason for it.
Peaceable — The Hebrew phrase, comest thou in peace, is as much as to say (in our phrase) is all well?
Verse 5
[5] And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.
He sanctified — It seems evident that there was something peculiar in Jesse's invitation. For first, both he and his sons were invited, whereas the others were only invited for their own persons. Secondly, the different phrase here used, that he sanctified these, when he only bade the other sanctify themselves; argues a singular care of Samuel in their sanctification. Which makes it probable, that the rest were only to join with them in the act of sacrificing; but these, and only these, were invited to feast upon the remainders of the sacrifices.
Verse 6
[6] And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD's anointed is before him.
Before him — That is, in this place where God is now present. For it is observable, that not only the sacrifice is said to be offered, but even the feast upon the remainders of it is said, to be eaten before the Lord, Deuteronomy 12:7, that is, before or near his altar, where God was present in a special manner. This I take to be the person I am sent to anoint: wherein yet be was mistaken, as other prophets sometimes were, when they hastily spake their own thoughts, before they had consulted God.
Verse 10
[10] Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.
Seven — There are but seven named, 1 Chronicles 2:13-15, because one of them was either born of a concubine: or, died immediately after this time.
Verse 11
[11] And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
Keepeth sheep — And consequently is the most unfit of all my sons for that high employment. Either therefore he did not understand David's wisdom and valour, or he judged him unfit, by reason of his mean education. And God so ordered it by his providence, that David's choice might plainly appear to be God's work, and not Samuel's, or Jesse's. David signifies beloved: a fit name for so eminent a type of the Beloved Son. It is supposed, David was now about twenty years old. If so, his troubles by Saul lasted near ten years: for he was thirty years old when Saul died. Samuel having done this went to Ramah. He retired to die in peace, since his eyes had seen the salvation, even the sceptre brought into the tribe of Judah.
Verse 13
[13] Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
Anointed him — David's brethren saw David's unction, yet did not understand, that he was anointed to the kingdom; but were only told by Samuel, that he was anointed to some great service, which hereafter they should know. Thus Jesse only, and David, understood the whole business, and his brethren were able to attest to that act of Samuel's anointing him, which, with other collateral evidences, was abundantly sufficient to prove David's right to the kingdom, if need should be.
The spirit, etc., — That is, he was immediately endowed with extraordinary gifts of God's Spirit, as strength, and courage, and wisdom, and other excellent qualities which fitted him for, and put him upon noble attempts.
Psalm 20
Verse 1
[1] The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
God of Jacob — God had made a covenant with Jacob and his posterity.
Verse 2
[2] Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
Sanctuary — From the tabernacle in Zion, where the ark then was; toward which the Israelites directed their prayers.
Verse
[5] We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.
Rejoice — Hereby they shew their confidence in God, and their assurance of the victory.
Name — To the honour of God.
Set up — In way of triumph.
Verse 6
[6] Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
Now — We are already sure of victory by the consideration of God's power and faithfulness and love to David, and to his people. They speak as one person, because they were unanimous in this prayer.
Saveth — Will certainly save.
Strength — This shews how God will hear him, even by saving him with a strong hand.
Verse 7
[7] Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Remember — Trust in it.
Verse 8
[8] They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
Brought down — From their horses and chariots, to which they trusted.
Stand — Stand firmly, and keep the field.
Verse 9
[9] Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.
Let the king — God, the supreme monarch, the king of kings, and in a peculiar manner the king of Israel.
2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17
Verse 6
[6] Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
Therefore we behave undauntedly — But most of all when we have death in view; knowing that our greatest happiness lies beyond the grave.
Verse 7
[7] (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
For we cannot clearly see him in this life, wherein we walk by faith only: an evidence, indeed, that necessarily implies a kind of "seeing him who is invisible;" yet as far beneath what we shall have in eternity, as it is above that of bare, unassisted reason.
Verse 8
[8] We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Present with the Lord — This demonstrates that the happiness of the saints is not deferred till the resurrection.
Verse
[9] Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
Therefore we are ambitious — The only ambition which has place in a Christian.
Whether present — In the body.
Or absent — From it.
Verse 10
[10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
For we all — Apostles as well as other men, whether now present in the body, or absent from it.
Must appear — Openly, without covering, where all hidden things will be revealed; probably the sins, even of the faithful, which were forgiven long before. For many of their good works, as their repentance, their revenge against sin, cannot other wise appear. But this will be done at their own desire, without grief, and without shame.
According to what he hath done in the body, whether good or evil — In the body he did either good or evil; in the body he is recompensed accordingly.
Verse 11
[11] Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we the more earnestly persuade men to seek his favour; and as God knoweth this, so, I trust, ye know it in your own consciences.
Verse 12
[12] For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
We do not say this, as if we thought there was any need of again recommending ourselves to you, but to give you an occasion of rejoicing and praising God, and to furnish you with an answer to those false apostles who glory in appearance, but not in heart, being condemned by their own conscience.
Verse 13
[13] For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
For if we are transported beyond ourselves — Or at least, appear so to others, treated of, 2 Corinthians 5:15-21, speaking or writing with uncommon vehemence.It is to God — He understands (if men do not) the emotion which himself inspires.
If we be sober — Treated of, 2 Corinthians 6:1-10. If I proceed in a more calm, sedate manner.
It is for your sakes — Even good men bear this, rather than the other method, in their teachers. But these must obey God, whoever is offended by it.
Verse 14
[14] For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
For the love of Christ — To us, and our love to him.
Constraineth us — Both to the one and the other; beareth us on with such a strong, steady, prevailing influence, as winds and tides exert when they waft the vessel to its destined harbour. While we thus judge, that if Christ died for all, then are all, even the best of men, naturally dead - In a state of spiritual death, and liable to death eternal. For had any man been otherwise, Christ had not needed to have died for him.
Verse 15
[15] And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
And that he died for all — That all might be saved.
That they who live — That all who live upon the earth.
Should not henceforth — From the moment they know him.
Live unto themselves — Seek their own honour, profit, pleasure.
But unto him — In all righteousness and true holiness.
Verse 16
[16] Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
So that we from this time — That we knew the love of Christ.
Know no one — Neither ourselves, nor you, neither the rest of the apostles, Galatians 2:6, nor any other person.
After the flesh — According to his former state, country, descent, nobility, riches, power, wisdom. We fear not the great. We regard not the rich or wise. We account not the least less than ourselves. We consider all, only in order to save all. Who is he that thus knows no one after the flesh? ln what land do these Christians live? Yea, if we have known even Christ after the flesh - So as to love him barely with a natural love, so as to glory in having conversed with him on earth, so as to expect only temporal benefits from him.
Verse 17
[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Therefore if any one be in Christ — A true believer in him.
There is a new creation — Only the power that makes a world can make a Christian. And when he is so created, the old things are passed away - Of their own accord, even as snow in spring.
Behold — The present, visible, undeniable change! All things are become new - He has new life, new senses, new faculties, new affections, new appetites, new ideas and conceptions. His whole tenor of action and conversation is new, and he lives, as it were, in a new world. God, men, the whole creation, heaven, earth, and all therein, appear in a new light, and stand related to him in a new manner, since he was created anew in Christ Jesus.Mark 4:26-34
Verse 26
[26] And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
So is the kingdom of God — The inward kingdom is like seed which a man casts into the ground - This a preacher of the Gospel casts into the heart. And he sleeps and rises night and day - That is, he has it continually in his thoughts. Meantime it springs and grows up he knows not how - Even he that sowed it cannot explain how it grows. For as the earth by a curious kind of mechanism, which the greatest philosophers cannot comprehend, does as it were spontaneously bring forth first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear: so the soul, in an inexplicable manner, brings forth, first weak graces, then stronger, then full holiness: and all this of itself, as a machine, whose spring of motion is within itself. Yet observe the amazing exactness of the comparison. The earth brings forth no corn (as the soul no holiness) without both the care and toil of man, and the benign influence of heaven.
Verse 29
[29] But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
He putteth in the sickle — God cutteth down and gathereth the corn into his garner.
Verse 30
[30] And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
Matthew 13:31; Luke 13:18.
Verse 33
[33] And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
He spake the word as they were able to hear it — Adapting it to the capacity of his hearers; and speaking as plain as he could without offending them. A rule never to be forgotten by those who instruct others. (John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes).
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