The Upper Room Daily Reflections "Sacrificial Servanthood" for Sunday, 30 July 2017
Today’s Reflection:
WE WILL HAVE moments in our lives … where we have to choose if we will live for ourselves or for others. Knowing that we are beloved by God, we are free to give ourselves away in sacrificial servanthood. E. Stanley Jones, an American missionary to India, once said, “There are two groups of people in this world. There is a very big group of people in this world who are miserable. They live for themselves. There’s another group who have given their lives away to others. Their lives are filled with a wild joy.” [Trevor Hudson, Invitations of Jesus]From page 74 of Invitations of Jesus by Trevor Hudson. Copyright © 2014 by Trevor Hudson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
How does serving others lead to joy?
Today’s Scripture:
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” [Matthew 13:45, NRSV]
This Week: pray for retirees.
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The Upper Room Daily Reflections "Journaling" for Saturday, 29 July 2017
Today’s Reflection:
THROUGHOUT MY LIFE I have tried to journal on a regular basis. I know it’s good for me spiritually, emotionally, and otherwise. Plus, I’m a writer, and all the best writers talk about journaling as a necessary part of the calling. So I would buy a new journal (the best part of the whole process). I would write in it every day for about two weeks. Then I would begin to avoid it, writing less frequently. I would think, “I really should write that down in my journal.” Or worse, “I’m supposed to be writing in my journal.” And just as quickly I would say, “Nah,” and pursue another activity. Eventually, that journal would make it to the top shelf of my studio to be added to my collection of about 20 journals, each of which is about one-sixth complete.I believe I found journaling a hard practice because of my shame. The page seemed to taunt me. But everyone on my team—my therapist, my spiritual director, and the folks in The Academy for Spiritual Formation—encouraged me to journal, and so I did. Not every day, of course, but at least on a somewhat regular basis.
I specifically journaled about the night terrors. I wrote about when they happened, what my thoughts and feelings were, whether I jumped out of bed or screamed, and what the disturbance was trying to tell me. … My night terrors continually rehearsed the birth of my shame, the moment when I chose to walk away with the bicycle guy. Seeing how that shame intrinsically connected to my fear, I felt exposed and vulnerable again, afraid of being hurt.
My journal also revealed that the night terrors always occurred on days when I felt stressed by my fear of making a mistake or disappointing someone. Didn’t get all my work done? Night terror. Husband upset with me? Night terror. Too much to do? Night terror.
“Perhaps I need to stop trying to be perfect,” I thought. … So I practiced being nicer to myself. I made room for imperfection and failure, recognizing that I’m not perfect. This decision freed me; I no longer had to work overtime to be someone I was not. I could just be me. Some days I would get caught up in the moment and criticize myself. When that happened I simply envisioned Jesus saying, “Neither do I condemn you,” and I would forgive myself. As a result, I began to release myself from shame and discovered that I actually like myself. Imagine that.
Of all the issues we experience as trauma survivors, shame may be the most difficult to address. It is subtle and pervasive, going to the core of our identity. …
I pray you will engage in the necessary work to erase the shame lies and declare your worthiness. I pray you will dig down to the origins of the shame, root it out, and replace it with self-love. I pray you will grow to love yourself and treat yourself with the honor you are due. I pray you will experience God’s delight in you. Because you are worthy. [Kristen E. Vincent, Beads of Healing]
From pages 69-70 of Beads of Healing: Prayer, Trauma, and Spiritual Wholeness by Kristen E. Vincent. Copyright © 2016 by Kristen E. Vincent. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
If you journal, how does it impact your spiritual life?
Today’s Scripture:
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” [Matthew 13:44, NRSV]
This Week: pray for retirees.
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The Upper Room Daily Reflections "Intercessory Prayer" for Friday, 28 2017
Today’s Reflection:
INTERCESSORY PRAYER invites us to listen and learn from one another so that we might recognize God’s presence in everyone we meet. It helps us remove our blinders so that we may see others through the lens of God’s love and compassion.No two people experience the world in the same way. Each of us is exquisitely unique. Yet, we do share one commonality: We are all children of God. We are all created in God’s image—no one is excluded. God’s Spirit runs through the veins of everyone we meet—friends, strangers, acquaintances, and enemies alike. We are one as the body of Christ; yet, we are many. This apparent paradox can lead to misunderstandings, arguments, and accusations. However, Jesus calls us to love one another—not judge or fear one another. When we pray for one another, we begin to see one another through God’s eyes instead of relying on our own limited vision. Intercessory prayer expands our capacity for connection and compassion. [Sharon Seyfarth Garner, Praying with Mandalas]
From pages 47-48 of Praying with Mandalas: A Colorful, Contemplative Practice by Sharon Seyfarth Garner. Copyright © 2016 by Sharon Seyfarth Garner. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Describe a time when intercessory prayer has brought you closer to someone.
Today’s Scripture:
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [Roman’s 8:35, NRSV]
This Week: pray for retirees.
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The Upper Room Daily Reflections "Wounds that Heal" for Thursday, 27 July 2017
Today’s Reflection:
LET ME TELL you a story about a heavy burden I was carrying. I was feeling depressed about everything. By coincidence, I was in Flagstaff, Arizona, so I decided to go to the Grand Canyon.I saw this multi-million-year-old canyon and its place in an even older creation and thought that if that whole time period were represented by one hour, then I probably was born in a tiny fraction of the last second. Looking at the Grand Canyon, this enormous abyss of beauty, I thought, “My dear, why are you overcome by these problems?” My depression fell away. “In the face of all this, what are you worried about, as if you were carrying the burden of the world? Something has gone on before you and something will go on after you, so why don’t you enjoy the brief time you’ve been given?”
Seeing the Grand Canyon was like seeing a wound in the earth that heals us. That image has stayed with me a long time, because I realized that God is like the Grand Canyon. God suffered a wound, the wound of all humanity, and if I enter into the abyss of divine love, my wound becomes a light burden. I realized that I could acknowledge my wound and not be paralyzed by it, live it and not be consumed by it. In the presence of God’s wound, I know myself loved by a love so immense that it leads me home into the very life of our God. [Henri J. M. Nouwen with John S. Mogabgab, A Spirituality of Homecoming]
From pages 45-46 of A Spirituality of Homecoming by Henri J. M. Nouwen with John S. Mogabgab, Series Editor. Copyright © 2012 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.
Today’s Question:
Have you ever experienced a moment when your burden or concern dropped away? Describe how that happened.
Today’s Scripture:
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. [Roman’s 8:28, NRSV]
This Week: pray for retirees.
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The Upper Room Daily Reflections "What Does God Want Me to See?" for Wednesday, 26 July 2017
Today’s Reflection:
A GOOD RETREAT generally has some common elements, elements that lie at the heart of a meaningful time with God. For example, silence serves the retreat well. To be certain you engage your silence, put time for it in the plan.Your plan likely will include aspects of any retreat such as bodily and mental stillness, scripture reading, meditation, active listening for God, and reflection on your life.
You will also want to include time with nature, to connect with the earth.
A few years ago a friend of mine made a personal retreat to Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. Here he describes how he approached that time: “As I left my room for a stroll, I wondered what God would have me see. So I prayed, ‘God, help me to see what you want me to see.’ As I walked the gardens I had several “aha” moments when an ordinary tree or flower or shoreline seemed to be filled with meaning for me. Ever since then, when I’m on retreat and go for a walk, I say, ‘God, help me to notice what you want me to see.’ ” [Ben Campbell Johnson and Paul H. Lang, Time Away]
From pages 39-40 of Time Away: A Guide for Personal Retreat by Ben Campbell Johnson and Paul H. Lang. Copyright © 2010 by Ben Campbell Johnson and Paul H. Lang. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Throughout the day, pray, “God, Help me to notice what you want me to see.”
Today’s Scripture:
Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually. [Psalm 105:4, NRSV]
This Week: pray for retirees.
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The Upper Room Daily Reflections "Sitting in Empty Silence" for Tuesday, 25 JULY 2017
Today’s Reflection:
WHEN WE SUBMIT TO EMPTINESS and silence, we take our hands off the wheel and relinquish control to the Holy Spirit. You would expect we could enter that vulnerability with trust, but at first it feels tender and naked. We may feel stripped of all pretense and the protection of words. Our instant evaluations of time in silence are often scathing: we insist we have listened and haven’t heard one single thing. But when we aren’t busy controlling things, it is possible simply to become attentive—discovering our truest selves in the mystery of silence as we learn this special language of God.And change begins to happen, ever so slowly and subtly. It’s a bit like waiting for the grass to grow. A wise mentor once told me that the silence of God is not the silence of a graveyard but the silence of a garden growing. Everything may appear to be dead and lifeless when we stand in the midst of a winter garden, but elementary biology tells us that bustling activity is going on underground, where we can’t see it or control it.
Sitting in silence involves the kind of emptying…that allows the spiritual soil of the soul to be tilled and readied for the divine planting of seeds. These seeds ultimately will yield the fruits of the Spirit in unexpected ways. [Linda Douty, Praying in the Messiness of Life]
“From page 64 of Praying in the Messiness of Life: 7 Ways to Renew Your Relationship with God by Linda Douty. Copyright © 2011 by Linda Douty. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books.
” http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
How does sitting in silence lead to spiritual growth?
Today’s Scripture:
O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. [Psalm 105:1, NRSV]
This Week: pray for retirees.
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The Upper Room Daily Reflections "The Immensity of God’s Love" for Monday, 24 July 2017
Today’s Reflection:
LET ME TELL you a story about a heavy burden I was carrying. I was feeling depressed about everything. By coincidence, I was in Flagstaff, Arizona, so I decided to go to the Grand Canyon.I saw this multimillion-year-old canyon and its place in an even older creation and thought that if that whole time period were represented by one hour, then I probably was born in a tiny fraction of the last second. Looking at the Grand Canyon, this enormous abyss of beauty, I thought, “My dear, why are you overcome by these problems?” My depression fell away. “In the face of all this, what are you worried about, as if you were carrying the burden of the world? Something has gone on before you and something will go on after you, so why don’t you enjoy the brief time you’ve been given?”
Seeing the Grand Canyon was like seeing a wound in the earth that heals us. That image has stayed with me a long time, because I realized that God is like the Grand Canyon. God suffered a wound, the wound of all humanity, and if I enter into the abyss of divine love, my wound becomes a light burden. I realized that I could acknowledge my wound and not be paralyzed by it, live it and not be consumed by it. In the presence of God’s wound, I know myself loved by a love so immense that it leads me home into the very life of our God. [Henri J. M. Nouwen with John S. Mogabgab, A Spirituality of Homecoming]
From pages 45-46 of A Spirituality of Homecoming by Henri J. M. Nouwen with John S. Mogabgab, Series Editor. Copyright © 2012 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.
Today’s Question:
Meditate on God’s love for you and all of creation.
Today’s Scripture:
When morning came, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” [Genesis 29:25, NRSV]
This Week: pray for retirees.
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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: Mary Magdalene (July 22).
Mary Magdalene
July 22
According to Luke 8:2, Mary Magdalene was healed of seven demons by Jesus, and then became a loyal member of Jesus' inner circle of friends. Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus' early followers, a faithful disciple who stood at the cross while Jesus died, was present as his burial, then went to his tomb on Easter Sunday morning to anoint his body. Mary Magdalene is featured in five of the six biblical passages about the resurrection. In Matthew, Mark, and John's accounts, she encountered the living Christ on that first Easter morning. (Luke says she and the other women spoke with two angels at the tomb.) As a witness to his resurrection she proclaimed, "I have seen the Lord" to the other (male) apostles.Along with Mary and Martha of Bethany, Joanna, and others, she played an important role in that early church community. Despite the fact that her image as a prostitute does not have biblical evidence, Mary Magdalene is considered the patron saint of repentant sinners.
If Mary Magdalene had taken the Spiritual Types Test she probably would have been a Lover. Mary Magdalene is remembered on July 22.
Image tempera on panel by Carlo Crivelli (circa 1435–circa 1495).
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The Lectionary Readings
Sunday, 30 July 2017
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Genesis 29:15-28
Psalm 105:1-11, 45b
Romans 8:26-39
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Today's Scripture: Genesis 29:15 Lavan said to him, “Why should you work for me for nothing, just because you are my relative? Tell me how much I should pay you.” 16 Now Lavan had two daughters; the name of the older was Le’ah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Le’ah’s eyes were weak; but Rachel was good-looking, with beautiful features.
) 18 Ya‘akov had fallen in love with Rachel and said, “I will work for you seven years in exchange for Rachel your younger daughter.” 19 Lavan answered, “Better that I give her to you than to someone else; stay with me.” 20 So Ya‘akov worked seven years for Rachel, and it seemed only a few days to him, because he was so much in love with her.
21 Ya‘akov said to Lavan, “Give me my wife, since my time is finished, so that I can start living with her.” 22 Lavan gathered all the men of the place and gave a banquet. 23 In the evening he took Le’ah his daughter and brought her to Ya‘akov, and he went in and slept with her. 24 Lavan also gave his slave-girl Zilpah to his daughter Le’ah as her slave-girl.
25 In the morning Ya‘akov saw that he was with Le’ah, and he said to Lavan, “What kind of thing is this that you’ve done to me? Didn’t I work for you for Rachel? Why have you deceived me?” 26 Lavan answered, “In our place that isn’t how it’s done, to give the younger daughter before the firstborn. 27 Finish the marriage week of this one, and we’ll give you the other one also in exchange for the work you will do for me during yet another seven years.” 28 Ya‘akov agreed to this, so he finished her week, and Lavan gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife.
Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to Adonai! Call on his name!
Make his deeds known among the peoples.
2 Sing to him, sing praises to him,
talk about all his wonders.
3 Glory in his holy name;
let those seeking Adonai have joyful hearts.
4 Seek Adonai and his strength;
always seek his presence.
5 Remember the wonders he has done,
his signs and his spoken rulings.
6 You descendants of Avraham his servant,
you offspring of Ya‘akov, his chosen ones,
7 he is Adonai our God!
His rulings are everywhere on earth.
8 He remembers his covenant forever,
the word he commanded to a thousand generations,
9 the covenant he made with Avraham,
the oath he swore to Yitz’chak,
10 and established as a law for Ya‘akov,
for Isra’el as an everlasting covenant:
11 “To you I will give the land of Kena‘an
as your allotted heritage.”
45 in order to obey his laws
and follow his teachings.
Halleluyah!
Romans 8:26 Similarly, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we don’t know how to pray the way we should. But the Spirit himself pleads on our behalf with groanings too deep for words; 27 and the one who searches hearts knows exactly what the Spirit is thinking, because his pleadings for God’s people accord with God’s will. 28 Furthermore, we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose; 29 because those whom he knew in advance, he also determined in advance would be conformed to the pattern of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers; 30 and those whom he thus determined in advance, he also called; and those whom he called, he also caused to be considered righteous; and those whom he caused to be considered righteous he also glorified!
31 What, then, are we to say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare even his own Son, but gave him up on behalf of us all — is it possible that, having given us his Son, he would not give us everything else too? 33 So who will bring a charge against God’s chosen people? Certainly not God — he is the one who causes them to be considered righteous! 34 Who punishes them? Certainly not the Messiah Yeshua, who died and — more than that — has been raised, is at the right hand of God and is actually pleading on our behalf! 35 Who will separate us from the love of the Messiah? Trouble? Hardship? Persecution? Hunger? Poverty? Danger? War? 36 As the Tanakh puts it,
“For your sake we are being put to death all day long,
we are considered sheep to be slaughtered.”[Romans 8:36 Psalm 44:23(22)]
37 No, in all these things we are superconquerors, through the one who has loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers, neither what exists nor what is coming, 39 neither powers above nor powers below, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God which comes to us through the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord.
31 Yeshua put before them another parable. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed which a man takes and sows in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows up it is larger than any garden plant and becomes a tree, so that the birds flying about come and nest in its branches.”
33 And he told them yet another parable. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with a bushel of flour, then waited until the whole batch of dough rose.”
Matthew 13:44 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. A man found it, hid it again, then in great joy went and sold everything he owned, and bought that field.
45 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for fine pearls. 46 On finding one very valuable pearl he went away, sold everything he owned and bought it.
47 “Once more, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a net thrown into the lake, that caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen brought the net up onto the shore, sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad fish away. 49 So it will be at the close of the age — the angels will go forth and separate the evil people from among the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace, where they will wail and grind their teeth.
51 “Have you understood all these things?” “Yes,” they answered. 52 He said to them, “So then, every Torah-teacher who has been made into a talmid for the Kingdom of Heaven is like the owner of a home who brings out of his storage room both new things and old.”
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary: Genesis 29:15-28
Verse 15
[15] And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
Because thou art my brother — That is, kinsman.
Should thou therefore serve me for nought? — No, what reason for that? If Jacob be so respectful as to give him his service without demanding any consideration for it, yet Laban will not be so unjust as to take advantage either of his necessity, or of his good nature. It appears by computation that Jacob was now seventy years old when he bound himself apprentice for a wife; probably Rachel was young and scarce marriageable when Jacob came first, which made him the more willing to stay for her till his seven years were expired.
Verse 20
[20] And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
They seemed to him but a few days for the love he had to her — An age of work will be but as a few days to those that love God, and long for Christ's appearing.
Verse 25
[25] And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?
Behold it was Leah — Jacob had cheated his own father when he pretended to be Esau, and now his father-in-law cheated him. Herein, how unrighteous soever Laban was, the Lord was righteous.
Verse 26
[26] And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
It must be so done in our country — We have reason to think there was no such custom in his country; but if there was, and that he resolved to observe it, he should have told Jacob so, when he undertook to serve him for his younger daughter.
Verse 27
[27] Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
We will give thee this also — Hereby he drew Jacob into the sin and snare, and disquiet of multiplying wives. Jacob did not design it, but to have kept as true to Rachel as his father had done to Rebekah; he that had lived without a wife to the eighty fourth year of his age could then have been very well content with one: but Laban to dispose of his two daughters without portions, and to get seven years service more out of Jacob, thus imposeth upon him, and draws him into such a strait, that he had some colourable reason for marrying them both.
Psalm 105:1-11, 45b
Verse 3
[3] Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
Glory — Glory in the God whom you serve, as the only true God.
Verse 4
[4] Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.
Seek — The Lord in his strength, in his sanctuary, or before the ark, which is called God's strength.
Face — His gracious presence.
Verse 5
[5] Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
Judgments — The punishments which he brought upon Egypt by his mere word.
Verse 6
[6] O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.
Of Jacob — The only branch of Abraham's seed to whom the following blessings belong.
Verse 7
[7] He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all the earth.
Judgments — God executes his judgments upon all nations and people.
Verse 8
[8] He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.
Remembered — So as to perform it.
The word — The promise.
Commanded — Established.
Thousand generations — To all generations.
Verse 9
[9] Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;
Oath — Wherewith he ratified the covenant with Isaac, Genesis 26:3.
Verse 10
[10] And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:
A law — That it might be as firm and irrevocable as a law.
Verse 11
[11] Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:
Lot — The portion assigned to you by lot.
Romans 8:26-39
Verse 26
[26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Likewise the Spirit — Nay, not only the universe, not only the children of God, but the Spirit of God also himself, as it were, groaneth, while he helpeth our infirmities, or weaknesses. Our understandings are weak, particularly in the things of God our desires are weak; our prayers are weak.
We know not — Many times.
What we should pray for — Much less are we able to pray for it as we ought: but the Spirit maketh intercession for us - In our hearts, even as Christ does in heaven.
With groanings — The matter of which is from ourselves, but the Spirit forms them; and they are frequently inexpressible, even by the faithful themselves.
Verse 27
[27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
But he who searcheth the hearts — Wherein the Spirit dwells and intercedes.
Knoweth — Though man cannot utter it.
What is the mind of the Spirit, for he maketh intercession for the saints — Who are near to God.
According to God — According to his will, as is worthy of God. and acceptable to him.
Verse 28
[28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
And we know — This in general; though we do not always know particularly what to pray for.
That all things — Ease or pain, poverty or riches, and the ten thousand changes of life.
Work together for good — Strongly and sweetly for spiritual and eternal good.
To them that are called according to his purpose — His gracious design of saving a lost world by the death of his Son. This is a new proposition. St. Paul, being about to recapitulate the whole blessing contained in justification, (termed "glorification," Romans 8:30,) first goes back to the purpose or decree of God, which is frequently mentioned in holy writ. To explain this (nearly in the words of an eminent writer) a little more at large:-When a man has a work of time and importance before him, he pauses, consults, and contrives; and when he has laid a plan, resolves or decrees to proceed accordingly. Having observed this in ourselves, we are ready to apply it to God also; and he, in condescension to us has applied it to himself. The works of providence and redemption are vast and stupendous, and therefore we are apt to conceive of God as deliberating and consulting on them, and then decreeing to act according to "the counsel of his own will;" as if, long before the world was made, he had been concerting measures both as to the making and governing of it, and had then writ down his decrees, which altered not, any more than the laws of the Medes and Persians. Whereas, to take this consulting and decreeing in a literal sense, would be the same absurdity as to ascribe a real human body and human passions to the ever-blessed God. This is only a popular representation of his infallible knowledge and unchangeable wisdom; that is, he does all things as wisely as a man can possibly do, after the deepest consultation, and as steadily pursues the most proper method as one can do who has laid a scheme beforehand. But then, though the effects be such as would argue consultation and consequent decrees in man, yet what need of a moment's consultation in Him who sees all things at one view? Nor had God any more occasion to pause and deliberate, and lay down rules for his own conduct from all eternity, than he has now. What was there any fear of his mistaking afterwards, if he had not beforehand prepared decrees, to direct him what he was to do? Will any man say, he was wiser before the creation than since? or had he then more leisure, that he should take that opportunity to settle his affairs, and make rules (or himself, from which he was never to vary? He has doubtless the same wisdom and all other perfections at this day which he had from eternity; and is now as capable of making decrees, or rather has no more occasion for them now than formerly: his understanding being always equally clear and bright, his wisdom equally infallible.
Verse 29
[29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Whom he foreknew, he also predestinated conformable to the image of his Son — Here the apostle declares who those are whom he foreknew and predestinated to glory; namely, those who are conformable to the image of his Son. This is the mark of those who are foreknown and will be glorified, 2 Timothy 2:19. Philippians 3:10,21.
Verse 30
[30] Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Them he — In due time.
Called — By his gospel and his Spirit.
And whom he called — When obedient to the heavenly calling, Acts 26:19.
He also justified — Forgave and accepted.
And whom he justified — Provided they "continued in his goodness," Romans 11:22, he in the end glorified - St. Paul does not affirm, either here or in any other part of his writings. that precisely the same number of men are called, justified, and glorified. He does not deny that a believer may fall away and be cut off between his special calling and his glorification, Romans 11:22. Neither does he deny that many are called who never are justified. He only affirms that this is the method whereby God leads us step by step toward heaven.
He glorified — He speaks as one looking back from the goal, upon the race of faith. Indeed grace, as it is glory begun, is both an earnest and a foretaste of eternal glory.
Verse 31
[31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
What shall we say then to these things — Related in the third, fifth, and eighth chapters? As if he had said, We cannot go, think, or wish anything farther.
If God be for us — Here follow four periods, one general and three particular. Each begins with glorying in the grace of God, which is followed by a question suitable to it, challenging all opponents to all which, "I am persuaded," etc., is a general answer. The general period is, If God be for us, who can be against us? The first particular period, relating to the past time, is, He that spared not his own Son, how shall he not freely give us all things? The second, relating to the present, is, It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? The third, relating to the future, is, It is Christ that died - Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Verse 32
[32] He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
He that — This period contains four sentences: He spared not his own Son; therefore he will freely give us all things. He delivered him up for us all; therefore, none can lay anything to our charge. Freely - For all that follows justification is a free gift also.
All things — Needful or profitable for us.
Verse 33
[33] Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
God's elect — The above-cited author observes, that long before the coming of Christ the heathen world revolted from the true God, and were therefore reprobated, or rejected. But the nation of the Jews were chosen to be the people of God, and were therefore styled, "the children" or "sons of God," Deuteronomy 14:1; "holy people," Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; "a chosen seed," Deuteronomy 4:37; "the elect," Isaiah 41:8,9; 43:10; "the called of God," Isaiah 48:12. And these titles were given to all the nation of Israel, including both good and bad. Now the gospel having the most strict connexion with the Books of the Old Testament, where these phrases frequently occur; and our Lord and his apostles being native Jews, and beginning to preach in the land of Israel, the language in which they preached would of course abound with the phrases of the Jewish nation. And hence it is easy to see why such of them as would not receive him were styled reprobated. For they no longer continued to be the people of God; whereas this and those other honourable titles were continued to all such Jews as embraced Christianity. And the same appellations which once belonged to the Jewish nation were now given to the gentile Christians also together with which they were invested with all the privileges of "the chosen people of God;" and nothing could cut them off from these but their own wilful apostasy. It does not appear that even good men were ever termed God's elect till above two thousand years from the creation. God's electing or choosing the nation of Israel, and separating them from the other nations, who were sunk in idolatry and all wickedness, gave the first occasion to this sort of language. And as the separating the Christians from the Jews was a like event, no wonder it was expressed in like words and phrases only with this difference, the term elect was of old applied to all the members of the visible church; whereas in the New Testament it is applied only to the members of the invisible.
Verse 34
[34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Yea rather, that is risen — Our faith should not stop at his death, but be exercised farther on his resurrection, kingdom, second coming.
Who maketh intercession for us — Presenting there his obedience, his sufferings, his prayers, and our prayers sanctified through him.
Verse 35
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ — Toward us? Shall affliction or distress - He proceeds in order, from less troubles to greater: can any of these separate us from his protection in it ; and, if he sees good, deliverance from it?
Verse 36
[36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
All the day — That is, every day, continually.
We are accounted — By our enemies; by ourselves. Psalms 44:22.
Verse 37
[37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
We more than conquer — We are not only no losers, but abundant gainers, by all these trials. This period seems to describe the full assurance of hope.
Verse 38
[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
I am persuaded — This is inferred from the thirty-fourth verse, in an admirable order: - Neither death" shall hurt us; For "Christ is dead:" "Nor life;" 'is risen" Nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers; nor things pre - sent, nor things to come;" "is at the right hand of God:" "Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature;" "maketh intercession for us." Neither death - Terrible as it is to natural men; a violent death in particular, Romans 8:36.
Nor life — With all the affliction and distress it can bring, Romans 8:35; or a long, easy life; or all living men.
Nor angels — Whether good (if it were possible they should attempt it) or bad, with all their wisdom and strength.
Nor principalities, nor powers — Not even those of the highest rank, or the most eminent power.
Nor things present — Which may befal us during our pilgrimage; or the whole world, till it passeth away.
Nor things to come — Which may occur either when our time on earth is past, or when time itself is at an end, as the final judgment, the general conflagration, the everlasting fire.
Nor height, nor depth — The former sentence respected the differences of times; this, the differences of places. How many great and various things are contained in these words, we do not, need not, cannot know yet.
The height — In St. Paul's sublime style, is put for heaven.
The depth — For the great abyss: that is, neither the heights, I will not say of walls, mountains, seas, but, of heaven itself, can move us; nor the abyss itself, the very thought of which might astonish the boldest creature.
Nor any creature — Nothing beneath the Almighty; visible enemies he does not even deign to name.
Shall be able — Either by force, Romans 8:35; or by any legal claim, Romans 8:33, etc.
To separate us from the love of God in Christ — Which will surely save, protect, deliver us who believe in, and through, and from, them all.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Verse 31
[31] Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
He proposed to them another parable — The former parables relate chiefly to unfruitful hearers; these that follow, to those who bear good fruit.
The kingdom of heaven — Both the Gospel dispensation, and the inward kingdom. Mark 4:30; Luke 13:18.
Verse 32
[32] Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
The least — That is, one of the least: a way of speaking extremely common among the Jews.
It becometh a tree — In those countries it grows exceeding large and high. So will the Christian doctrine spread in the world, and the life of Christ in the soul.
Verse 33
[33] Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
Three measures — This was the quantity which they usually baked at once: till the whole was leavened - Thus will the Gospel leaven the world and grace the Christian. Luke 13:20.
Verse 44
[44] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
The three following parables are proposed, not to the multitude, but peculiarly to the apostles: the two former of them relate to those who receive the Gospel; the third, both to those who receive, and those who preach it.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hid in a field — The kingdom of God within us is a treasure indeed, but a treasure hid from the world, and from the most wise and prudent in it. He that finds this treasure, (perhaps when he thought it far from him,) hides it deep in his heart, and gives up all other happiness for it.
Verse 45
[45] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
The kingdom of heaven — That is, one who earnestly seeks for it: in verse Matthew 13:47 it means, the Gospel preached, which is like a net gathering of every kind: just so the Gospel, wherever it is preached, gathers at first both good and bad, who are for a season full of approbation and warm with good desires. But Christian discipline, and strong, close exhortation, begin that separation in this world, which shall be accomplished by the angels of God in the world to come.
Verse 52
[52] Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
Every scribe instructed unto the kingdom of heaven — That is, every duly prepared preacher of the Gospel has a treasure of Divine knowledge, out of which he is able to bring forth all sorts of instructions. The word treasure signifies any collection of things whatsoever, and the places where such collections are kept.
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