1 Peter 1:1-2

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

The Introduction (vs 1)

Notice that the Peter though declaring himself an apostle of Jesus Christ, first addresses himself by his name given him by the Lord, and not by a formal title such as Apostle Peter, Pastor Peter, or Overseer Peter etc., but simply as Peter. Thus Peter (though an apostle of Jesus Christ) addresses himself to all believers in a very personal way, as a fellow believer and pilgrim in the faith, and not in a hierarchical tone seeking homage or honor from men (consider Acts 10:25-26). 
Rather Peter, like Paul when identifying himself as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ only does so, so as to either authenticate his epistle (i.e. letter) or to remind believers of the authority by which he was writing to them, that is as one of the Lord Jesus Christ's chosen apostles, and not some false apostle writing on their own authority (consider 2 Cor 11:13-15; Rev 2:2). That said it is clear that in all of Paul's and Peters writings to believers everywhere there is no hint of hierarchical arrogance or partiality whether towards Jewish or Gentile believers. Rather Paul like Peter, as well as James and John for that matter clearly saw themselves first and foremost as simply brethren to other believers or as bondservants of Jesus Christ and servants of the entire church regardless of a believers ethnicity or social standing (consider Rom 1:1; 1 Cor 1:1; 2 Cor 1:1; Eph 1:1; Col 1:1; 1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; James 1:1; 2 John; 3 John). For again it is quite clear in the N.T. that neither Peter nor any of the Lord Jesus Christ's chosen apostles after Pentecost were concerned about people acknowledging either their or their own offices "titles and prestige". Rather they, and here Peter was first and foremost concerned about the churches well being, and that means to any truly Christ chosen and equipped apostle or leader all the people within it (consider John 21:15-17).

Now Peter was specifically chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ as His apostle and was equipped by Him through the Holy Spirit to serve Him and all believers in that very important capacity. And thus his letters though addressed to the pilgrims of the Dispersion (which we'll look at in a second) are applicable to us all who likewise believe in and want to obey the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus Peter having introduced himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ so that all who read his epistle (or letter) will know that it is he who is writing to us on Christ's authority, then addresses his epistle to the "pilgrims of the Dispersion" a phrase which looks back to Old Testament Israel who were scattered abroad for their ongoing disobedience (i.e. unfaithfulness) to God. And so here Peter is only drawing a parallel with them as far as believers being currently dispersed abroad from their native lands and territories. Which in all likelihood came about because of their faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ and not disobedience to God as was the case with the O.T. Israelites.
Which means this epistle must have been written to them (and for us all) sometime after the first persecutions of believers had arisen in Jerusalem (see Acts 8:1-8). And as we historically know persecution of Christians (whether of Jewish or Gentile pedigree would only increase in severity during the early years of the Gospel's proliferation). Nonetheless as is often the case, both then and now, persecution of believers often only helps to spread the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to even more people or it becomes a means by which God furthers His purposes in some way. Now the word translated pilgrims here is also translated such in Heb 11:13 and 1 Peter 2:11 and thus there is some debate (in commentaries) as to whether Peter was writing to Jewish or Gentile believers or a mix of both. Nonetheless given the Spiritual nature of the gospel, and thus its rapid influence and spreading throughout the entire Roman Empire, (indeed all the known world to the apostles; consider Acts 11:28; Col 1:6) it is only highly speculative on the part of commentators when either extreme is taken as fact. For neither the word pilgrims, nor the phrase it is used in, is indicating these believers ethnicity, as if that means anything in Christ (consider Gal 3:26-29). Rather it is indicating that these believers were simply not dwelling in their normal locals or residences; not in places that they would normally call "home". Instead these were believers who were, as the God's people have always been were truly pilgrims and strangers on earth (consider Heb 11:13-14). Who though currently Dispersed amongst the nations, and thus were living amongst various kinds of peoples, in various kinds of places, and very likely in and with all manner of circumstances. Nonetheless they (as we often are) were not just living for today, or living day by day, but were living in anticipation of the day when we will all be with the Lord Jesus Christ in His Kingdom, fully enjoying His Heavenly reign of perfect love and peace. Where our journeys in a fallen world having ended, and with them, never again pain to be endured, or tears of sorrow shed (Rev 21:4). And so Peter encourages them not as permanent residents or citizens of this world living by its designs, desires and values (Rom 12:2). But as (he himself) and all who follow Jesus Christ in discipleship truly are, pilgrims on earth. That is God's chosen (i.e. elect) people, set apart and set upon a journey that has heaven as our finial destiny.

The Dispersion (vs. 1)
Now in regards to the believers actual dispersion, Peter identifies five different locals, all in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) where believers had gone as a part of their Dispersion. And so the Apostle Peter (as well as James, see James 1:1) draw on an analogy from the Old Testament times when by the Sovereign hand of God the Israelites were dispersed abroad (for their disobedience to God), which ironically (by the hand of God) brought about a greater revelation of God's person to nations then ignorant of Him. In this the prophet Daniel was used mightily by God to preach to both the Babylonian then the Persian kings. And so now the apostles likely seeing the same thing occurring from the Dispersion of believers everywhere, that is the proclamation of the gospel everywhere, draw the analogy of what is happening to the disciples of Jesus Christ (yet for their obedience to God) and thus their faithfulness to Jesus Christ, as ultimately for the furtherance of the gospel. And thus these brethren were likewise enduring similar hardships as the Old Testament Israelites did in foreign lands for their faith in God, but also in being separated from their homes and native lands, and more importantly from loved ones, especially beloved ones in the faith, while they were serving God as faithful servants of Jesus Christ in whatever capacities He called them too. As the church was no longer holding all things in common (see Acts 4:32-37) but had at this time been largely scattered abroad. Which in many ways was for the better, not just for the gospels' furtherance as more people became exposed to it. But for all believers in general. For history has proven down through the centuries that whenever believers or segments of believers isolate themselves into their own societies, especially to the exclusion of other believers, they become not only rigid and legalistic, but also cultic and extreme, ultimately conforming themselves to their own ideals rather than to Jesus Christs, and thus they inevitably become far less fruitful and useful for the Lord's purposes here on earth (consider Matt 5:14-16). For we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are called to separation to the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel, not isolation from the world and each other. And so, though there are hardships to be endured as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 14:22) living in a fallen world which is under the sway of Satan (1 John 5:19). Nonetheless there is always God's continuing Work, Presence and Power in the world, and in our lives, for the redemption of all who believe the gospel. For it is God who is ultimately working all things together for our Good (Rom 8:28-39). For wherever God's people are as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, seeking to know Him and obey Him, there He is in Presence and Power working in and through us (consider Psalm 139:77-12; Matt 18:20). And so though God allows various kinds of trials and sufferings in our lives (some of which we are the authors of); yet He never leaves us, nor forsakes us to them (Heb 12:2). For there is no place where we may go, or circumstance that we may have to endure, that we should fear that we are not near, nor have access to the Personal Presence of the Living God. Whose Son the Lord Jesus Christ, now being seated at the right hand of God, is ever active in acting as our High Priest and Advocate before Him (Heb 4:14-16; 1 John 2:1). For God is always near, and His ear is always open to the poor in spirit (Ps 34:18; Isaiah 57:15; Matt 5:3) and repentant in heart (Isaiah 66:2; James 4:8-10), regardless of where we are. For God has not fixed Himself to geographic locals, like the Temple in Jerusalem, as the Jews once held (Acts 17:24-25). But He is everywhere, in all places, at all times. And so we as disciples of Jesus Christ being indwelt by His Person by the Holy Spirit are now the Temple of the Lord wherever we are or go. And thus wherever we are we are not only His witnesses (Acts 1:8), but also His fragrance (2 Cor 2:14-16). Yet we are not commanded to be in all places, and in fellowship with all people, at all times. As the N.T. makes clear. For our being sanctified by the Spirit means we are also to sanctify our lives and bodies (consider 1 Cor 5:9-10; 10:18-22; 2 Cor 6:14-7:1; Eph 5:11; Rev 18:4 etc.). Therefore though the gospel is to be effectively and fervently preached and lived out everywhere (Mark 16:20) amongst everyone and in every culture (Matt 28:18-20). Every believer must first examine themselves and their motives before entering into realms where they might endanger their own faith and or bring dishonor to the Name of Jesus Christ. For if in doing so one might endanger one's own faith or living right in the sight of God, then such is not a place where the Lord would have one be! Same with restoring a Christian brother or sister who has fallen into sin, though we are to do this, and in a spirit of gentleness, we are to first consider ourselves beforehand, lest we also be tempted (Gal 6:1-2).

The Locations (vs 1)
Of the five locals Peter mentions: Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia; Pontus is mentioned first. Pontus was a Province of Asia Minor (Modern Turkey) paralleling the southern shores of the Black Sea, stretching roughly 240 miles east to west, being bound by Armenia on the east with Bithynia on its western border with Mysia next to it. Moving inland were the territories (from east to west) of Cappadocia, Galatia and Asia (see http://bibleatlas.org/full/pontus.htm). The whole region being largely Greek/Roman in law and culture at the time of the Apostle's, except in segments of the mountainous interior where Persian/Parthian influences still existed. Now the Scripture records that Jews from Pontus were present at Jerusalem during the Pentecost Festival when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Apostles. And so some of these must of heard the Apostles speaking, by the Spirit, in the native languages of the peoples assembled there (Acts 2:9). It may have been that some of these then received the Lord Jesus Christ through the Apostle Peters preaching and then took the gospel back to Pontus when they returned. If so the gospel, and thus the church, would've had very early roots there. The beloved Aquila, husband of Priscilla, and dear friend and co-worker of the Apostle Paul was born in this region (Acts 18:2); which confirms what the 1st century Jewish historian Philo records that a Jewish population was already well established there. And so as Jews (indeed all believers) fled the growing persecutions in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria; Pontus (and the related regions) must have been a natural location to try to find refuge and exile.

The Calling (vs 2)
The Phrase the Apostle Peter uses here is a powerful one stating that we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are "elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father". To be elect is to be chosen by God, whether an individual or a nation. And in context it is stating the each and every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ was chosen according to God the Fathers foreknowledge of all things, (consider John 15:16, 15:19) and thus it is our standing with God that we all have who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ; all by the grace of God (consider Rom 9:11).
(Please see article from Nelsons Bible Dictionary bellow for detailed explanation; also see Matt 22:14; 24:22, 24, 31; Mark 13:20, 22, 27; Luke 18:7; 23:35; Rom 8:33; 11:5, 7; 16:13; Col 3:12; 1 Thess 1:4; 1 Tim 5:21; 2 Tim 2:10; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:2; 2:4, 6, 9; 2 John 1, 13; Rev 17:14 for all the N.T. contexts where this word translated elect here is used).
Thus we who believe in Jesus as testified to in the Scriptures are "elect according to the foreknowledge of God" (lit. to know before hand, and in some contexts to predetermine, as in Acts 2:23 and related to this 1 Peter 1:20). Thus it is a profoundly gracious move on God's part to chose to save us according to His foreknowledge of all things. Louw-Nida 28.20 gives this as a rendering and understanding of the words translated elect and foreknowledge here in this context of 1 Peter 1:2: ‘to those who have been chosen … according to what God the Father had known beforehand’
Now since God the Father in His Sovereign will has chosen us to be His own, according to His own foreknowledge of all things, He has done so with a special purpose and plan in mind for us who believe in His Son Jesus. Which begins with our being sanctified by His Spirit, so that we might now obey His Son the Lord Jesus as His New Covenant people. That is what the Apostle Peter is stating in the second half of the phrase in verse 2 which states: "...in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ" which he concludes by saying "Grace to you and peace be multiplied."
Thus there is in verse two both a declaration of what we are in Christ, but also what we are to do. The sprinkling of the blood of Jesus refers not just to our having our sins covered by the blood of Christ, but more specifically to our being sprinkled with Christ's blood by which we both individually and collectively come into a covenant relationship with God (see Exodus 24:3-8 and Heb 12:24). The word translated sprinkling here is also used in Heb 9:13, 19, 21 where the exposition is on the greater and perfect and finial sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ and thus His blood being the agent by which God now sprinkles His people and thus sanctifies (i.e. washes) us by the precious blood of His Son.

Therefore Peter will begin in verse three by praising God for all of His abundant mercy, which began with God the Father and His first moving towards us while we were still sinners, fully seperated from Himself (Rom 5:8). For it is only God's deep and abiding love and concern for us all, both as individuals, as well as mankind collectively, struggling under the burden of sin, Satan and death that moved God by way of the cross of Jesus Christ, to not only atone for all our sins but also cleanse us, by the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus, so that through Jesus' sacrifice for us He could bring us all who believe in Christ into a personal and living and dynamic relationship with Himself, the moment we believe in His Person, and thus bring about our everlasting reconciliation to Himself. Therefore Peter extends what God Himself has already done for us all, and that is grace and peace be multiplied to you, and to all who believe (vs. 2).


Nelsons New Illustrated Bible Dictionary

ELECT

— a person or group chosen by God for special favor and for the rendering of special service to Him. In the Old Testament the Hebrew people were described as God’s elect. The New Testament speaks of Christ as God’s Chosen One (1 Pet. 2:4, 6) and of the church as God’s new chosen people (Rom. 8:33; 2 John 1, 13). Also see Election.

ELECTION

— the gracious and free act of God by which He calls those who become part of His kingdom and special beneficiaries of His love and blessings. The Bible describes the concept of election in three distinct ways. Election sometimes refers to the choice of Israel and the church as a people for special service and privileges. Election may also refer to the choice of a specific individual to some office or to perform some special service. Still other passages of the Bible refer to the election of individuals to be children of God and heirs of eternal life.

Throughout the history of redemption, election has characterized God’s saving activity. He chose and called Abraham from Ur to Canaan, making an everlasting covenant with him and his offspring (Gen. 11:31–12:7; Neh. 9:7; Is. 41:8). God also called Moses to lead His people out of bondage (Ex. 2:24–3:10; Deut. 6:21–23; Ps. 105). He chose Israel from among the nations of the world to be His special covenant people (Deut. 4:37; 7:6–7; Is. 44:1–2).

Election to salvation takes place "in Christ" (Eph. 1:4; 2:10) as a part of God’s purpose for the human race. As part of His eternal plan, God allows us to use our freedom to rebel against Him. Thus it is gracious of God to save those who find salvation through Jesus Christ. It is not unjust of Him not to save everyone, since no one deserves to be saved (Matt. 20:14; Rom. 1:18; 9:15). Election is gracious; it is also unconditional and unmerited (Acts 13:48; Rom. 9:11; 1 Pet. 1:2). It is an expression of the eternal, sovereign will of God who cannot change (Rom. 8:29; 2 Thess. 2:13). Therefore the salvation of the elect is certain (Rom. 8:28, 33).

Election is a necessary condition for salvation; faith is the sufficient condition. The elect inevitably believe, but they do not believe against their will. They have a God-given desire and ability to trust in Christ for salvation (Acts 13:48; 1 Cor. 15:10; Phil. 1:29; 2:13). The elect choose God because He effectively calls them through the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ; they choose Him because He first chose and called them to Himself (Rom. 8:28). That initiating love of God is reflected in Jesus’ statement, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you" (John 15:16).

A careful study of the Bible’s doctrine of man cures any romantic notion of a human will that is free to choose for or against God. Those who are slaves to sin and its power (Rom. 6:6) neither understand nor seek after God in and of themselves (Rom. 3:11; John 14:17; 1 Cor. 2:14). Outside of Christ, people are spiritually dead rebels who neither desire to submit to the Lord Jesus Christ nor are able to. Apart from God’s gracious, free, eternal, and sovereign choice of sinners to become His children, none would be saved but would remain forever under His wrath (Rom. 1:18).

Election is not to be a source of complacency (2 Pet. 1:12) or presumption (Rom. 11:19–22) on the part of Christians. They are to make their calling and election certain by growing in godliness (2 Pet. 1:2–11) as they respond with gratitude to God’s electing love (Col. 3:12–17).

God has chosen Christians to bear the image and glory of Christ (Rom. 8:29; 2 Thess. 2:14). They have been elected to be holy in conduct, like Christ (Eph. 1:4). Like Him, they are also to be glorified in their whole being in the life to come (2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 3:21). The ultimate goal of our election is that we might bring praise and glory to God (Eph. 1:6; Rom. 11:33; 2 Thess. 2:13).

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982


Additional Resources
Nelsons New Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Logos Library Systems)
Louw-Nida 28.20 volume 1 page 336
Teachers Bible Commentary 1 Peter 1:1-2

 

Habakkuk 1:12-13

12 Are You not from everlasting, O Lord my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O Lord, You have appointed them for judgment; O Rock, You have marked them for correction. 13 You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness. Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, And hold Your tongue when the wicked devours A person more righteous than he?

 

Devotional

In this passages context Habakkuk appeals to the Lord, not to look with complacency on the wickedness of the Babylonians, whom the Lord had appointed to judge His people for their sins (KJ commentary). But were very cruel in their dealings with God's people, and so they like those before them, and after them, always triumph in their mortal power until God the Maker takes it all away! And so Hezekiah's frustration at seeing the wicked prosper for a season does not mean that God has forgotten, or will forget their deeds, but He will repay them in His own time (consider Psalm 94:1-23).  

Now the phrase:

"You are of purer eyes than to behold evil,
And cannot look on wickedness"

Indicates that God cannot look on evil or wickedness with any sort of indifference. For God is a God of truth and justice (Deut 32:4; Psalm 89:4). Therefore He must judge sin, whether in His own people's lives or anyone elses (consider Exodus 24:5-8 then read Num 14:11-38 if you know the context, if not go back and read the whole sad legacy of Israel refusing to enter the promised land, or just see Ezek 18:4). Yet as the Scripture also reveals, God is God of mercy who willingly extends mercy to everyone who humbles themselves and now seeks Him for it through Christ (consider Matt 9:9-13). For God has a provided a means by which He can now both serve His justice and extend His mercy to everyone who repents and believes; who looks too Jesus Christ crucified for their sins remission. For it is only by Jesus Christ's crucifixion death, and thus Jesus being our Substitute in suffering for our sins to death, that God can now look on and receive us all who believe in Him (Heb 9:22). Thus it is only by the Lord Jesus Christ's first atoning for all our sins, that God now looks on us all with eyes of grace (John 1:17). For God in having provided the finial and most Perfect sacrifice for all our sins, now looks for and longs for us all to be reconciled to Himself. Therefore when anyone believes in the Lord Jesus Christ's Person and calls on His Name, they will be saved from His just and holy wrath against their sins, and be brought into an everlasting relationship with Himself (John 3:16; 11:25-26; 14:6). For it is by Jesus Christ's crucifixion death, then resurrection from the dead, by which God can now impute Jesus Christ's own Righteousness to us all who believe, and in so doing, make us right (i.e. justified) in His own sight.

If you have never understood your own sinful condition (Rom 3:23) and separation from God (Isaiah 59:2) and thus in your needing a Savior to come and save you from your sins and the wrath to come. Understand and know this, that God loves you and He sent His Son Jesus to suffer and die in your place, so that God might redeem you from your sins and death and bring you into the Kingdom of heaven giving you everlasting life with Himself the moment you believe. For there is nothing that you and I can do to atone for our own sins; neither charitable deeds, nor generous giving, nor sacrificial living,  nor prayers can make atone for what we are, and what we have done. Only Jesus Christ can and has. Therefore I urge you, be reconciled to God! Put your faith (i.e. complete trust) in the Lord Jesus Christ's Person and sacrificial atonement on the cross for all our sins. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor 5:21

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Luke 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Those words reverberated across the heavens over 2000 thousand years ago with the birth of Jesus Christ, God's Son, the One foretold and chosen to bear the sins of mankind, by suffering death on a cross for them. For it is by that, and that alone, that mankind finds peace with God, and peace with each other, when we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and obey His Gospel.
For that is God's purpose for which Jesus Christ was born a babe through the virgin Mary, grew up as a child, then into a Man. Who was foretold at His birth, then testified too by John the Baptist as being "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world". Who during three and half years of ministry endured temptations by Satan and trials by man, and who at the end of His course in declaring the Gospel of God to both Jews and Gentiles alike; doing many mighty and merciful works as a testimony for us all to believe in Him; was betrayed into lawless hands for the suffering of death by Crucifixion  according to the predetermined counsel of God. So that you and I might have remission of all our sins and new and everlasting life the moment we believe in Lord Jesus Christ's Person. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

And so it is by the Lord Jesus Christ suffering death on the cross, and shedding of His blood for us all, that He has fulfilled all of God's Righteous requirements for all of our sins atonement. That is the redemption payment required by God to redeem us from sin and death so that we can now be reconciled back to God the moment we believe in the Lord Jesus' Person. For God's justice having being satisfied with Jesus' suffering in our place, God can now freely justify anyone (no matter what we have done), the moment we believe in Jesus (Rom 3:24). That is the power of Jesus' Christ's Crucifixion death, the absolutely free and utterly complete redemption from sin and death of everyone who believes in Him Now that is Good News! and something to celebrate all the time!
For Jesus having been crucified for our sins remission, was then buried in a stone tomb hewn out of solid rock, where His body remained for three days in fulfillment of the Scriptures. Then Jesus according to the Scriptures rose from the dead, to bring us who believe in Him victory over sin, Satan and death (Hosea 13:14; John 11:25; Rom 8:31-39). And thus Jesus having conquered mankind's greatest enemy then manifested Himself to His disciples in His Resurrection body at various times, in various ways, so that they would not only be witnesses of His Resurrection Life. But also, so that they and everyone who believes in Him, will likewise be recipients of Christ's Resurrection Power.  That is the Power of God's Holy Spirit by which He both transforms our persons, giving us new birth so that we might enter the Kingdom of heaven (John 3:3-5) but also so that He might empower us here and now for His witness and service as His disciples. And so with the Holy Spirit being initially poured out on the apostles as sign to their Jewish brethren to repent and believe the Gospel. He now comes to us all who believe in Jesus, whether Jews or Gentiles, just as Jesus foretold the Holy Spirit would come to us all who hence forth believe in Him (John 7:37-39). So that He may baptize us all who believe into One Body, but also so that He may Help, Guide, Comfort and Equip and seal us all as Jesus Christ's disciples here and now (John 14:16-18; 15:26; 16:13-15; 1 Cor 12; Eph. 1:13-14). For Jesus having Risen from the dead, 40 days later in the presence of His chosen Apostles ascended back to God the Father in heaven, where He now waits until the fulfillment of all things; until all His enemies are made His footstool.

What then does God require of us? Two things. Repentance and faith. Repentance is a change of mind, about ourselves, our sin and thus our need for God's salvation. Thus it is the active engagement of our will to make a conscience decision to turn away from our sins and turn, or return to God (see Luke 15:11-32). Faith is the active engagement of our hearts and minds by opening them to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and thus receive Him (Rev 3:20). 
If you have never received the gift of God, to be justified freely by God by what He has done through His Son to save us all then please by all means do! Ask Jesus Christ into your heart and life, to be both your Lord and Savior. For the Bible states: 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  Rom 10:9-13

Scripture Quotations

The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982,

 

*Tyndale House Publishers: Holy Bible: New Living Translation. 2nd ed. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004

 

Ezekiel 20:10-12 Sabbath Rest

 10 “Therefore I made them go out of the land of Egypt and brought them into the wilderness. 11 And I gave them My statutes and showed them My judgments, which, if a man does, he shall live by them.’12 Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them.

 

Devotional
Now the Sabbath was not given so that man may think himself justified in the sight of God by his own observance of it. Rather the Sabbath was given as a sign between God and His people Israel so that they might know that it is He who sanctifies them. That is the point I'm emphasizing here, not the covenantal aspect of Israel's relationship to God by their observing it, which in the Old Testament economy was absolutely critical for them to observe it. Rather that the Sabbath was to teach Israel (and us all) that we are first and foremost dependent on God for our sanctification. For only He can sanctify us. That is what the Sabbath ultimately portrays and God commands of us all, to cease from our own works, that is every attempt on our part to do for ourselves what only He can do, and instead enter His rest by placing all of our faith In the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 4:10). For it is He who both justifies us (Rom 5:1), as well as sanctifies us (by the Holy Spirit) the moment we believe in Him (1 Cor 6:11; Eph 1:13-14). For that is the only way we who are now bound to God by the New Covenant can truly obey God's commanded Sabbath Rest, by believing in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ and trusting what He has done to save us all, and thus place all of our faith, hope and obedience towards Him. For again that is why the Scripture commands us all to cease from our own works and trust in His (Rom 4:4-5; Heb 4:10; 6:1). For as Israel did not believe nor obey God when His Son Jesus Christ came to them declaring Good News and ushering in the commanded everlasting Rest, so God said to them all who did not believe:"I swore in My wrath they shall not enter My rest".
Therefore I urge you all to receive the grace of God, given freely to us all, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, crucified for all our sins remission and raised from dead for our justification. So that you may enter God's eternal Rest. For we who have believed do enter that rest (see Heb 4:1-3).

If you have not yet made that critical decision to receive the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:12) and submit yourself to Him as both your Lord and Savior, please do so now. For the Scripture says that it is the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Author of eternal salvation for all who obey Him (Heb 5:9).
Therefore by a simple prayer of faith, by asking Jesus into your heart and life, you can enter God's commanded Rest and take the Lord Jesus Christ's yoke upon you, which is not a man made religious yoke, but a yoke that binds you to walk in step with Him, by which you will find rest for your soul (Matt 11:28-30). Therefore if you believe and want to receive Jesus simply pray something like this:
Dear Lord Jesus I believe that You by the Will of God were crucified in my place, so that I might have remission of all my sins. Then you rose again from the dead, having conquered death, so that You might impart Your new and everlasting life in me, by Your Spirit, the moment I believe in You. Therefore I confess that you are Lord, the fulfillment of all of God's Word and plans and purposes, for You are Savior and Judge of all. And so I invite You into my heart and life, to be My Lord and Savior, so that I might freely submit myself to You in Your discipleship, and that You might work Your Will in and through me. In Your Precious Name Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

 

Scripture Quotations

The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

 

Ezekiel 18:20

The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.


Devotional

This exhortation, given by the Lord God, came to Israel during a time when they were proliferating a proverb amongst themselves that said: 

     ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes,

     And the children’s teeth are set on edge’ vs 2

Now the proverb was attempt on their part to accuse God of dealing unjustly with them. Of His bringing to bear their fathers sins upon them; and thus in response to how they thought God was dealing with them, they thought it only fair that God should not repay them for their sins, but rather He should repay their descendants (see Ezekiel 18:19-32).  
Therefore the Lord God through His prophet Ezekiel refutes their misunderstandings of His dealings with them (and all people, Ezk.18:4). Thus through Ezekiel God makes it clear that it is not the sins that ones parents have done that ultimately brings His judgment on oneself, rather it is what we have done, or not done, that brings God's judgment on us when it is nessecary. And thus God says if a son (or daughter) sees the sins which their father (or mother) commits and instead of following them turns away from the sins of their parents, and thus chooses to do what is right in the sight of God, that person shall live, they shall have God's favor. For that person is doing what is just and right in the sight of God why then should they be punished? Now regarding this principal consider King Hezekiah who was by all accounts one of the most Godly of all of Judah's kings, though a man who came from an ungodly home. Nonetheless as Hezekiah grew and he saw all the evil that his father had committed when he reigned (see 2 Kings 16:1-4), instead of following it, Hezekiah forsook his fathers ways, and instead choose God's way (see 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chr. 29:1-31:21). Therefore God made Hezekiah to prosper greatly during his own reign (see 2 Kings 18:6-7), even when God's imminent judgment was looming over the entire nation for their disobedience towards Him.
Now this principal also applies to ones children; for just as God does not punish children for the sins of their parents, so to God does not punish parents for the sins of their offspring. Thus God says through Ezekiel if a person has a child that is a thief, a robber, an adulterer, or one who sheds innocent blood, or mistreats the poor etc. God's wrath rests on that child/person who commits whatever sins they commit, not on their parent/s. "For the soul who sins shall die."
God then takes it a step further and says, if a person is living just and right in His sight, but then turns away from doing what is just and right, and instead sins, then that person is guilty in His sight, they have sinned, and thus God says they shall die (Ezk. 18:20; also see Ezekiel 3:16-21 as this parallels the principals here). Now these exhortations are given in light of Israel's relationship to God through the Old Covenant. A Covenant that clearly has strict punitive measures attached to it if one fails in it. Nonetheless the Scriptural and unchanging principal remains: "the soul who sins shall die". For on one hand there is the Scriptural warnings (in both the Old and New Testaments) of God's wrath and judgment finding everyone who sins (consider Rom 2:4-16). Yet their is also His New Covenant Promise of new and everlasting life to everyone who repents and believes in the Lord Jesus Christ. For just as each person will ultimately suffer God's judgment for their own sins, so also each person will live or die eternally, based on their own faith in, or rejection of, Jesus Christ as Lord of all.
 

Now the Israelites in one sense were being punished for the sins of their fathers (that is those sins that their fathers committed, and which they themselves were continuing on in, and thus they were being punished for those things in their present tense. But only because the Israelites were unmoved out of them. They like all people everywhere have the option to turn from their sins, turn to God, and be healed of them as Jesus commands us all to do. For in reading the O.T. one can clearly see how many times God sent His prophets to warn them, and testify against them, to turn them back from their sins to Himself so that their own iniquities would not be their ruin (Ezekiel 18:30-31). For God has no delight in the death of anyone (Ezekiel 18:32). But rather that they would listen to Him (Jer 7:1-27). And thus we read of Jerusalem's horrible plight in the Book of Lamentations as Jeremiah the prophet mourns the punishment of God's people for their and their fathers sins (Lam 5:7).

Now I don't no where your at in your faith journey, but know this that above all else, that God loves you! Unconditionally and absolutely God loves you! Not because what you have done, or not done, or even can do. God simply loves you because He is love, and He made you in His image to both love Him and know Him. Therefore He wants you to be in a loving relationship with Himself, so you can personally and powerfully know Him as well. For God knows absolutely everything there is to know about you (all the good, as well as all the bad) and still He loves you. That is paramount. Yet as with O.T. Israel there is a barrier to our being in a relationship with God and experiencing His love and that is our sins. For it is both our sin nature (which we inherited from Adam) as well as the sins we have committed and continue to commit as free will individuals that keep us separated from God. And thus we cannot know God personally until our sins are dealt with. Now in order to deal with all our sins once and for all, God sent His Son the Lord Jesus Christ to suffer and die a horrible crucifixion death in our place so that God could look on Jesus' suffering and death as fulling His justice and judgment on our sins, and so Jesus is not only our Savior He is our Substitute having died in our place for us. That is why in the Old Covenant a sacrificial lamb was offered and put to death in place of the offender, so that God could look on it's shed blood and be satisified with His justice having been served. For Scripture says that without the sheeding of blood their is no remission of sins (Heb 9:22). Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ willingly died in our place, so that whoever looks to Him, trusting His death on the cross for them, will have remission of all their sins and eternal life.
That is God's Promise in God's Word to all people everywhere (John 3:15-16). For again God has no delight in the death of anyone. But rather wants all people to come to know Him through His Son. Therefore I implore be reconciled to God! For God sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to suffer and die for us all, to take God's punishment for all our sins on Himself, by His being crucified for them so that we by faith in Him can have new and everlasting life! For that is how God now deals with all of humanity through His New Covenant ushered by the Lord Jesus Christ. If you believe and would like to seal your decision for the Lord Jesus Christ and receive His life, why not pray a simple prayer in faith asking Jesus Christ  to come into your heart and life to be your Lord and Savior, for once that is done, trust me everything else in this life is a bonus!

Therefore simply pray this a prayer, a prayer based on what Billy Graham commonly uses:  Dear Lord Jesus I know that I have sinned and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You were crucified for my sins so I could be forgiven and reconciled back to God. Therefore I now invite You into my heart and life, to be my Lord and Savior, both now and forever amen.

 

---

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982

 

Jeremiah 29:1-9 Abbreviated Version

1 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the remainder of the elders who were carried away captive—to the priests, the prophets, and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 (This happened after Jeconiah the king, the queen mother, the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the smiths had departed from Jerusalem.) 3 The letter was sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, saying, 4 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. 8 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. 9 For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the Lord.

 

Devotional
There are those dreams and visions which come from God; and there are those which come from man. And here the Lord warns the captives in Israel not to listen to the dreams of their own hearts. That is their desires to soon return back to their native land; when this is clearly against the Word of the Lord. For the Lord had said that for seventy years His people would be in Babylonian captivity and so not until His Word is fulfilled should any of His people presume upon something else. And so Jeremiah writes this letter to the people to encourage them, to build houses and plant vineyards, and to make marriages for themselves and their children, for their sojourn in Babylon will be long. Thus they are to pray for the city and its well being for in its peace they will have peace. Thus God has not forsaken His people, but He will bless and prosper them while they remain there and continue on in His Will for them. And so He will multiply and increase them while they are there so that when they return they will be able to inhabit the land again as His people in His inheritance for them (Jer 29:11-14).

Again there are dreams then that originate within the heart of man, dreams that are not of God, dreams that will never have the blessing or favor of God. What are the dreams in your heart? Do they have their origins in God and His Word? Or are they just dreams that come from within you; dreams that will ultimately take you out of the Will of the Lord for You.

Scripture Quotations

The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982

Jeremiah 29:1-9

1 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the remainder of the elders who were carried away captive—to the priests, the prophets, and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 (This happened after Jeconiah the king, the queen mother, the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the smiths had departed from Jerusalem.) 3 The letter was sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, saying, 4 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. 8 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. 9 For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the Lord.
 

Devotional

There are those dreams and visions which come from God; and there are those which come from man. And here the Lord warns the captives in Israel not to listen to the words of their prophets (that is the prophets they raised up for themselves) nor the dreams of their own hearts (vs 8-9). For these were really just saying what the Israelites wanted to hear; that they would soon return to their native land from which God through Nebuchadnezzar had removed them for their ongoing unfaithfulness to Himself. For the Lord had said that for seventy years His people would be in Babylonian captivity and so not until His Word is fulfilled should any of His people presume upon anything else. And so Jeremiah writes this letter to the people to encourage them, to build houses and plant vineyards, to make marriages for themselves and their children, for their sojourn in Babylon will be long. Thus they are to pray for the city and its well being, for in its peace they will have peace. For God will bless and prosper His people while they remain there and continue on in His Will for them. And so He will multiply and increase them so that when they return, they will be able to inhabit the land again as His people in His inheritance for them (Jer 29:10-14; 30:18-22; 31:1-40 etc.). And so there's lot on going on there in the Book of Jeremiah; both of God's judgment on His people for their sinning and forsaking Him (something the we seem to always get hung up on when we read the Old Testament Scriptures). Yet if we keep a balanced perspective (that God is both a God of justice and mercy, Jer 9:24) we also see there is God's Promise of a bright future for them, when He returns them to their native land from their Babylonian captivity; that's initially. But also there is God's promise when He will write a New Covenant with them; a covenant not like the one He made with their fathers in the wilderness when they came out of Egypt; but a covenant by which He can secure their and our eternal peace with Himself (Jer 31:31-37; 33:1-26, vs. 14-16).
And so at the heart of this New Covenant is the heart of God, transplanted into our own, by the indwelling of God's Spirit in us all who believe in Jesus, God's Son. That is the essence of the New Covenant, ushered in by Jesus Christ's death on the cross. For through Christ's death, God has secured the legal means by which He can redeem us all to Himself, because of what the Lord Jesus Christ has first done to fulfill all of God's righteous requirements under the Law given through Moses. Something that we could never do for ourselves (as the Old Covenant Israelites so clearly demonstrate throughout the Old Testament Scriptures). For the Law was never given as a means for either the Israelites or mankind in general to earn salvation for ourselves. The Law was given so that through our own failures God's grace and glory could be magnified, when we having come to end of ourselves, turn to Him and put all of faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation (Gal 3:10-14; 19-25).
And thus we now have, by the grace of God, remission of all our sins because of Jesus' broken body and shed blood at Calvary. For that is where God has made atonement or payment for all our sins. But we also have, because of the Lord Jesus Christ's Resurrection and Ascension back to the Father, the Holy Spirit of God indwelling and uniting us all who believe in Christ; (of both Jews and Gentiles as Jesus sent Him into the world for that expressed purpose); so that we all might have new and everlasting life with Himself (which is both a current reality, and yet a future promise to be fulfilled in the Kingdom of heaven). Therefore unlike the Old Testament Israelites who were always looking forward to these things; we now have and enjoy them. That is the rich privileges and promises of God as His born again children because of what Jesus Christ has first done to redeem and secure us to Himself (John 1:12; 3:3-5; Gal 3:26-29). But we also have His Glorious life and Spirit's empowerment within us, for living life, rich, full and abundant as His people here and now, but also we will always have Him and His Everlasting Life within us as we wait for God's consummation of all things. An amazing amount of goodness and kindness that God our Father has bestowed upon us!

If you are now seeing your need for God; for His Son Jesus Christ's Substitutionary Crucifixion death at Calvary to save/liberate you, from all your sins, and thus redeem you from the eternal damnation that comes from those things (Rom 6:23); from unbelief (John 3:35-36); please while you can be reconciled to God, calling on the Name of the Lord Jesus (Rom 10:9, 10, 13); "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor 5:21

If you do not know how to do that, a simple payer in faith, asking Jesus to save you, to come into your heart and life to be your Lord and Savior is all it takes to find remission of ones sins and eternal life (Rev 3:21). Simply pray in faith something like this:
Dear Lord Jesus I believe You are God's Son and You came to earth as a Man and died on the Cross for all my sins, so that You could restore me back to God the moment I believe in You. Therefore I now invite You into my heart and life, to be my Lord and Savior, placing no conditions on You other than wanting to be Your disciple whatever the cost, I pray this Lord Jesus Christ in Your Name, amen.

If you have made that all critical and destiny changing decision for the Lord Jesus Christ please let know. Send me an email and I will correspond with you as best I can to help you grow in your relationship with Christ; as well as answer any questions you may have. May God's rich life, grace, blessings and peace be with you as so journey on home with Him in Christ.
In Christ's love
Tom

Meditation Passage:
Psalm 119:41
41 Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord— Your salvation according to Your word. 


Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982

Mark 6:41-44 Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

41 Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and asked God’s blessing on the food. Breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread and fish to the disciples to give to the people. 42 They all ate as much as they wanted, 43 and they picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. 44 Five thousand men had eaten from those five loaves!

 

Devotional

Often times in ministry we bind ourselves to mammon rather then to love as if more resources is where our success lay. If only we had this or that… Jesus’ young protégée’s are no different. Jesus had intended to spend some respite time with the disciples, but when the crowds recognized Him they quickly followed. And soon a great multitude was gathered. Now what happens next is foundational to understanding the passages significance “…and He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He taught them many things.” vs. 34 Jesus’ first response was to have compassion on the thronging multitude who came to see the Great miracle worker from Galilee. His second response was to begin to teach. For He sensed their spiritual hunger and filling that need first is paramount to restoring broken and hurting people back to God. And in this Jesus’ teachings, while upholding the Law, were rooted in grace and truth (John 1:17). Almost always then He taught about the Kingdom of God and not just the Law. He often spoke in parables using symbolism that captivated His audiences, and it was through these that He both revealed, and kept secret Kingdom mysteries. For a people reared on religion Jesus was more then just a great teacher. Israel was filled with gifted rabbis and scribes. Yet Jesus transcended all their understandings of the Law, and seemed to speak as the very Authority of God’s Word. If people were not captivated to silence by His teachings, they were compelled to praise by His miracles. Jesus to even the most immovable was a Man whose words and deeds were mighty. Yet acknowledging His Might as He ominously taught is no substitute for ones repentance and faith (Matt. 11:20-30).

Initially then Capernaum and its surrounding regions was where Jesus conducted most of His early ministry. He taught in their synagogues and did many mighty deeds there. And it is that region where Christ’s declaration of His Person and fourfold witness is first cited in John’s gospel. That being the witness of John the Baptist (John 5:31-35); the witness of Christ’s own works (John 5:36); the witness of Christ’s Father (John 5:37-38); and finally the witness of the Scriptures themselves which they say they believed, yet remained unmoved by to come and find life through the Incarnate Word of God amongst them (John 5:39-47). Instead they honored each other in God’s Name, yet would not receive Jesus' Testimony (vs. 40-44). They laid claim to Moses (through whom God gave the Law) yet Moses wrote about Jesus Christ that He is the Prophet to come (vs. 45-46). Yet they largely rejected Him. So before His departure Jesus openly declares their own unbelief to them, saying: “But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” (vs. 47). So Jesus leaves them and moves by way of Jerusalem to the eastern shores of the Sea of Galilee, to a region barren of synagogues and religious trappings. He has an object lesson to teach His disciples that will transcend more then just miraculously feeding five thousand people with bread, but that He Himself is the Bread of Life and they (His followers) must not only feed on Him, but also feed all people with Him. That lesson still applies today. For in a world of spiritual hunger and despair there is only One who can satisfy the soul. Therefore Jesus’ miracle here on the desolate heights surrounding the Sea of Galilee is more then just an impromptu act of mercy. It is pre-conceived, and its true purpose is to bring forth Christ’s Testimony, a testimony that was rejected in Capernaum’s regions, but a testimony so powerful when it is simply received by faith can radically change ones outlook, life and destiny (John 1:12). That is: the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God the Savior of the world (John 3:16).

 

Therefore it will be in the midst of this impromptu gathering, with it’s soon to be setting sun, that Jesus will plant another seed of faith in the disciple's hearts. But that’s the future. For now the disciple’s growing uneasiness at the crowd’s size, the late hour, and Jesus’ relaxed demeanor about it all, initially blinds them to all the potential for God working amongst them. So with some anxiousness and a bit of trepidation they approach Jesus, and ask Him to send the multitudes away, that the people might buy themselves bread from the surrounding villages. Now Jesus’ response is not to send anyone away to search for food. Instead He says to the disciples, “You feed them” vs 37 which was the last thing they would’ve expected to hear given the circumstances. Even taken at a glance the implications of His Words are staggering, feed them “with what?” they asked. “It would take a small fortune to buy food for all this crowd!” is their reply. Nonetheless they conduct a quick search and all they can amass is seven loaves and two small fish donated from a young and faith filled boy. Now what? I mean you can’t feed multitudes from crumbs (seven loaves divided by five thousand portions equals crumbs). Yet it is through these kinds of “perilous moments” that God permits in our lives that He wants us to overcome our fears and do for others as He’s done for us. For the Lord doesn’t hear their fretting, for He simply say’s: “You feed them.” Now Jesus’ could have agreed with the disciples; given into their anxiety; and let them send the crowds away. But Jesus has no intention of letting the disciples off like that. Personal growth always means overcoming personal fears. When Jesus say’s “You feed them” He’s talking to us all. He’s saying don’t send people away hungry, have faith and feed them. Share the Bread of Life both in words and deeds. Though you start off with only a child’s offering, give some here and little there, and He’ll not let it run out. But feed the people with what you have (rather than waiting for what you don't have) for the more you give, the more that ultimately remains, because God wants all people fed and when they are filled; for us to pick up the fragments and make sure that nothing is lost. That is the ongoing miracle that Jesus’ continually demonstrates through believers lives; He takes what little we have and through it feeds multitudes. Our part is simply to keep looking to Him in faith, and going forward in faith, not noting what we don’t have, but what we do. That in a nutshell is the life of faith.

 

Therefore in the gospel Jesus never says’ go out with a hoards of resources and harvest. Instead He says trust Me to work through you with what you have. Invest your time, your talents, your money, in essence your life and I will multiply your fruits. Five thousand people okay maybe that’s a bit daunting for a first time effort. But how about a timely visit or an invite for a coffee, or just a simple hello to get things moving. An encouraging word or a sincerely kind gesture just might feed someone who is hungry today, and change a life’s course forever.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982

 

 

Mark 10:1-12 Jesus Teaches on Marriage and Divorce

Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again. 2 The Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him. 3 And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.” 5 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. 6 “But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 ‘and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” 10 In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. 11 So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12 “And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”


Devotional
Jesus having left Capernaum now moves south into the region of Judea on the other side of the Jordan. It was from this region where Moses before entering the promise land assembled the children of Israel; the first covenant people of God. So it seems fitting that here in this area, Jesus being prompted by the Pharisees, that He would address the issue of marriage; which in many ways (for those who believe and are married) is a marker of one’s own faithfulness to God. They on the other hand made frequent use of the Laws ordinance that permitted divorce (Deut. 24:1-4) “for some sort of uncleanness being found in her”. Something various priestly elements in Israel had loosely qualified amongst themselves over time, in order to avoid committing adultery, which was utterly treacherous and devastating on their part, both towards their wives and children (Malachi 2:13-16). Nonetheless in the course of giving a stern rebuke of their justifying both their greed and themselves before God, Jesus also says to them in Luke’s gospel: “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.” Luke 16:18

Making it quite clear that in no way does the Lord Jesus Christ endorse dissolving a marriage “for just any reason” as Matthew records their inquiry (See Matt. 19:3-9). Therefore with the Pharisees “inquiry” Jesus gives us what should’ve been their, and now must be our, understanding of marriage. That is, it is only to be dissolved (though it need not be) if one of the spouses is unfaithful towards the other spouse; in which case the sin of adultery rests with the offender (Malachi 3:5); not with the party who remained faithful to the marriages covenant relationship. For in the eyes of the Lord marriage is sacred and binding. We see this clearly throughout the Scriptures, as the Lord frequently uses the marriage relationship to describe His own covenantal relationship with Israel. And so here, especially by Jesus’ citing from Genesis the creation account (Gen. 1:27); where He quotes the Scriptures which state: in the beginning God ‘made them male and female’ Vs. 6 Not "male and male" or "female and female" thoroughly Indicates to us who believe, that God’s intended purposes for having two distinct sexes was not just for the propagation of the human race, but for the establishment of the human family and it’s relationship’s (and thus greater society) through heterosexual marriages. For Jesus says 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 ‘and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” vs.7-9

Therefore it could not be clearer; what God has joined in matrimonial union, let no man separate. Now the fact that in marriage they (that is the man and the woman) become one flesh, moves beyond just sexual union and intimacy (though that is a part of a marriage union, as the Apostle Paul warns of a believer becoming “one flesh” with a ritual harlot by committing sexual immorality with her, see 1 Cor. 6:14-20). Rather the one flesh union is a joining of their whole person’s (within their natural distinctions and personalities) into one. And because they are one flesh in matrimony they have emotional as well as physical ties to each other, which is what God intends for them. For the marriage bond is to be the upmost of all human relationship bonds. Only ones commitment to the Lord is to excel it (Luke 14:26). Thus there is to be an exclusivity there, an intimacy there (both emotional and physical), and thus a deep trust and faithfulness and appreciating love there. Out of which a family is to be born and reared. Show me a well adjusted marriage, and I will more than likely show you well adjusted people and children. That’s how important a healthy marriage is to the well being of the individual, and the children who are raised in it, and thus society overall. For a healthy marriage builds both self esteem and a sense of security in both the husband and wife and their children. And by being commitment to each other, in the good times and the bad, husband and wife in many ways exemplify how God deals with all His children who keep their trust in Him (Ps. 34:22).

Now notice Jesus’ Words, that He says: “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife”. Not his same sex "partner". Therefore homosexuality is only propagated by those who are either ignorant of God's ways. Or those whom having rejected true knowledge of God, God has given over to a debased mind (consider Rom. 1:18-32). For homosexuality is thoroughly condemned in the Scriptures, being called an abomination to the Lord (Lev. 18:22-23; 20:13, 15, 16; Deut. 23:17-18); something that does not change in the New Testament. Therefore those who claim faith in Christ yet would seek to justify moral perversion in the eyes of God, are neither Christian nor known to God. For all such things are a perversion of the marriage union, and what God has designed us as distinct sexes for, and what marriage is also to reflect. That is the covenant relationship of Jesus Christ to His church. Therefore heterosexual marriage is to be hallowed by those who believe (Eph. 5:31-32), as it also reflects our covenantal relationship to Christ. As the Scripture universally teaches: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Heb. 13:4 Those then who seek to undermine that pillar of life, love and society place themselves on a various perilous and unstable footing. Again that the two become one flesh in matrimony indicates the complete union of them, and the care they must have for each other, which then begins the family cycle; of raising children and preparing them for adulthood and thus perpetuates a healthy and caring society, something that readily falls away when perversion is pursued. As was the case in Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 13:13; 18:1-19:29); which itself is said in the N.T. to be an example of God’s eternal wrath against all such things; “as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” Jude 7

Now in regards to the Pharisees initial response to Jesus' question by saying: “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.” Vs. 4 This is true (See Deut. 24:1-4), Moses did indeed permit writing a certificate of divorce and putting her away. But what they fail to mention was on what grounds, for some type of "uncleanness". Which if not some moral failing appears to me to have been applicable in situations similar to the women who had a constant flow of blood in the gospels (Mark 5:25-34) whereby she and everything she touched would have become unclean. And thus such a marriage union would have been unworkable under the Law of Moses (consider Lev 15:19-33). Yet according to various schools of thought of the day could be a serious sexual transgression, or just about any sort of displeasure a husband found in his wife. Which clearly then went against the Laws intention to preserve a marriages sanctity, not create loopholes for those men who grew tired of their wives could by it find "lawful" grounds for divorcing them and marrying another. Therefore the provision for divorce was only given, as Jesus said because of the hardness of their hearts. For it is also clear in that same statute that a man who divorced his wife could not again remarry her, if she had remarried another man. Even if the other man died; for to do so was an abomination in the eyes of God, to remarry her after she had been defiled by another man. Jesus thus rebukes their missuse of the Law which they were employing to suite their own desires, by saying: ...“Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12 “And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” vs. 11-12

Thus by so saying Jesus effectively ends a person divorcing their spouse and marrying another for any reason as some of the Priestly elements in Israel were inclined to justify doing. And in light of such things, what does Jesus’ teaching say to our culture which has so embraced the notion of personal “liberty” and “rights” to the extent that personal responsibility and faithfulness to ones marriage spouse and family is often being forfeited for pure selfishness and self seeking pleasure. Infidelty once held as an abhorrent and treacherous act is now openly embraced. Yet marriage is never an act of convenience in the eyes of God, but one of commitment. Now in Matthew's gospel Jesus' Words are stated a little differently, there it says: “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” Matt. 19:8-9

Again Jesus is quite clear the only just stipulation for one pursuing a divorce is that the other spouse committed sexual immorality and thus broke the marriage covenant. For to do so for any other reason, and then go on to marry another, is as Jesus warns to commit adultery. Same with someone marrying a divorced person. Which effectively ends their (or anyone else’s) using the law of Moses statute to justify divorcing their wives for any reason, except for their spouse committing sexual immorality. For to do so now after Jesus Christ has clarified the matter, is only to commit adultery in the eyes of God by doing so. Similarly marrying a woman who is divorced is also to commit adultery because she is already bound (in the eyes of God) to another man.

Which opens up a whole bunch of questions. What about believers who unlawfully divorced their spouses before they came to faith in Christ? Clearly Jesus Christ was crucified and has risen from the dead and ascended back to the Father so that He might first atone for our sins then justify us all who believe in Him. So in regards to whatever lawlessness and or sinful deeds that were done beforehand, these are completely forgiven the moment we believe in Him (Rom. 4:7-8; Col. 2:13-15). In regards to sin after conversion 1 John 1:9 promises “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Thus there is provision for us to repent as we are being transformed into Christ likeness by the Holy Spirit; who has also sealed us for the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30). For we have Jesus Christ continually Advocating for us before the throne of God (1 John 1:16-10; 2:1-2; Heb. 4:14-16) when we turn from our sins and turn to God (2 Cor. 7:10).

Therefore the Scripture teaches that we are to make a distinction between those who willfully give themselves over to their sins, and those who have fallen into sin, but need and want restoration (Gal. 6:1-2; Jude 22-23). For the gospel is not a message of sinlessness approving one before God. But faith in the Lord Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead, whose Spirit is the transforming Power of God; who first makes alive, then progressively transforms us who believe into Christ likeness. Therefore whatever obedience one may have towards to the Gospel of Christ this must not make them look down on others, since it is only the Lord Jesus Christ's Righteousness that makes us who believe in Him approved before God (the Father (Luke 18:9-14; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 2:21). Only when a person who confesses faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; yet willfully carries on in their sins; are we to shun and put away from ourselves (1 Cor 5:9-13).

For we must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ and give an accounting of ourselves. And thus everyone will be rewarded according to what they have done in the flesh. Thus there is strong motivation for us all to obey Him here and now (Prov 16:6; 2 Cor. 5:10-11). As well God’s hands are not tied by His extending to us His grace through faith in His Son. For as a loving father chastens his children, so God the Father also chastens us, which produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness in all of us who have been trained by it (See Heb. 12:3-11). Finally if believers have spouses who do not believe and want to dissolve the marriage believers then are under no obligation, for God called has called us to peace (1 Cor. 7:15). However believers are to never divorce their spouses simply because they are unbelievers, for who knows they may one day be won for Christ (1 Cor. 7:16). Therefore believers are to do what they can to keep their marriages both pure and themselves peaceable within them (Heb 12:14).

 

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.