9/22- Genesis 38:13-19 Grace out of sin- the genealogy of Jesus

(Judah and Tamar- Rembrandt)
Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary year of Calvin's birth.

9/22- Genesis 38 selections
13 When Tamar was told, "Your father-in-law [who had denied her a child according to the law through his sons] is on his way to Timnah to shear his sheep," 14 she took off her widow's clothes, covered herself with a veil to disguise herself, and then sat down at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the road to Timnah. For she saw that, though Shelah had now grown up, she had not been given to him as his wife. 15 When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face. 16 Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her by the roadside and said, "Come now, let me sleep with you." "And what will you give me to sleep with you?" she asked.
17 "I'll send you a young goat from my flock," he said. "Will you give me something as a pledge until you send it?" she asked. 18 He said, "What pledge should I give you?" "Your seal and its cord, and the staff in your hand," she answered. So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became pregnant by him. 19 After she left, she took off her veil and put on her widow's clothes again. (Gen. 38:13-19)

Calvin abridged: Here is the genealogy of Judah to which the writer of Genesis devotes more labor because the Redeemer descended from Judah. The continuous history of that tribe from which salvation was to be brought, could not remain unknown, without loss. Yet its glorious nobility is not celebrated here, rather its deepest family disgrace is exposed. Rather than making Judah’s descendants proud, it covers them with shame. At first sight the dignity of Christ would seem to somewhat tarnished by such dishonor; yet because there is the emptying that St. Paul speaks of [Phil. 2:1-11] it rather increases his glory instead of detracting from it. First, we wrong Christ if we do not deem him alone sufficient to blot our any shame from the misconduct of his ancestors. Second, we know that the riches of God’s grace shines in that Christ clothed himself in human flesh, giving up any good reputation. Third, his ancestors are dishonored that we should be content with him alone, seeking no one else but Christ. We should not seek earthly splendor in Christ, seeing that secular ambition is always too much inclined to seek such things. We should especially note two things: First that special honor was given to the tribe of Judah and that it was chosen (elected) as the spring-source from which the salvation of the world should flow. Secondly, that this narration is not honorable to the people in the story so that no pride may come to the ancestors of Christ nor their descendants. Christ derives no glory from his ancestors, and he has no secular glory. His chief and most illustrious triumph was on the cross. By his infinite purity all of his ancestors were cleansed- just as the sun, by absorbing whatever purities are in the earth and air purges the world.

Thought: There were five women mentioned in Jesus genealogy: Tamar of Canaan, Ruth the Moabitis, Rahab the prostitute, and Uriah’s wife (Bathsheba). Matthew, by the Holy Spirit, could have picked other women less stained- like Sarah or Rebekah. Yet perhaps all are stained. Certainly Judah was stained more than Tamar (he admitted it in this passage). David admitted more fault than Bathsheba. The grace of God is clearly evident. God can take sinners, and even our sin (Tamar’s union produced Perez- the ancestor of Jesus; without Rahab’s prostitution, it is doubtful that she would have been chosen as a refuge by the spies; David and Bathsheba’s union eventually produce Solomon). God may take those with the worst job (like a prostitute), the worst ancestry (like Ruth- a despised Moabitis- whose ancestors were involved in child-sacrifice), the worst situation (a hopeless, penniless, neglected widow like Tamar), and the worst sin (the adultery and murder involved in David and Bathsheba’s relationship)- and make the very best out of it. There are too many Christians who have given up hope for our country today and for us. But hope can come if we have faith. Our hope is not in our economic prosperity or military prowess. Our hope comes from God- and the best thing is not the elevation of our secular power, but the turning of our country (also our churches, our families and us as individuals) back to God.

Prayer: In the midst of our sin, O God, help us to see your grace. In the darkness, give us hope to cling to your light- however dim in the future it may gleam.

9/21- Matthew 2 The adoration of the magi

(Rembrandt- Magi)
Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.

Matthew 2:1-5
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'”

Calvin abridged: A star from heaven announces that he is a king, to whom a manger, intended for cattle, serves for a throne, because he is refused admittance among the lowest of the people. His majesty shines in the East,
while in Judea it is so far from being acknowledged, that it is visited by many marks of dishonor. God stripped Jesus of all earthly honor to show that his kingdom was spiritual. Magi is well known as the name the Persians and Chaldeas gave to astrologers and philosophers, and their coming was predicted in Psalm 72:10: “the kings of Tarshish, and of the Isles, and of Sheba, would offer gifts to the Lord “ As Matthew does not state their number it is better to not say. Some say three because of their three gifts. Chrysostom says fourteen- no one knows for certain and we should not be enamored with the number. Herod was “troubled- and all Jerusalem with him” Herod thought the scriptures were unimportant until there was a threat to his throne and his heirs inheriting it. When the Lord permits unbelievers to sleep, he suddenly breaks their rest. The scribes faithfully quote Micah 5:2- "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans [b] of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

9 After they [the Magi] had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. (Matthew 2:9-12 TNIV)

Calvin abridged: It was truly a sign of sluggishness that the scribes and Jewish leaders did not offer to escort the foreigners who had been promised to their own nation. The scribes show them the way and point out the place where he was born; but they allow them to depart alone: not one moves a step. They were afraid, perhaps, of Herod’s cruelty. Nonetheless it is wicked ingratitude that for the sake of salvation offered to them, they weer unwilling to undergo any risk, and cared less about the grace of God than about the frown of a tyrant. 11- “They found the child”- Doubtless, they were revolted at the sight of such a poor and despised condition surrounding the peasant child- with no royalty surrounding him at all, and they could have not believed their vision had not God fortified their minds by the Holy Spirit. But they are convinced that he is the divinely appointed King, and so they revere him. They contemplate in the purpose of God his exalted rank, which is still concealed in outward view. They brought him the choicest products of their country. We are not to understand, that each of them presented his own offering, but that the three offerings, were presented by all of them in common. Almost all the commentators indulge in speculation about the denoting the kingdom, priesthood, and burial of Christ. It was customary among the Persians when they offered homage to their kings, to bring a present. It was similar to Jacob’s sending “balms, honey, spices and myrrh, nuts and almonds to Egypt.” (Gen. 43:11). They gave the fruit of their soil to an earthly king. Our duty is to adore him in a spiritual manner- consecrating ourselves and all that we have to his service.

Thoughts: We often look at this passage in Matthew through the eyes of church nativity scenes and plays. Such tools are helpful in conveying the basic story, but as any movie or dvd of any biblical scene, it gives us only one interpretation of the details, and such an interpretation tends to stay in our mind as “gospel truth.” Calvin here speaks of possibly more than three wise men. Scholars point out that the wise men may have come later when Jesus was an infant not necessarily when he was a newborn. Some, without any basis but their own doubt, say this didn’t happen at all but was just added to make Jesus look good. However, the killing of the infants around Bethlehem by Herod was pointed out by the evangelist as a well-known occurrence of their day, and a means to corroborate the magi’s coming. There are no early records to contradict the killing of the infants, and it certainly is in keeping with Herod’s jealous behavior (he killed a wife, two sons, many in his court guarding his throne). What is important here is that we see the need to not be blind to the real kingdom, hidden and sometimes opposed by earthly rulers. In our day we are blasted so much with the importance of this world, its politics, and its policies. Many are afraid and anxious about our current politics though we have little control over them. Jesus did not get involved or even anxious over politics even though he died at the hand of the politicians. But even after the crucifixion at their hands, there was the resurrection. So there is hope if politics goes completely sour. It is important that we give to our Lord the worship he deserves for coming down to earth for us- this is indeed good news, and the hope of the ages.

Prayer: As the wise men left their homes and traveled to worship you, so you are worthy of our worship. Give us clarity to keep our focus on you instead of on the frail promises of this world.

9/20- Matthew 1:18-23 Fulfilled prophecy in Christ's birth

(painting of Isaiah- Raphael)
Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.


Matthew 1:18-23
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us"). (Matthew 1:18-23)
Calvin abridged: It is not just the giving of the name Immanuel that is given by the prophet- but “all this” refers to anything divine or prophesied fulfilled in Christ. Let us explore the true meaning of this passage in Isaiah quoted in Matthew. The city of Jerusalem is under siege. Ahaz (the king) trembles. God sends Isaiah to tell the king that God will protect it. Isaiah asks Ahaz to ask for a sign, but in his unbelief he does not ask, so God tells him that a sign will be given in that a virgin will be with child and they will call him Immanuel. This is a sign of God’s redemption and care for the city. The people of God at the time of Jesus [as Ahaz did] have tried to not listen to the promise and opportunity of God. The promised Redeemer will come in whom God will show himself to be fully present to his people. The right translation of “virgin” is not “young woman” as the Jews suppose. For the word is uniformly used in scripture of a woman who has not known a man. But beyond this, both Isaiah and Matthew are not talking about an ordinary event, but an extraordinary sign of God’s redemption.

Thought: The birth of Jesus, the beginning of the good news is not an ordinary birth, though certainly it was a humble birth. God became human, and did it in a way he had predicted (in the city of David, born to redeem/save his people of a virgin, complete with dreams, and more). There are many scholars who would deny a spiritual side to the birth of Jesus. But Matthew is full of God intersecting, and not being embarrassed of it.

Prayer: Help us, O Lord, to see how your old promises and old word still becomes new to us.

9/19- God speaks through Jesus, Hebrews 2:1-9

(bird flying into glass over and over)
Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.

Hebrews 2:1-9

1 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. 5 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But there is a place where someone has testified: "What are mere mortals that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? 7 You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor 8 and put everything under their feet."
In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. 9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

CALVIN ABRIDGED: He now compares Christ with angels to give the highest authority to his doctrine. Angels gave the law and the Son of God gave the Gospel. What he is trying to say in this passage is that Christ is much higher than the angels in authority, and so the Gospel is higher in authority than the law. Both should be heard with equal attention, yet in the one he reveals himself more fuller than the other. Our reverence and attention should increase in proportion to the extent of his revelations. It is not that God is in himself less at one time compared to another; but his greatness is not at all times equally made known to us.

Thoughts: Hebrews confirms what the gospel is about. It is about salvation from sin, and Christ’s substituting his death for everyone. This passage says that God is not silent. He has broken the silence through prophets over the years, but speaks in an ultimate way by coming down to earth for us as a human being. One time I had a cardinal fly into its own reflection in my window over and over every day. I tried to communicate with the bird by waving, yelling, buying a shade for the window, and putting ornaments on the window. I wished I could have become a bird and show the bird how foolish it was to keep hitting itself. Jesus Christ became human not just to show us how to live, but to save us from our mistakes and sins (sometimes made over and over). All the apologies of the past week- from Federer to Williams, from Wilson to West leave me a bit numb. The media allows us to see others’ mistakes right away and they also allow us to judge and condemn or forgive others. The media also gives us a taste of what hell is like- bringing up our sins over and over and not forgetting them or forgiving them. In the end we need to hear a Word from God that our sins are able to be forgiven. Jesus is that ultimate, final word. At present we do not see everything subject to forgiveness (vs. 8). But Jesus was made lower than the angels and suffered the penalty of death so we might not have to continually pay for our sins.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for speaking to us, and not leaving us alone. Thank you for showing us your love and for your sacrifice that ensures our forgiveness. Help us, as we have been forgiven, to forgiven others.

9/18- Hebrews 1:1-4 An Imprint of the Father

(coin blank die- used to imprint coins)
Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.

1Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.(Hebrews 1:1-4)

Calvin abridged: The agreement between the law and the Gospel is established; for God, who is ever like himself, and whose word is the same, and whose truth is unchangeable, has spoken in both as one. God addressed the fathers in a different way from how he addresses us. Formerly God used prophets, but to us God uses his Son. The way in which revelation was made in the Old Testament is inferior to ours as their visions were in many times and many ways. Christ brings a final conclusion to these times and ways- so that it is in this sense that the writer calls them “last times and last days” (c.f I Cor. 10:11). Since God has spoken for the last time, we do not need to look further. On the other hand, the Jews did not look far enough and were content with the Law. Since Christ has appeared an opposite evil has come- the desire to advance beyond him. The limit of our wisdom is made here to be the Gospel.
3- “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.” God is truly and really known in Christ; for he is not his obscure or shadowy image, but an impression from his mold- resembling him, as coins are the impress of the die with which they are stamped. But even more than this is said- even that the substance of the Father is in a way engraved on the Son.

Thoughts: The word of God was at first scattered in time and through different mouths. But all of that changed with Jesus. He is the Word of God concentrated in One person at one time. In terms of vision, Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. In terms of hearing Jesus is the Word of God incarnate. His words are God’s Word, his teachings God’s teachings. His life is a living example of how we were made to live. The gospel was made real when Christ came to earth.

Prayer: Open our eyes, our hearts, our lives to your gospel O Lord. Help our lives to be an imprint of your life, Jesus, as your life is an imprint of the Father.

9/17/09- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 The gospel of first importance

1Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. (1 Cor. 15:1-11)

Calvin abridged: “Now I would remind you, brothers” Paul now speaks on another subject- the resurrection- the belief of which among the Corinthians had been shaken by some wicked persons. It is uncertain if the Corinthians stopped expecting a future life or denied the resurrection of the body. The Sadducees thought of nothing but the present life, and the human soul but a breath of wind. Paul seems to imply the Corinthians were bewitched with the mad dream of the Sadducees who had the audacity to declare openly that humans do not differ from a brute. “hold fast to the word I preached to you”- He asks them to recollect what they had learned before they were led away. He calls the doctrine of the resurrection the gospel. Paul amplifies this three times- “which I preached to you” “which you also have received” and then the substance. He calls the gospel the resurrection, for if the resurrection is taken away they have no religion left in them, no assurance of faith or faith at all. “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received”
He does not mean that he related what he had heard from the report of others, but that it was what had been enjoined upon him by the Lord. It is the duty of an apostle to bring forward nothing but what he has received from the Lord, so as from hand to hand.
“That Christ died…buried. Raised…”- He mentions his death and burial so that we may know that as he was like us in these things, he is also like us in his resurrection. “for our sins”- by taking our curse upon him he might redeem us from it. Christ’s death was a sacrifice for expiating our sins- a satisfactory penalty, so we might be reconciled to God. 5 “he was seen by Cephas’- he now brings forth eye witnesses who saw the accomplishment of what Scripture had foretold. He does not mention everyone, for he makes no mention of women. “he appeared to the twelve”- How could he call it twelve when there were only eleven remaining since Judas died? Twelve is the title for the apostles as “the Centumviri” of Rome were more than 100 [cent=100] but 102. “Last of all to one untimely born, he appeared to me.”- This was an argument for establishing the resurrection. He was not giving himself credit for he confesses his own unworthiness- as he was “born prematurely” which speaks of his sudden conversion.

Thoughts: The gospel is summed up with the death, burial, and resurrection. This was what was passed on by the eyewitnesses to the resurrection. Calvin indicates that the gospel here is described as the resurrection- which is the whole subject of 1 Corinthians 15. Paul repeats what he had already said in 1 Corinthians 11 that he was delivering to them what he had received. Scholars today would call this the oral tradition. But Calvin (and probably Paul) would call this revelation. Calvin emphasized not what Paul heard from others- but what Paul received from the Lord himself (as “one untimely born”). The preaching of the gospel is emphasized here. The core of preaching is not psychology, or smooth-sounding words, or words telling of God’s blessing upon us, but the death-burial-and resurrection. What is left out? The birth and life of Christ, the teachings of Christ are left out of this formula. While Christmas is important to us, and the events in Christ’s life- Easter is the core of the good news- the gospel. For it is in Easter that we learn we are forgiven and have eternal life. Other religious teachers may have lived kind, gracious, and helpful lives, and taught with wonderful wisdom. But it is the sacrificial death-the sure burial-and the hopeful resurrection that distinguishes from other great human beings and confirmed Christ’s life and teaching. In this pluralistic and post-modern age in which we say it really doesn’t matter what you believe, and we emphasize this life only- Christians do not need to forget their identity and distinctiveness that is found in the good news- the gospel. The world may think philosophically that it makes no difference- or that Christ did not really die for the sins of those who believe, or the ultimate miracle of the resurrection- but in our hearts we know the difference. We do not need to be ashamed of speaking it- as Paul was not ashamed of God’s grace. In our hopeless age, the world needs to hear less of pop-psychology and more of real hope found in the cross and resurrection. Paul said it was of first importance. It is more important than the fame of Kanye West or Beyonce, or Michael Jackson, or the political power of Sanford, Wilson, or Obama. Human fame and power- eventually fade. Who remembers a king who lived in the 400s or 500s? How many Roman emperors- who supposedly ruled the world- can you name? Fame and power and the the things of human power that we act as if are so important- are not nearly as important as the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ which may apply to each of us 2,000 years later.

Prayer: Help us to recollect what is of first importance Lord. Keep us focused on your Easter which also means our own forgiveness and resurrection.

9/16 Passing the Baton- the tradition

Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.

9/16/09
23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (1 Cor. 11:23-26 NIV)

Calvin abridged: The institution of Christ is a sure rule, so that if you turn aside from it even a little, you are out of the right course. So he calls the Corinthians back as they had strayed away. This passage should be carefully observed, as showing that there is no remedy for correcting and purging going astray short of a return to God’s pure institution. The Lord himself- when he was talking about marriage (Mt. 19:3) and the Scribes brought forward what was their custom and Moses permissions- refers them to the Father’s institution as inviolable law. 23- “I received from the Lord”- Paul says that there is not authority that is any higher in the Church than the Lord alone. Paul was not delivering them an invention of his own. He did not contrive a new kind of Supper, according to his own preferences, but he has Christ as his authority. “I also passed onto you”- Paul was handing the tradition over, as it came from the original source. The authority of Christ is much more stable than human laws. “The night in which he was betrayed”- the time given tells us the purpose of the sacrament. The purpose is that the benefit of Christ’s death may be made real in us. “Do this in remembrance of me”- The Supper is a memorial given as a help to our weakness; If we were sufficiently mindful of the death of Christ, this help would not be necessary. All sacraments are helps to our weakness. Some say that Christ is not present in the Supper because a remembrance implies something that is absent. They are right in that Christ is absent in the sense in which the Supper is a commemoration. Christ is not visibly present or seen with our eyes. But the symbols excite our memory by representing him. The place of Christ’s body has not changed, but the importance of the body is very real and present.
Thought- Paul was passing down the tradition of Jesus in the Lord’s Supper, just as he passes down the tradition about the resurrection in I Corinthians 15. Grasping the tradition and message of the gospel is very important. Calvin says the tradition is a corrective to us. The next important thing is passing on the tradition to the next generation.

Prayer: Help us, O Lord to perceive the truths of your gospel and then to pass them on to the next generation.

9/15- Acts 2:22-24 Gospel preaching in Acts

Devotional using scripture, Calvin, a thought and prayer for the day- compliments the Jesus in the Gospels Disciples Bible study.

9/15 Acts 2:22-24;

22"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. (Acs 2:22-24- ESV)

Calvin abridged Acts 2:22-24: Peter applies here the prophecy of Joel that the Jews may know that the time of restoration had come. The only way this prophecy would be fulfilled was by the coming of the Mediator. Gradually Peter affirms that Jesus was the Christ- that he was a man sent rom God, proved by his miracles, rising from the dead. He was more than a prophet, but the very Son of God, the repairer of all things. There are three names given to the miracles that testified that Jesus was sent of God; great works- because God shows forth his power; wonders- because they make us astonished; signs- because the Lord will have our minds stay here, but to be lifted higher; 23 “you killed”- the death of Christ is mentioned that the resurrection might be more easily believed. It was well known among the Jews that Christ was crucified. Therefore it is a great and wonderful token of his Divine power that he rose again. He says that they killed him; not that they were the ones who actually nailed him to the cross, but because the people, with one voice desired to have him put to death. And although many of those he wrote too did not consent to the wickedness and cruelty of the crucifixion, yet he speaks to the whole group of us; because all of us have defiled ourselves either with silence or apathy. The guilt which they feel because of his charge is preparation for repentance. “According to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God”- Why should such a wonderful man, then greatly slandered and treated rudely, suffer such a terrible death? It is because the cross is so troubling that Peter says that he didn’t suffer by chance or accident, or even because he chose to die himself, but because it was so determined (appointed) by God. God decrees nothing without cause or rashly. So there was an important cause for Christ’s suffering. It was by God’s plan that the innocent was condemned for our sins, and that his blood was the price for our death. We can learn something of God’s providence for us: that our life as well as our death is governed by it. The foreknowledge and the decree of God are spoken of here by Luke, and should be distinguished by us. The foreknowledge of God is first in order (because God first sees what he will determine), but the plan or decree of God is not left out so we may know that God doesn’t plan anything without thinking of its end long ago. People often rashly decree many things, because they decree them suddenly. So Peter couples God’s plan to His foreknowledge. God doesn’t just know and sit idly by in heaven. The Scriptures teach God’s special care and governance. The Scriptures guide us and keep us from making foolish speculation. For example, some may foolishly ask if Christ’s bones be broken. But It was prophesied, appointed, and determined that they would not be (Jn. 19:36). Thus providence frees us from over-speculation, and sets limits for us. 24- “Loosing the pangs [sorrows/agony] of death”- By the pangs of death I understand something more than the bodily sense or feeling. Death doesn’t have the same power or quality now that if had naturally (in Adam)- because in the victory of Christ the curse is swallowed up (I Cor. 15:54). Sorrows prick at us, but they do not wholly wound us as long as we hold up the shield of faith. The reason why is added- it is impossible that Christ should be oppressed by death since he is the author of life.
Thought: In Acts the message of the gospel [hermeneutic] given by both Peter and Paul contain some basic thoughts- that Christ lived, Christ died, and Christ rose again. In this passage, preached at the birth of the Church (Pentecost), Peter also included a section on how human will and God’s plan interacted. God used even the actions of the wicked to accomplish his purpose. This is an illustration of Romans 8:28 (all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose). The good is seen only by those who believe. For to the secular person- they see only the cross and do not see or believe the resurrection. They stop their belief with death. For the believers, there is another, deeper, better side to life- the side that goes beyond death and wickedness- to our own resurrection and hope- and ultimately to God Himself. The good news is not just the crucifixion, it also is the resurrection.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your providence that brings about your good for our wicked world. Give us grace and strength to stay on your side; keeping our eye beyond the cross and its influence of death.

9/14- Remember Christ descended and raised

9/14- A change in the Calvin blog- we are switching over a bit to Calvin’s Harmony of the Gospels. This week will be a transition week. I will be blogging basically on the readings in the Disciple series “Jesus in the Gospels” each week with the last reading on Thursday.

Deuteronomy 4:9,10,13- Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, ‘Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to your children…He declared to you His covenant, the Ten Commandments, which he commanded you to follow and then wrote them on two stone tablets.
2 Tim. 2::8- “Remember Jesus Christ raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s Word is not chained.
1 Peer 2:21- To this you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.

Calvin (abridged) on 2 Tim. 2:8: There are two parts of Paul’s admonition about the gospel here. One is that Christ was born of the seed of David, and that he rose from the dead. Immediately after the time of the Apostles heresies arose. Marcion tried to destroy the truth that Jesus was human, and Manichaeans joined this thought [that Jesus was not born of David]. How many also have tried to destroy the hope of the resurrection by diversified schemes. He calls it “his gospel” not because he is the author of it, but because he is the minister of it. In the resurrection of Christ we have a pledge of our own resurrection. We need to ask why Christ who was dead arose. It is not just a matter of historical curiosity, but this is written to bear fruit and hope in us. “descended from David” asserts the real human nature of Chris, but also claims for him the honor and name of the Messiah. He was a real man, the son of a real human being, that is, of Mary.

Thoughts: Remember is an important theme of the Bible. We are to remember God and not forget Him. We are to remember how God has spoken to us and how God has acted for us. He has spoken to us in scripture (above specifically in the Ten Commandments which is called “his covenant”). We are to remember that God has spoken to us in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the gospel in the flesh- God with skin on. As we remember Jesus and scriptures, we are to listen and follow. That is what being a disciple means. In 2 Tim. 2:8- we are told the gospel in sum means Jesus was descended and raised. He was human and he was God.

Prayer: Lord, help us to remember you physically, mentally, and spiritually. When our minds are physically slow- help us not to forget you. When our minds are full of other things, do not forget us, but also ignite in us the priority of thinking of you. When we tend to love ourselves above you and are enamored with analyzing how we are doing, help us to focus on you the living Word for us.

Philippians 4:15-23, God supplies our need

(Calvin in the woods)
This is the last page of Calvin's commentary to the Philippians (abridged)

Philippians 4:15- 23
15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet all God's people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All the Lord's people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Calvin abridged: 15- “as you know”- Paul excuses the other churches’ dereliction of duty in not supporting him, by praising the Philippians. We must also learn from Paul’s pious example, that others should not see us inclined to receive from others and be thought insatiable. The liberality of some often escapes the notice of others. Paul administered the gospel to them, while there was an obligation upon them in return to support him (I Cor. 9:11). This was a common arrangement between Paul and the Churches.
18- “I have received full payment and have more than enough”- He says in more explicit terms that he has what he needs, and he honors their liberality saying he has been filled. It was undoubtedly a moderate sum that they had sent, but it filled him to satiety. “acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God”- Our acts of kindness are sacred offerings which God receives from our hands. Similarly Christ says whoever does this to the least of these has done it to me. When we love others this is not just a benefit for others, but a service to God (Heb. 13:16). The altars on which our sacrifices are to be presented are the poor and the servants of Christ. Some neglect these to squander their resources on every kind of luxury, upon what they eat, upon immodest attire or magnificent dwellings.
19- “My God shall supply”- Paul acknowledges that whatever kindness is shown to them is a gift from his God. He doesn’t just promise a reward in the future, but God’s supply of necessities in this life. 20- “To our God and Father…”- The aid the Philippians were able to give him came from the mercy of God. 22- “All the Lord’s people send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The household of Nero was reached by uncommon mercy- for this was the sink of all crimes and iniquities.

Thoughts: “My God shall supply all your need.” This is a great thought to end this epistle with- God cares for us, and supplies us with just the right amount. Note it doesn’t say God provides our luxuries. It is a touchy thing for a minister to talk about their providing for him, when he is still in obvious need. This is not the health and wealth gospel. Jesus didn’t talk about stock market supplies- but daily bread. Yet it is also important that we see that God supplied through the gifts and generosity of the Church. God works through the Church.

Prayer: God, thank you that you care for us and supply our need when we do not deserve it.

9/12- Philippians 4:10-14 Giving from the heart

(Job and three friends)


Philippians 4:10-14

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

Calvin abridged: 10-“I rejoiced”- He now declares how grateful he is for the Philippians so that they would not regret their giving to him. They had sent supplies to him by Epaphroditus, and these were acceptable to him. The metaphor is drawn from trees that lie dormant in the winter, and begins to flourish and renew in the spring. The Philippians had cared for Paul, but they didn’t have opportunity to help him. 11- “I am not saying this because I have need”- their liberality helped him endure want. No person can be poor in mind who is satisfied with the lot which has been assigned to him by God. “whatever the circumstances”- we do not measure sufficiency by our abundance, but by God’s will, being persuaded that our affairs are governed by God’s providence. 12- “I have learned the secret of being content”- Prosperity can puff up; adversity can depress. Paul declares he is free form both faults. People should learn to make use of the blessings of God in a sober and temperate manner. But in the meantime they should prepare themselves for the endurance of poverty, so that they will not be overburdened. 13- “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”- Christ gives him fortitude. “All things” refer to things belonging to his calling. 14- “It was good of you” Paul wanted them to know he did not take for granted their kindness.

Thought: - The church gave toward Paul’s support, and it encouraged him. But he also wanted them to know that he was happy with much or with little. It was not how much he had or didn’t have that was important. Their love and concern was important. It is that way for anyone who gives- the amount is not as important as the thought of the gift.

Prayer: Lord, help us be content with your lot in life.

9/11- Philippians 4:4-9 Finding Peace

(Calvin being made fun of by the libertines of Geneva)
Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.


4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Calvin abridged: 4:4- Rejoice in the Lord- Dangers and troubles affected the pious on every side, and it would be possible for them to give up, overcome by grief or impatience. Nevertheless, Paul encourages them to rejoice in the Lord despite hostilities and disturbances. The Lord refreshes and gladdens us by spiritual consolations since the Lord is standing on their side come what may. The joy of the world is deceptive, frail, fading, and Christ says the world’s joy is even accursed (Lk. 6;25).
4:5- “Let your gentleness be evident to all”- He could mean that they should give up their right so that no one complains about their sharpness or severity. Or Paul may be exhorting them to endure all things with moderation, which is the way I prefer to take it. For the Greeks talk of moderation of spirit—when we are not easily moved by injuries, annoyed by adversity, but retain composure.
“The Lord is near”- Worldly sense would oppose the foregoing statement. The wicked rage the more we are patient, and the more we endure, the more they are emboldened to inflict injuries (Lk. 21:19). Worldly proverbs say, “we must howl when among wolves” or “Those who act like sheep will quickly be devoured by wolves.” So we tend to say that the ferocity of the wicked must be met by corresponding violence, that they may not insult us. Paul instead encourages confidence in divine providence, because the Lord is at hand. He promises He will aid us provided we obey his commandment. So we learn that ignorance of the providence of God is the cause of all impatience, and that is the reason we are thrown into confusion. Often we become disheartened because we do not recognize the fact that the Lord cares for us (Psalm 145:18). 4:6- “But in every situation”- In these words Paul exhorts the Philippians (as David does in Psalm 55:22 and Peter in I Peter 5:7) to cast all their care upon the Lord. For we are not made of iron- as if temptations do not shake us. But this is our consolation to deposit or disburden in the bosom of God everything that harasses us. Confidence is a tranquilizer but it only comes when we pray. Whenever we are assailed by any temptation we should go to prayer as a sacred asylum. “Requests” means desires or wishes. He would have us make these known to God by prayer and supplication, pouring forth our hearts to God- committing all they have and are to Him. Those who look here and there to the vain comforts of the world may appear to have some degree of relief; but there is only on sure refuge—leaning upon the Lord. “With thanksgiving”- Many pray amiss by complaining and murmuring- as if they had a basis for accusing God. Others cannot take it when God delays and does not immediately gratify their desires. Gratitude has this effect upon us- that the will of God becomes the grand sum of our desires.
4:7- “And the peace of God” This is a promise for us who put confidence in God- peace in our hearts and minds. Mind means understanding, while “heart” denotes disposition or inclinations- so the whole soul is covered. “Transcend all understanding”- noting s more foreign to the human mind than to exercise hope in despair and see opulence in the weakness, and rely on the promise of not wanting when we are destitute of all things. 8- “Finally”- he commends “truth”- which is integrity; “noble”- an excellence of vocation (Eph. 4:1); “right”- or just- having to do with mutual intercourse of human beings; “pure” which is chastity; “If any praise”- among the perverse judgments praise is often bestowed upon the blameworthy. Christians desire to give true praise to God and are forbidden to give glory, except in God alone (I Cor. 1:31). Paul does not ask them to gain applause by virtuous actions, but to help the wicked to be constrained in the midst of their reproach and derision toward Christians. 4:9- “What you have seen in me”- The main thing in a public speaker should be, that he may speak not merely with his mouth, but by his life. “The God of peace”- He has spoken of the peace of God, now he speaks of the God of peace, since God is the author of peace.

Thought: These are some of my favorite verses. Paul was able to say that the Philippians have seen in him his ability to rejoice in any and every situation, and being content whether well fed or hungry. His ministry in Philippi began in a prison where he was singing and the Lord delivered him. Paul, who had been terribly persecuted, knew how to find peace in a prison and how to give thanks in every circumstance. In a recession, in hard times, these are great verses for our day. In a time of terrorism (the 8th anniversary is today), there is still a peace that passes all understanding- that not even terrorists can take away. Paul knew this peace and we can too.

Prayer: Help us, O God to find your peace, and thanksgiving, even in the tough times and tough losses in this life.

9/10- Phil. 4:1-3 Agreeing

(river outside Philippi where Lydia, the first European convert, was baptized. Baptism is a sign of our unity)
Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.


1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Phil. 4:1-3)

Calvin abridged: 4:1- “Therefore my brothers and sisters”- Paul endears himself to them by sincere appellations. “my joy and crown”- Paul was delighted to see those who had been won to the faith by him persevering in that faith. He hoped to attain the crown of triumph which the Lord gives to those things which have been accomplished under his guidance. “stand firm in the Lord”- by praising their current condition, he exhorts them to perseverance. 4:2- “I plead with Euodia and Syntyche”- It appears that these two women had excellent qualities for he calls them fellow soldiers in the gospel. Their agreement was very important, and their disagreement would be a great danger for the Church. We should note that when he speaks of agreement, he also speaks of the bond of it- in the Lord. Every concord will be accursed apart from the Lord. 4:3- “I ask you my true companion”- Paul is not speaking of his wife (as some contend) but probably of a male companion. “whose names are in the book of life”- The book of life is the roll of the righteous who are predestinated to life (cf. Ex. 32:32). The book is nothing else except His eternal counsel (Ps. 69:29). Some may say Paul is speaking rashly pronouncing the secrets of God. But we may in some measure for a judgment by the way God shows his election, but only in a limited sense. Therefore those in whom we see the marks of adoption, let us reckon them to be children of God until the books are opened (Rev. 20:12). It is true that God alone knows who are his (2 Tim. 2:19), and separates the lambs from the kids. But for now, it is charity to reckon all to be lambs who submit to Christ as their Shepherd, who go to and remain constantly in his fold. We should highly value the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Thoughts: Being able to agree to disagree and stay together is a lost art in our society. In our selfishness combined with the stress of our super-business, it is very hard to stay together. Calvin and John Wesley worked harder than most Reformers to keep the church together, and possibly unite them. Jesus prayed that the Church should be one, and we should work for that as well. There are two parts to this- one is to remain true and faithful to God, and the second is to not foster disagreement among church members.

Prayer: May we be one, Lord, as you are one.

9/9 Philippians 3:18-21 Focus on heaven

(overview of the ruins of Philippi- ruined mall on the left)
Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.


18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Calvin abridged: many do not feel the power of God’s kingdom, but creep and focus on the ground. Earthly things are not outward ceremonies as much as carnal affections. Paul holds them up for spite on this ground—that, being desirous exclusively for their own honor, ease, and gain, they had no regard for the edification of the Church. His “tears” are evidence that he is not influenced by envy or hatred of others, or a tendency to cut down or anger, but by pious zeal as the Church is miserably destroyed by such pests. Paul is speaking not of open enemies but of imposters and fakers who trample under foot the power of the gospel for the sake of ambition or their own belly. People who seek their own interest through the ministry do more injury than if they openly opposed Christ. So we must point such people out, and not ignore or spare them. “enemies of the cross”- means those who pretend to be friends but were the worst enemies of the gospel. 19-“Their destiny is destruction”- this is said so the Philippians may be more carefully on their guard against those who may dazzle the eyes of the simple for a time. The glory with which they are now puffed up will be exchanged for shame. 20- “But our citizenship is in heaven”- Nothing is to be considered of any value except the spiritual kingdom of God. So believers ought to live a heavenly life in this world. We may not be able to separate from them physically (since the wheat is mixed with much chaff), but we should join ourselves to our heavenly Head, dwelling in spirit apart from the world (Mt. 6:21). “Savior” is an appropriate term for Christ in that Christ comes to us from heaven as our Savior, and our minds are on him now. The wicked are turned away from the thought of heaven because Christ comes as a judge for them, but for believers, it is our sweet consolation. Up then, with our hearts that they may be with the Lord! 21- “who will transform”- Paul farther stirs up the Philippians to lift up their minds to heaven, and be wholly attached to Christ—because this body which we carry about with us is not an everlasting home, but a frail tent, which will in a short time be reduced to nothing. “By the power that brings everything under his control…so that they will be like his glorious body”- Nothing is more difficult to believe than the resurrection, so Paul places before our eyes the boundless power of God that we might remove all distrust or doubt about it. When we bear in mind that God, who created all things out of nothing, can command the earth, and the sea, and the other elements to give back what has been committed to them, we can have hope and a spiritual contemplation of the resurrection. “Everything under his control” refers to the right and power of God to raise the dead, but also to do whatever he pleases. This power is assigned to Christ so that his divine majesty is set forth. The world was created by Christ because to be able to subject all things to himself belongs to the Creator alone.

Thought: In our world we have seen sure bets disappear, and the things we thought were secure lose their security. So pension plans have vanished for many. 401ks have been cut to a third of their former value. Those who invested in oil have found it is half of what it was a year ago. Some of the biggest corporations have disappeared (Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers) and some giants have become common size (GM and Chrysler). If this is true of monetary investments and earthly industries, it is also true of our bodies and healthcare. While Americans are living nearly twice as long than those who lives two generations ago, we are consumed with health care debates while the debate about our eternal soul languishes. Ministers preach little of hell and judgment- but the clearest judgment is that this life that so many invest all in- will not last. We should direct our thoughts and treasures toward heaven. Our true security lies there. Again, if you go to Philippi, the fancy shops, the marble buildings are gone. It is a testimony to human vanity and the end of earthly investment. That reminds me of Shelley's Ozymandias (the ruined statue that says- "look on my vast empire"-now covered in sand- "and weep"). The danger with this however, is that if the church gains resources ministers should not become greedy, and the ministry should not draw selfish people to itself. We need God to raise up people like Paul who were sincere- even to tears for his people. But we also need to get over self-absorption with this earthly life focusing on what will last.

Prayer: Lord, help our hearts to focus on you and keep us from the fear and absorption of earthly things.

9/8 Philippians 3:12-17 Discontent with our Growth

(amphitheater in Philippi where plays, games, races held-there could be a hippodrome here for races as there were in nearby cities)
Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.

9/8- Phil. 3:12-17
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
Calvin abridged: 12- Not that I have already obtained all this- Paul insists upon this goal, that he may convince the Philippians that he things of nothing but Christ—knows nothing else—desires nothing else—is occupied with no other subject of meditation. He also adds that while he had given up all hindrances, he had not attained the object of his aim, so he was always aiming for something further. But what has Paul not attained? By faith we have been ingrafted into the body of Christ, we have already entered into the kingdom of God (Eph. 2:6), and we already in hope sit in the heavenly places. But our salvation is in hope- it is secure- but not yet in our possession. What Paul has not yet attained is entire fellowship in Christ’s sufferings, a full taste of the power of the resurrection, and knowing him perfectly. “For which Christ Jesus has taken hold of me” – Paul was apprehended by Christ that he might apprehend Christ. He did nothing unless it was under Christ’s influence and guidance. 13- “Yet to have taken hold of it”- Paul was not doubting the certainty of his salvation, but was repeating that he has not attained the end of his calling. Now he compares our lives to a race. As it would profit the runner nothing to have left the starting point unless he went toward the goal, so we must pursue the course or our calling until death, and we must not stop until we have obtained what we seek. As the course is set for the runner, so God sets our course. As the runner needs to be free from entanglement and impediment, so we must not divert attention away from God’s calling.
“Forgetting what is behind”- If anyone thinks they have made great progress compared to their past, they will become indolent and may deliver up the lamp to others; we may look back with a feeling of regret so that we may not apply our mind to the current situation;
Thought: We are too easily and falsely secure in our knowledge and love of God. In American culture, we are too easily content with a little bit of God and not content enough with the things of the world. September is a great time to press on in our knowledge and love for Christ, challenging ourselves in personal devotion (like reading this blog), group devotion (like Sunday School or Bible study), and corporate worship. If you love someone, you are not content with just a bit of time getting to know them. If we say we love God, we should show it not with words, but with time. There are lots of things in our culture that distract us. Athletic events, athletic events for the kids, a beautiful day at the lake, and then we look back on our week, our month, our year, or our lifetime and we regret that we did not make God more of a priority in our lives. We are quick to rest on our spiritual laurels, but Paul did not- and we should not.

Prayer: Help us O God, to grow in our love for you. Keep us from thinking our race is complete just because we are on the track. Ignite in us more of a desire for you.

9/7- Labor Day

(Rockwell- Rosie the Riveter)
Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.

12 "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.

Calvin: God, to prick our sloth, has given us the assurance that the trouble we
have borne to the glory of his name will not be in vain. Let us always remember that this promise, like all others, would not bear fruit for us if the free covenant of his mercy had not gone before, upon which the whole assurance of our salvation depended. Now, relying on this, we ought to have firm confidence that, however unworthy our services, a reward will not be lacking from God’s generosity.

Thought: A day off to think about work? You've got to be kidding! That is such an alien concept to us- it seems like we should be working to celebrate work. But this day off thing sounds a bit like the concept of the Sabbath- take time off so that you will not be slaves to your work as you were in Egypt! Calvin very much valued labor and said it was for the glory of God. But he also said we shouldn't be slaves to our work. In our day, there are two extremes- sloth (laziness- not working on purpose) and workaholism (often fueled in part by greed or debt). Our recession is caused in part by an over-extension of our debt and in the end we lost jobs. In balance is found right thinking.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to find the balance between laziness and being workaholics. Help us to honor you with whatever you call us to do this day- even rest.

9/6- Philippians 3:7-11 Garbage vs resurrection

(Ben in courtyard of Philippi- now in ruins)
Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.


7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in [a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Calvin abridged: 7- “What things were gain to me”- Ignorance of Christ is the only reason we are puffed up with a vain confidence and get a false estimate of our own excellence. Where we see arrogance and pride, there we can be assured that Christ is not known. On the other hand, as soon as Christ shines forth all those things that formerly dazzled our eyes with a false splendor vanish or at least are de-valued. The things Paul valued before his eyes were opened to Christ had the appearance of gain to him. Now these things are loss to him since he has been enlightened. They were a loss because they were hindrances to his coming to Christ. Paul acknowledges that nothing was so injurious to him as his own self-righteousness because it kept away from Christ by it. Anything that keeps us back from drawing near to Christ is more harmful to us than anything else. 8- “I consider everything a loss”- Paul confirms here his initial decision to renounce his hindrances that he might gain Christ. 8- “surpassing worth of knowing Christ”- Many things have an appearance of excellence, but the knowledge of Christ surpasses all of these. From this we should learn what value we ought to set upon the knowledge of Christ. “for whose sake I have lost all things”- Paul was using an illustration from ship goers who when faced with shipwreck, lighten their load by throwing everything overboard that the ship may be lightened and they may arrive safely in harbor. It is better to be safe and in misery and want than to drown along with our riches. Should we then renounce riches, honors, nobility, or even external righteousness- for all these are gifts of God? The Apostle doesn’t speak of the externals themselves but the value place in them. Paul did not disown the race of Abraham and make himself an alien that he might become a Christian, but he renounced dependence upon his descent. It is not fitting that we go from being chaste to unchaste; from being sober to intemperate; from being respectable to being dissolute but that he should divest himself of a false estimate of his own righteousness, and treat it with contempt. We do not contend with the substance of works, but against the value invested in them. We are not justified by them. It is not necessary that you be poor that you be a Christian. But if it pleases God for you to be poor, you should be able to endure it. “Consider them garbage”- Some part with things for God with regret and a sigh. Paul not only abandoned what he formerly thought was precious, but considered them “dung.” Such illusions should be offensive to us. “That I may gain Christ”- by this he intimates that we cannot gain Christ without losing everything that we have, recognizing that He would have us rich by His grace alone. He alone is our blessedness. 9- “be found in him”[and may find them in him]- Paul renounced everything that he had that he might recover them in Christ. “Not having a righteousness of my own”- Paul makes a comparison between two kinds of righteousness here. One kind is a human righteousness of the law- which must be given up and renounced. The other is the righteousness of God by faith and does not belong to the individual. Believers have no righteousness of their own. 10- “that I may know him”- The knowledge of God is the nature and efficacy of faith. This knowledge leads to the power of the resurrection. Christ is rightly known when we feel how powerful his death and resurrection are, and how efficacious they are in us. “and the participation in [fellowship of] his sufferings”- Our whole lives should be conformed to his death. There is a twofold participation in the death of Christ. The one is inward- the “mortification of the flesh” or the “crucifixion of the old man”(Rom. 6). The other is outward- “mortification of the outward man”- which is the endurance of the Cross (Rom. 8). This is mentioned here along with the resurrection that we may know that we must die before we live. Through afflictions the way is opened up for us to everlasting blessedness (2 Tim. 2:11). Paul says that he is conformed to his death that he may attain the glory of his resurrection.

Thought: These verses illustrate some key concepts in Calvin’s theology. The Christian life is lived by a mortification and a vivification- dying to self and living to Christ. The knowledge of God is emphasized as well, which Calvin says is the chief end of his theology. The reward that comes of divesting ourselves of our own righteousness is found in our participating in Christ’s resurrection. In our day, the whole concept of self-denial is so foreign to us, that some think it is harmful for us to deny ourselves. But rampant self-indulgence can bankrupt our soul just as monetary self-indulgence can bankrupt our pocket book. Self-denial and endurance are the ways God plows our soul to sew seeds of the resurrection. Philippi was a place of great wealth. It had a huge mall/marketplace in its center. Today if you go there, you see only ruins. So many gave themselves for its wealth that today has been reduced to rubble by earthquakes. Paul was right in telling them to count their earthly attainments as "rubble."

Prayer: Lord, in a time when so many value the things of this world, help us to count these things as garbage that we may gain Christ.

9/5- No Confidence in the Flesh, Philippians 3:1-6

(Paul and Silas portrayed by actors in Philippi amphitheater. They rejoiced and sang even in prison)

Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth. Here focuse on Calvin's commentaries to the Philippians- abridging his commentary.

9/5 Philippians 3:1-6

1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If others think they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

1- “Rejoice in the Lord” – Paul was saying before that Satan distressed them unceasingly with daily rumors. Not he encourages them to free themselves from anxiety and gain courage. He encourages them to be faithful and not fall back into their old beliefs. 2- “Dogs” he called these false apostles “dogs” because for the sake of filling their belly, they assailed true doctrine with impure barking. He called them “evildoers” because under the pretext of building up the Church, they did nothing but ruin and destroy everything. Some who are thus busy would do better being idle! Third, he calls them “mutilators of the flesh” [circumcision]- because they tore asunder the unity of the Church. “write the same things to you again” (1)- may mean that he wrote to the Philippians already on some other occasion, or it could mean that he was reminding them of what he had said before when he was with them. He doesn’t mind repeating things because his silence might have meant their danger. A good pastor doesn’t merely lead the flock to pasture, but also rules the sheep by guidance, and keeps the wolves away. If thieves and robbers (Jn. 10:8) are constantly on watch to destroy the Church, what excuse will the pastor have if, after courageously repelling them in several instances, the pastor gives in on the ninth or tenth attack? Some are so difficult to please that they do not want to be reminded even the second time, yet they are tempted many times and their memory of good may lose its retention. 3-“we are the circumcision”- that is the true seed of Abraham, and heirs of the testament confirmed by the sign of circumcision. The true circumcision is of the spirit and not of the letter (Rom. 2:29). “serve God by the Spirit” [spiritual worship]- means that we put our confidence in him, invoke him, and renounce ourselves with a pure conscience. The antithesis of this is a legal worship (cf. Jn. 4:23). It should be noted that baptism replaced circumcision and is part of our pure and genuine worship- and not a shadow of things to come.
3- “we boast in Christ” [glory in Christ]- we have to do with the reality and substance and not with symbols and shadows. “we put no confidence in the flesh”- “flesh” means what is external, what is apart from Christ. The zealots fo the law are not satisfied with Christ and seek to glory in things apart from him. Confidence lifts up a person, to that they venture even to glory- so confidence and glory are connected. 4- “though I myself have reasons”- Paul puts his confidence in Christ, but if he were to glory in the flesh he would have reason to do so- perhaps even more than most. 5- “circumcised on the eighth day”- Paul’s circumcision was done properly and was superior to latter circumcision (that a proselyte might have). He was of the tribe of Benjamin- meaning he was of a superior tribe and of the race of Israel. “Hebrew of Hebrews”- Moses gives this title to Abraham (Gen. 14:13)- and Paul means he could trace his descendants back to Jacob. “in regard to the law a Pharisee”- the Pharisees were known for how they held their sanctity and doctrine, and thought they had the correct interpretation of the ancient Israelites. “as for zeal- persecuting the church”- though this was a heinous thing, Paul mentions that he was keen and zealous for the law, and on this ground persecuted the church. 6- “righteousness based on the law”- he cultivated an integrity of life suitable for someone devoted to the law. There are two ways to look at the law- one from God’s viewpoint (in which we do not keep it), and the other from humanity’s viewpoint (in which we may keep it relative to how others keep it). In the eyes of other humans, Paul was considered holy- and free from blame- a rare commendation, yet he did not hold other’s esteem as high as God’s.

Thoughts: Paul wanted the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord, not in the keeping of the law. Paul was heartily guarding his flock from the wolves, and we should guard our families from the wolves. I saw an interesting e-mail yesterday about a man who let a stranger into his house to live who taught his kids how to break his own household rules and ethics- to curse regularly and have loose sexual mores. But the man kept the stranger in the center of his house- and they gathered around the stranger every night to listen to his stories. The stranger was TV. It could be the internet if we do not monitor it. But specifically Paul was talking about a different kind of wolf- the kind who taught that we can earn our way into God’s pleasure by keeping rules. Islam has its five pillars, Buddhism its eight-fold path, and Judaism its ten commandments. Christians are taught that we are saved not by doing, but by putting our confidence (belief/trust) in God. Only Christ keeps all of the law perfectly- he was the perfect God-man. Being good, and keeping the law often leads to self-righteousness and pride. It is this pride that can kill the spirit inside- thinking we don’t need God’s help to be saved. Humility again (as in chapter 2 of Philippians) is the key.

Prayer: Lord, today may my glory be found in you and not in anything I do. Protect me from spiritual pride and help me to find my pride only in you.

9/4- Philippians 2:25-30

(St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre 8/24/1572- of thousands of Huguenots beginning with politicians and ministers)

Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.

9/4- Philippians 2:25-30

25But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

Calvin abridged: He recommends Epaphroditus because he is a brother- a helper in the gospel; a fellow soldier- helping them in the spiritual warfare; All believers are soldiers in the camp of Christ but ministers bear the standard in the army. “Messenger” is not apostle as much as evangelist. 26- “he longs for all of you”- such affection for his flock is a sign of a true pastor, and the Philippians were also concerned for him. 27- “But God had mercy”- Ephaphroditus had been sick and close to death in order that God’s goodness would shine more clearly in his restored health. This shows that this life is an excellent gift from God; those who live for Christ experience the hope of heavenly glory now. “Spare me sorrow upon sorrow”- Paul did not have the apathy of the Stoics who were exempt from human emotions. The cross has pain and bitterness, but the consolation of God overcomes these feelings (Isa. 50:5). For any believer, when someone dies, they are reminded of the anger of God against sin. But Paul was more concerned about the loss sustained by the Church when a good pastor is gone. 27- “I am eager to send him”- Epaphroditus was a comfort to Paul, but he cared more for the welfare of the church in Philippi than his own comfort. 29- “Welcome him in the Lord with great joy”- good and faithful pastors should be held in high regard for they are precious pearls from God’s treasury- and the rarer they are the more they are to be held in high esteem. Sometimes God punishes our ingratitude by depriving us of good pastors, when he sees that the most eminent are plainly despised. Everyone should help uphold the authority of good pastors (for the devil seeks to undermine their authority). 30- “for the work of Christ”- Epaphroditus would rather risk his health than be deficient in duty; Paul speaks of the services given him as “the work of the Lord” for there is nothing better than helping those who labor for the truth of the gospel.

Thoughts: One cannot help in reading this passage, think of all those ministers who were persecuted in Calvin’s day for their faith. We might include Calvin himself who was ridiculed in Geneva, in France (where a price was on his head), and in Italy (where he left in danger). So many Huguenots were killed in France. So many Protestants in England and Scotland by Mary of Scotland, and the Netherland Reformed by the Spanish. Perhaps Calvin sought to encourage those who were in ministry, or who were thinking about ministry by his emphasis in this passage. Calvin also risked his health for the gospel. He slept little, wrote much, preached much, worked for the church much. He was sick most of his time in Geneva, and died fairly young (though for his day it was a bit above average). We should be willing to risk all for the gospel, and to cheer those who are doing so.

Prayer: May we, Lord, be a refreshing glass of water to those who are serving for you.

9/3- Self vs the Interests of Christ, Philipians 2:17-24

Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.

9/3- Philippians 2:17-24

17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. 19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
Calvin very abridged: 21- “For everyone looks out for their own interests not those of Jesus Christ.” He is not speaking here of those who have openly abandoned the faith, but of those very persons that he reckoned brethren, even those very familiar with him. These persons nonetheless were so warm in the pursuit of their own interests, that they were unbecomingly cold in the work of the Lord. It may seem at first view as if it were no great fault to seek one’s own profit; but how insufferable it is for Christ’s servants that they become utterly useless when they give into their own selfishness. For it is impossible that the person devoted to self, should apply himself to the interest of the Church.

Thought: Selfishness and love are like oil and water. We live in a very self-centered, naval gazing age. The fastest growing religion in America is basically worship of self- the New Age which says God is within you and not outside (holy) from you. Much of facebook and twitter stuff contains people talking about self (it doesn’t have to be this way). One thing I appreciate about Calvin is he is always fighting against selfishness, but at the same time recognizing the power of the force he is fighting. He does not overlook the power of selfishness- even in the Church. Here he encourages us to forsake self to serve the interests of Christ.


Prayer: Lord, today, help me decrease that you may increase.

9/1- Philippians 2:5-11 Christ's humanity and divinity, humility and glory

(crucifixion by Dali)
Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.

9/1- Philippians 2:5-11

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a human being, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Calvin abridged: Paul now recommends humility by using Christ’s own example. Humility is the rule of life and the way to attain true glory. Christ’s humility consists in abasing himself from the highest pinnacle of glory to the lowest ignominy. Our humility consists in refrains from exalting ourselves by false estimation. He gave up his right. That is all that is required of us. “The form of God’ means his majesty, his figure. The form of a king is his magnificence which shows himself to be a king- his scepter, his crown, his attendants, his throne and other emblems of royalty. His abasement was voluntary not of necessity. We would be utterly blind if we do not perceive that his eternal divinity is clearly set forth in these words. For where can there be “equality with God without robbery” [“used to his own advantage” TNIV] except where there is the essence of God. Isaiah 48:11 says, “I will not give my glory to another.” 7- “Emptied himself” [“humbled himself” TNIV]- Christ could not divest himself of the Godhead; but he kept it concealed for a time, that it might not be seen under the weakness of our humanity. So he laid aside his glory in the view of people, not by lessening it, but by concealing it. I ascribe mortality only to a part of Christ, namely to the body. Christ has one person, consisting of two natures, so properly Paul says that he lay aside his glory when he came in the flesh as a servant (I Tim. 3:16). 7 “In human likeness”- means that he was brought down to the level of human beings, not that he was a phantom (like the Marcionites supposed). 8- “became obedient” – Though he was the Lord of life and death, he nevertheless became obedient to the Father to the point of death. This was extreme abasement especially considering the kind of death he faced on the cross. This pattern of humility should absorb the attention of all the world. 9- “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place”- Paul adds this consolation to our desire to humility- that abasement- to which the human mind is averse, is in the highest degree desirable. Everyone therefore that humbles himself will in like manner be exalted. Who would now be reluctant to be humble since the glory of the heavenly kingdom is attained? For it is the design of the Holy Spirit, that we should, in the death of Christ, see, and taste, and ponder, and feel, and recognize nothing but God’s unmixed goodness, and the love of Christ toward us, which was great and inestimable, that, regardless of himself, he devoted himself and his life for our sakes. In every instance in which the Scriptures speak of the death of Christ, they assign to us its advantage and price; — that by means of it we are redeemed — reconciled to God — restored to righteousness —
cleansed from our pollutions — life is procured for us, and the gate of life opened. 9- “Gave him a name”- Jesus’ did not die and lie with a “nameless, headless carcass” Rather, supreme power was given to Christ, so he was placed in the highest rank of honor. Paul is quoting Isaiah 45:23 where God speaks saying “every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will swear to me.” It is certain that adoration is meant here which belongs to God alone. 10- “Every knee should bow”- God is to be worshipped not just with an inward affection of the heart, but also by an outward profession, if we would render him his due. Paul also quotes this passage in Romans 14:11 in view of Christ’s judgment. All things are now subject to Christ, but full subjection to his will shall not be complete until the final day of reckoning. Christ’s reign is never spoken of in terms of one time, but eternity- which also shows his divinity. 11-“To the glory of God the Father”- means that as the majesty of God has been shown to us through Christ, so it shines forth in Christ, and the Father is glorified in the Son (cf. Jn. 5:17).

Thoughts: This is one of the greatest passages in the Bible about Christ’s humanity, his divinity, and his humility. It comes in the context of our own need to be humble. James and I Peter say, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.” The ultimate example is Christ who humbled himself by becoming human and dying on the cross, but was exalted.

Prayer: You are Lord, Jesus, and every knee in heaven and earth will acknowledge that with our worship one day. Help me to acknowledge that today, and spread your great news everywhere I go.