A Devotional Look at the Book #493

A Devotional Look at the Book #493

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #493

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

A missionary in retirement longs for the peaceful evenings in the villages, and with friends made during his years of service. Warm days and bubbling brooks remind his heart to ache. God reaches out to comfort. Now he is home. Look there the bubbling brook and here are some of his friends and Jesus! What can be better? Nothing at all!

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Some through the waters, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood; some through great sorrow, but God gives a song, in the night season and all the day long. (From Isaiah 43:2) This song always brings tears strolling out of my eyes, but these are a strange kind of tear which may not be explainable since inside each tear drop are people whom I know. Some of these have past on to glory to be with the LORD; some live in darkness and do not know the LORD. Some are brothers and sisters who have lost their moms, dads, brothers, sisters and children… so my tears are not alone. I may on any given day mix my tears with your tears, or it may be just the other way around, you will mix your tears with mine. Here is the wonderful point. These tears are blessed and protected by God for everyone who uses these strange tears. How do I know these are blessed and protected by God? Isaiah 43:2 says so. The word in Isaiah 43:2 for burned is the Hebrew word kowba a protecting arched Helmet. Now in the light of that; read verses 2 again. Until all things are made new there will be tears; but God Himself will protect and bless your tears. And He will wipe them all away in His New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:1-7. I like to spell it… Jer-USA-lem! In the meantime, be patient as your reward is being protected by God Himself.

1 Peter

1 Peter 5:3 – Sometimes we miss the not so obvious; words like entrusted and examples. Maybe it is because we like to zero in on the obvious. Hopefully there will always be authority in the church and hopefully these men know that their position is ordained by God and not by a pulpit committee or some other man made effort that creates liberal lords and legalistic task masters.

1 Peter 5:4 – The results of all man made efforts to appoint an elder or pastor and teacher for the flock of God is destined to fall short of what Jesus intends for shepherding His flock. Notice Ephesians 4:11 concerning four spiritual careers. Apostles, evangelists, prophets and pastors/teachers; all of these are appointed by Jesus Himself. This is how the verse begins – “and He Himself gave some”

The Living Word of God is correct and many religions, denominations and false movements will not show up for the crown of glory. Why? Because the Chief Shepherd of the flock will personally know those whom He appointed to accept the call to be a witness of the sufferings of Christ. Christ suffered among His flock as He ministered in ministry before going to the cross. He suffered watching people sin against Him; He suffered their stories of illness, doubt and fear. He suffered their circumstances of life that left them empty and broken. The crown of glory is for those He called to suffer as He did, and He alone equips them for this work. Ephesians 4:12