Covenant Hearts’ Blog

John 20:22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

Interesting, C.S. Lewis makes use of this picture of Christ with his character of Aslan. God breathing is an amazing thing. Oh, what wonders wrought by the very breath of God!

Whether He meant for them then to receive or later to receive, it would seem very awkward if it was Jesus returning only in a different form. Other passages would also be awkward to read if there are not three distinct persons in the Godhead.

2 Chronicles 32:25 But Hezekiah gave no return for the benefit he received, because his heart was proud; therefore wrath came on him and on Judah and Jerusalem. 26 However, Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come on them in the days of Hezekiah.

And that folks is the only mention of sin in Hezekiah. Not that he was nearly perfect or any other such nonsense, but it goes to show you that no one is perfect. Even those we would highly esteem are not perfect. I do not remember where I read this but someone pointed out that the only person mentioned in the Bible (besides Jesus) who is mentioned without a speaking of his sin is Joseph (assuming that Jesus did not sin and for Joseph it is not spoken of).

Even after these verses it goes on to laud Hezekiah with more praise. Just remember, he was but a man. Getting beyond that however he is worthy of looking up to and we should all strive to be like him (amongst others we should be like of course). He came out of a time of wickedness and restored a godly social order. No he was not perfect but what he did was acceptable to God so that God would heal the land. I pray that we too could restore a godly social order and that we might do the right thing if not in exactly the right way but that God may still heal our land.

2 Chronicles 32:8 “With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Does this apply today? Could we say that “God is with us” when we go to battle (i.e. given a just war)? Does this mean we wouldn’t have to fight or be the best war fighters we could be?

I think that would be an extremist view of the verse. Notice in the second part of the verse that God would “help” them and “fight” their battles. But God cannot help those who do nothing. God could fight the battle for those who do nothing but it appears that He wouldn’t always do that. So given the case that He ‘merely’ helps, what is the scenario? Men fight with all their ability and they win because God has deemed it so. That is true in any case. If we win or lose it is because God has deemed it so.

So when was the last time that America won? Makes you wonder…

2 Chronicles 32:17 He also wrote letters to insult the LORD God of Israel, and to speak against Him, saying, “As the gods of the nations of the lands have not delivered their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver His people from my hand.” 18 They called this out with a loud voice in the language of Judah to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them, so that they might take the city. 19 They spoke of the God of Jerusalem as of the gods of the peoples of the earth, the work of men’s hands. 20 But King Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed about this and cried out to heaven. 21 And the LORD sent an angel who destroyed every mighty warrior, commander and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned in shame to his own land. And when he had entered the temple of his god, some of his own children killed him there with the sword. 22 So the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side.

Selections from the narrative:

2 Chronicles 30:3 since they could not celebrate [the Passover] at that time, because the priests had not consecrated themselves in sufficient numbers, nor had the people been gathered to Jerusalem.

9 “…For the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.”

but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them. (vs. 10)

11 Nevertheless some men of Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. 12 The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the LORD.

15 Then they slaughtered the Passover lambs on the fourteenth of the second month. And the priests and Levites were ashamed of themselves, and consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings to the house of the LORD. 16 They stood at their stations after their custom, according to the law of Moses the man of God; the priests sprinkled the blood which they received from the hand of the Levites. 17 For there were many in the assembly who had not consecrated themselves; therefore, the Levites were over the slaughter of the Passover lambs for everyone who was unclean, in order to consecrate them to the LORD. 18 For a multitude of the people, even many from Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun, had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover otherwise than prescribed. For Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the good LORD pardon 19 everyone who prepares his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though not according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.” 20 So the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people. (Emphasis mine.)

25 All the assembly of Judah rejoiced, with the priests and the Levites and all the assembly that came from Israel, both the sojourners who came from the land of Israel and those living in Judah. 26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem, because there was nothing like this in Jerusalem since the days of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel. 27 Then the Levitical priests arose and blessed the people; and their voice was heard and their prayer came to His holy dwelling place, to heaven.

2 Chronicles 31:20 Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah; and he did what was good, right and true before the LORD his God. 21 Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and in commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered.

God requires holiness.

God accepts less.

God requires absolute obedience to a rigid standard.

God helps us to keep His law by direct aid through the Holy Spirit and by declaring us righteous because of the work of Christ on the cross.

Perfectionism is an unachievable earthly ideal. In heaven we will be perfect. Moderation and a heart that desires/loves God is an achievable earthly concept.

God wants true worshipers, He wants people who will come to His marriage supper when He invites them, He wants people who are poor in spirit, He wants obedience rather than sacrifice, He wants us to be fully devoted to Him.

In our current state we will not give God what He requires without Him first giving it to us to give to Him. All in all we will become more like Him each day and will continue this process of growth through all of eternity. If this is true then why fret the small stuff? Worry first about the big picture: am I saved? do I love God and follow Him? am I giving Him His due in my life? in every area of my life? and so on…working towards the details understanding that God still does require holiness.

John 18:38-40 38 Pilate said…”I find no guilt in Him.

John 19:1-42 1 Pilate then took Jesus and scourged Him.

John 19:7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God.” 8 Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; 9 and he entered into the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

A response only the Son of God would give. Any mere mortal would have cowered at the thought of the loss of his life but Jesus had no reason to fear. Previously Pilate said “Behold, the Man!” but after this exchange with Jesus, Pilate was a bit more subdued and said “Behold, your King!” Even Pilate was afraid of what might God do to him if he had Jesus crucified.

But his superstitious fear was not greater than his fear that the people would spread the word that Pilate was an enemy of Caesar. His immediate situation was at stake and this proved to be a stronger incentive for Pilate, but to try and become an outsider to this Jewish affair he “washes his hands” of the situation and “Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified.”

2 Chronicles 29:36 Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced over what God had prepared for the people, because the thing came about suddenly.

Did Hezekiah restore a godly order on his own initiative? Was it by God’s direction? Is free will and sovereignty antithetical?

Psalm 85:1 O LORD, You showed favor to Your land; You restored the captivity of Jacob. 2 You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin. Selah. 3 You withdrew all Your fury; You turned away from Your burning anger. 4 Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your indignation toward us to cease. 5 Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? 6 Will You not Yourself revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? 7 Show us Your lovingkindness, O LORD, And grant us Your salvation.

8 I will hear what God the LORD will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly. 9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. 10 Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth springs from the earth, And righteousness looks down from heaven. 12 Indeed, the LORD will give what is good, And our land will yield its produce. 13 Righteousness will go before Him And will make His footsteps into a way.

I guess it is God. But don’t think that human responsibility is denied by affirming God as sovereign. Just because it may not make sense right now to affirm both doesn’t mean you should throw one of these biblical truths away. Hezekiah did some amazing things, inspiring really. But God also worked out some wonderful things through Hezekiah and Judah/Israel. So we ought to pray that what we do is God’s will because He is going to get His way no matter what. And we should be thankful when what we do is acceptable to God.

John 18:36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”

Note that Jesus is not saying that His kingdom is not in this world but that it is not of or from this world. It is not like the kingdoms of this world but it is in this world as it is “within [us] (Luke 17:21)” Again note that He has asked the Father “thy kingdom come” to this world and that “But if I cast out devils…the kingdom of God is come unto you (Mat 12:28).” and on and on and on. Over and over you hear that the kingdom is near; know that the kingdom is here. Based on what Jesus said, the kingdom came with the coming of the King of kings. His ascension marked His inauguration. The kingdom is not like the kingdoms of this world, thus it is not of this world; but don’t make the mistake in thinking that it is not currently here among/within us. We are in the kingdom of His dear Son even now. There is more yet to come, but that is another story…

John 18:4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.”

May we only be meek, like Jesus…?

Meek:
1 : enduring injury with patience and without resentment : mild
2 : deficient in spirit and courage : submissive
3 : not violent or strong : moderate

A. Not true. Jesus was bold as well. Notice that He was bargaining with the Roman soldiers for the lives of His disciples. He was also scathing at times using ideas such as “snakes” and “rotting corpses” when referring to some people.

Jesus was perfect. We ought to be like Him. Not only are we to be meek like Him we are also to be bold like Him. No, we are not perfect, but there is a whole body of literature encompassing confrontational Christianity: imprecatory Psalms, apocalyptic literature, and wise warnings all with vivid descriptions of the despicability of the spiritual state of the people you talk to and enloy the company of every day.

We don’t need to unload all of this at once on the people around us but we need to remember that no matter how nice they are, they are not going to heaven without salvation. And how shall they be saved if they do not hear? Have blessed feet…Be bold about your faith.

B. Notice the authority with which Jesus spoke. The soldiers “drew back and fell to the ground” when Jesus spoke “I am he.” That is the power of God. Don’t expect for others to do this when you speak in boldness, but speak with boldness anyways and don’t fear what persecution may come…You can be wise, circumspect, and shrewd in some senses though, note that.

C. Election: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” His disciples were elect for sure but what about everyone else not recorded by scripture as such? Are we elect? “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word (John 17:20).”

It appears that the immediate application of what Jesus spoke directly referred to His disciples. But I think he places a caveat to be reckoned with. Much/if not all (there’s my caveat) of what He says may also refer to “those also who believe,” which would include all covenant keepers of today as well.

Ergo, you may take rest in the fact that Jesus will not lose you if so be that you really are in Him. Seek to be sure that you are in Him and take rest.

LORD, let all of these things mentioned happen/cause them to happen so “That they may know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, Are the Most High over all the earth (Psalm 83:18).”

As Christians we take the Law-Word of God to be our ultimate presupposition, for it is God’s revelation to us. The Scriptures teach that God is the Most High. In theological/philosophical language we say that God is and that God is Sovereign.

If these thoughts are not the starting point of our thinking then we have already gone astray from our very intellectual “birth.” Yes, original sin has even influenced our intellect besides will and emotions; thus it is imperative that we rely on the Word alone to give us the foundations of thought and life.

Following this then, get rid of any ideas of autonomy. Just say no to: natural law theory and instead embrace some degree of theonomy (be pro-God’s law), rationalism and instead let God remain true and every man a liar (even if it doesn’t make sense to our human reason) and autonomy and instead embrace sovereignty (because the LORD He is the Most High).

John 17:6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 “Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; 8 for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. 9 “I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; 10 and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them.

20 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.

Did Jesus Christ give His life a sacrifice for all men’s sins or the sins of those God gave Him? And not only the elect that were there with Him, but all of the elect in Jesus’ “past,” present and “future”…