In The Presence And Power Of The Lord

In The Presence And Power Of The Lord

“And therefore will the Lord wait – that He may be gracious unto you – and therefore will He be exalted – that He may have mercy upon you! For the Lord is a God of Judgment. Blessed are all they that – Wait For Him!” [Is.30:18]

It should be noted that the literal context surrounding Isaiah’s Holy Spirit inspired guiding and writing of this great text — was the wanton idolatry that had overtaken the nation of Judah. If you recall, from chapter 6 of Isaiah – we see the divine call and the divine commission of him to be God’s prophet. The one whom He chose to declare – or bear testimony unto Israel – whatsoever God dictated for him to say to them. This account is found in Is.6:8-10: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send – and who will go for us?’ Then said I – here am I – send me!” (9) And He said, ‘Go and tell this people – hear ye indeed – but understand not – and see ye indeed – but perceive not. (10) And He said; – ‘Make the heart of this people fat – and make their ears heavy – and shut their eyes – lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart – and convert and be healed.”

Because the Lord revealed Himself and spoke unto Isaiah – he was more than willing to go unto a world of people that were not inclined to receive him – or even hear what he had to say about God unto them! Hence, as God’s prophet unto Israel and Judah – the Lord commanded Isaiah to declare unto them a prophetic Woe! (see Is.30:1 “Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not from me – and that cover with a covering – but not of my Spirit – that they may add sin to sin:”) The pronouncement of this “Woe” from God – is a divine indication of most unfavorable judgment from God upon them. Judgment which Judah had witnessed as having been put upon the ten tribes of Israel for their having “…feared other gods – and walked in the statutes of the heathen – whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel…”. (see: 2Ki.17:7-12) And now Judah is following the same course of apostasy! Nevertheless, our Savior God is still faithful unto His true chosen sinner/children in this same fallen-in-sin world.

And this is not at all unlike our present day and time in the world around us! This is why we — unto whom the Holy Spirit has witnessed and assured unto us – that we are indeed one of His true children (see: Ro.8:16-17). We – must always be busy seeking the presence and the power of the only Savior that there is – even the Lord Jesus Christwithout whomwecan do nothing (see Jn.15:5). This Truth is what the Lord God had commissioned Isaiah to communicate unto – both – the nation of the ten tribes (that called themselves Israel) and of the nation of Judah as well. God means what He says! Make no mistake about that! He does not tolerate idolatry and “He which hath begun a good work in you – will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”! (Phil.1:6)

This is why Is.30:18 is so relevant unto us – even today. It declares unto us the perfect timing of the Lord over us – in all of our personal adversities and afflictions (which this world seems to be full of). Is.30:19-21 substantiates this divine Truth. It is a comfort to realize the faithfulness of our Lord as is declared in the 19th verse: “For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem – thou shalt weep no more. He will be very gracious unto thee – at the voice of thy cry – when He shall hear it – He will answer thee.” Praise the Name of the Lord!

Let us never cease from prayerfully seeking our Lord God – who is absolutely sovereign over our whole existence — in our journey through this world. Amen.

Waiting On The Lord Through Prayer

Waiting On The Lord Through Prayer

And therefore will the Lord waitthat He may be gracious unto youand therefore will He be exaltedthat He may have mercy upon you! For the Lord is a God of Judgment. Blessed are all theythat Wait For Him!” [Is.30:18]

 

For the vision is yet for an appointed timebut at the endit shall speak and not lie. Though it tarry; – WAIT for itbecause it will surely come! It will not tarry!” [Hab.2:3]

These texts of holy scripture should communicate much encouragement to every true child of God’s eternal family in this present sinful world! Whenever the enabling Grace of Christ – the only Savior that there is – causes His saved ones in this world to earnestly and persistently seek Him for a much needed supplication – whether it be seemingly small or obviously great – He, Himself, also, will burden His child to earnestly pray for what they so desperately need! It is then – at this time – that He will communicate the bottom line message of both of these texts unto their Regenerated hearts and souls.

Take note of how the prophecy of Habakkuk begins – 1:2 O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! Even cry out unto thee of violenceand thou wilt not save! (3) Why dost thou show me iniquityand cause me to behold grievance?…” This (iniquity and violence) was the sad state and condition of things in and among the Nation of Judah! Therefore, the Lord – through the minor prophet – boldly declared unto Judah: Behold ye among the heathenand regard (or, diligently consider) – and wonder marvelously! For I will work a work in your days(lit.) ye will not believethough it be told you.” This verse, the apostle Paul – in his day and time – quoted unto the Jews and Gentiles in the synagogue in Antioch on the Sabbath. You can read about this from Acts 13:14-52. The reason why Paul quoted this same text unto the Jews of the first century — which was Holy Spirit inspired through Habakkuk (a contemporary of Jeremiah) in 626BC – is because the Jews of the first century AD had become equally as idolatrous as their predecessors! The only difference was that – their idols were not exactly the same. Nevertheless, idolatry is idolatry – no matter what generation it happens to be -– and God judges and condemns it! With the Lord God, it is a damnable sin to fear and to follow anyone or anything except Him and Him alone.

Isaiah, who preceded Habakkuk, accurately prophesied what was taking place in both Habakkuk’s and Paul’s time (and as well in our own time)! This is what made Habakkuk relevant to Paul – hence, he quotes Hab.1:5 in his message in Acts 13:41. All of the Bible is completely and contemporarily relevant unto all of us, at all times! The Spirit of God bears witness to our spirits that this is the Truth! Otherwise, why was Paul also inspired to write Ro.15:4-6> For whatsoever things were written aforetimewere written for our learningthat we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (5) Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: (6) that ye may with one mind and one mouthglorify Godeven the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Therefore, when we read Is.30:18, we can rest assured that it is absolutely relevant to us even in our earnest praying and seeking the Lord God for the earnest supplication(s) of our hearts! Indeed, the context of Is.30:18 has much relevant considerations for us to wisely take note of – for our learning. For our learning to truly seek Him – and to wait for Him – to unfold His grace unto our hearts and our circumstances. Lord willing: we will address this in a future missive.— John Carpenter

 

His Excellent Example Leads Our Way

His Excellent Example Leads Our Way

And He spake a parable unto them – that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. (2) Saying: ‘There was in a city — a judge – that feared not God – neither regarded man. (3) And there was a widow in that city – and she came to him, saying: Avenge me of mine adversary! (4) And he would not for awhile, but afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God – nor regard man (5) yet because this widow troubleth me – I will avenge her – lest by her continual coming – she weary me.’ (6) And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unjust judge saith! (7) And shall not God avenge His own elect – which cry day and night unto Him – though He bear long with them? (8) I tell you that He will avenge them speedily! Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh – shall He find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18:1-8]

The Lord Jesus Christ – the eternal Son of God incarnate – is our eternal Savior. We have been eternally saved — according to the perfectly performed merits of His obedient righteousness; and the eternal efficacy of His sin-atoning shed blood; and the omnipotent power of His sovereign Grace! As being our great Savior – He was, is and always will be – in all things – our excellent example.   Although He is much more than just our example – and always will be – we who are truly His chosen sinner/children – will – by His grace seek to pattern our lives after Him.

1st Peter 2:21-24 plainly says: For even hereunto were ye calledbecause Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps. (22) Who did no sinneither was guile found in His mouth. (23) Who, when He was reviledreviled not againwhen He sufferedHe threatened notbut committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously. (24) Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the treethat webeing dead to sins, should live unto righteousnessby whose stripes ye were healed! (25) For ye were as sheep going astraybut are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”

From Jn.13:15, Jesus says: I have given you an examplethat ye should do as I have done…” Jesus shows us by example how to walk according to His faith through this sinful, fallen and passing away world. He shows by example what it means to truly love – both – Him and one another. And, He demonstrates for us how to suffer patiently by committing ourselves to the sovereign care of our heavenly Father! He shows us that just by living in this world of trial and adversity – walking by His faith and believing in Him – we are, in fact, serving Him by being reflections of Him!

In the matter of prayer, for instance, our Lord is an absolutely exemplary example for us to imitate. From His Word, He tells us to continue in prayer [Col.4:2] and pray without ceasing[1Th.5:17], which surely means that He has willed for us to do just as He has done! As such, this Godly activity of prayer, along with many other disciplines, is a living example of a true close relationship with Christ!

And, when you think about it – if ever there was a man who might not have a need to prayit would be the God/man! After all – He did no sin. He knew no sin. He had no sin. But, it was He who became sin for all those for whom He died! He had a Holy Soul! The lusts of the flesh that in this world always wage war against all the fallen-in-sin souls of God’s chosen sinner/children – absolutely could not even come close to subduing the Holy Soul of our Savior! That ever constant daily battle was bravely fought by Him — and through His faith in the Word of His heavenly Father – He was overwhelmingly victorious over sin! And, through Himso are we!

 

The Glory Of The Kinsman Redeemer

The Glory Of The Kinsman Redeemer

(5) “Wherefore – when He cometh into the world – saith He: ‘Sacrifice and offering – thou wouldest not – but a Body hast thou prepared me! (6) In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin – thou hast not had pleasure.’ (7) Then said I: ‘Lo, I come (in the volume of The Book – it is written of Me) to do thy will, O God.’
(8) Above when He said: ‘Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin – thou wouldest not – neither hadst pleasure therein – which are offered by the Law.’ (9) Then said He: ‘Lo, I come to do thy will, O God.’
He taketh away the first – that He may establish the second! (10) By the which will – we are sancti-fied through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ – once for all.” [He.10:5-10]

Whenever in this fallen-in-sin world – we chosen sinner/children of God are asked – “What is the one thing for which we are the most thankful unto God?” The answer to this question is purely and simply found in this exceedingly grand scriptural context! For this is an explicit explanation of why the gospel of the glory, only, of the Lord Jesus Christ is declared from Rev.14:6 to be “the Everlasting Gospel”! Praise His Name! For the context of this passage descriptively declares that the eternal salvation of all the souls of all the Seed of the only sovereign Savior substitute that there ever was – is – or ever will be – made it His purpose — and decreed – to come into our fallen-in-sin world – garbed in the likeness of our sinful flesh (see: Ro.8:1-3) – explicitly — to be our “Kinsman Redeemer”! And He – as being the Living Word of God and, as well, the Eternal Son of God – is the One in whom God placed us! All who are truly His sinner/children He placed in Him before the foundation of the world (see: Eph.1:3-4). He chose us and placed us in Him – for Him – to be our one and only Savior and Mediator to reconcile us sinners with holy, holy, holy God (see: 1Ti.2:5). Hence, He came into the age of our world of sin and death to justly and eternally set us free from our bondage to our sin and to save our souls from certain eternal death! The Lord Jesus Christ – is our eternal approval and acceptance with God – all to His glory and for His glory!

This He did by the sacrifice of His BodyHis Blood – and even His own eternal Soul! This is said clearly and accurately by God – through His Word – from Is.53:11-12 when He describes what really happened with Christ – for us – at the cross. He tells us: “He shall see the travail of His Soul – and shall be satisfied! By His knowledge (or, more lit. “by the knowledge of Him”) shall my Righteous Servant justify many – for He shall bear their iniquities. (12) Therefore will I divide Him a portion among the great – and He shall divide the spoil among the strong – because He poured out His Soul unto death! And, He was numbered with the transgressors. He bare the sins of many – and made intercession for the transgressors.

Hence, is the Person of Christ and His eternally accomplished works — so aptly described from He.2:11-14: “For both He that sanctifieth – and they who are sanctified – are all of One! For which cause – He is not ashamed to call them brethren, (12) saying, I will declare Thy Name unto my brethren! In the midst of the Church – will I sing praise unto Thee! (13) I will put my trust in Him. And again, Behold – I and the children which God hath given me. (14) Forasmuch then – as the children are partakers of flesh and blood – He also Himself – (lit.) in like manner – took part of the same – that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death – that is the devil.”

Therefore, dear ones, Christ Jesus truly is the Kinsman Redeemer! Thank you, Heavenly Father, for sending us your Eternal Son – to be — our Eternal Savior!

 

The Daily Thanksgiving For Our Redemption

The Daily Thanksgiving For Our Redemption

(12) “Giving thanks unto the Father – which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. (13) Who – delivered us from the power of darkness – and translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son (14) in whom we have redemption through His blood – the forgiveness of sins.” [Col.1:12-14]

“For I know that my Redeemer liveth – and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth! (26) And after my skin worms destroy this body – yet in my flesh – shall I see God.” [Job 19:25]

Here’s something wonderful for us to be thankful for around the scheduled holiday (holy day) feast for this month. i.e. our redemption through the person and work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! The reality is – we should be celebrating this truth every day of every month that we are being led by His Holy Spirit through this whole age of “sin and death” right into the glory of His heavenly Presence!

The fact is – the Word of God explicitly declaresthat Christ Jesusthe only true Redeemerour only true Redeemer – according to Heb.9:11-12 – is, indeed, our Eternal Redeemer! These verses describe His eternal person – and His eternal work – in this way: But Christ being come an High Priest of good things to comeby a greater and more perfect tabernaclenot made with hands, that is to say, not of this building (or, more accurately, not of this creation) (12) neither by the blood of goats and calves (which are “Types” of “blood sacrifices”) but by His own bloodHe entered inOnceinto the holy placehaving obtained Eternal Redemption!”

Indeed, this eternal redemption He did precisely For Us, which is a grand truth brought forward from verse 24, which says: For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands (lit.) the figures of the truebut into heaven itself, now, to appear in the presence (and that is the “omnipresence”) of GodFor Us!

Praise the Lord! What a Wonderful Descriptive Declaration!

There is yet something else that is radiantly glorious about all of the grand eternal works of our Savior. Something that is there – and being brought out from Job 19:25-26. When Job – from the very midst of his trial of great suffering and adversity – declares: For I know that my Redeemer livethand that He shall Stand (or lit.: He shall Rise) at the latter dayupon the earth (or lit., the dust) (26) And after my skin (worms) destroy this (body) – yet in my flesh shall I see God.

Job with confidence and boldness declared that which God allowed to be included in all the testing and trial that Satan did unto him – down to a certain point! God let Job be tried with the loss of all his worldly possessions – with the loss of the living and loving presence of all of his children – with the loss of his physical health and comfort – with the loss of his loving consolation of his own wife – and, as well as with all the unfavorable judgment of those whom he thought were his true and faithful friends. But, God never let the devil have his most dearest possession – his eternal soul. Job – in and throughout all he had to endure in this, and through this, temporary world — never once doubted – the Absolute Sovereign Control of his Lord and Savior God!!

And besides that – the Hebrew word for “Redeemer” – is a word that is used throughout the Old Testament – 98 times! And this may be the very first time that it shows up in the holy inspired text of God’s Word! And, it explicitly describes our Redeemer as being our “Kinsman Redeemer”!

We will further explore this teaching of the Kinsman Redeemer in our next installment for December.

The Sovereign Planting Of His Children

The Sovereign Planting Of His Children

“For Jacob, my servant’s sake – and Israel, mine elect – I have even called thee by thy name. I have surnamed thee – though thou hast not known me. (5) I am the Lord – and there is none else – there is no God beside me! I girded thee – though thou hast not known me. (6) That they may know from the rising of the sun – and from the west – that there is none beside me! I am the Lord – and there is none else. (7) I form the light – and create darkness. I make peace – and create evil. I the Lord do all these things!” [Is.45:4-7]

 

“Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house: and His disciples came unto Him saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. (37) He answered and said unto them – He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man. (38) The field is the world. The good seed are the children of the Kingdom – but the tares are the children of the wicked one. (39) The enemy that sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world – and the reapers are the angels. (40) As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire – so shall it be in the end of the world. (41) The Son of man shall send forth His angels and they shall gather out of His Kingdom all things that offend and them which do iniquity (42) and shall cast them into a furnace of fire – there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (43) Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear – let him hear.” [Mt.13:36-43]

The Lord God, Himself, declares His absolute sovereign control over all things without exception! And this is especially true where His elect-to-eternal salvation is concerned. The Isaiah passage is a true and powerfully profound portion of holy scripture! Our omniscient God has known – and loved – His elect before they have ever come – via the Word of the Truth of the gospel of His glory only — to know and love Him as being their Savior. When He says, “I girded thee, though thou hast not known me” – the Hebrew word used for “girded” is referring specifically of having our loins girt about with a belt. This points us directly to the Truth of the Word of God concerning our Lord Jesus Christ (see: Eph.6:14). When the quickening and awakening of our regeneration occurs and we – by the Holy Spirit of grace – “come unto the knowledge of the Truth”, then we know without a shadow of a doubt – from the rising to the setting of the sun – that He, and He alone is our Lord God! And, literally everything – even in and throughout our whole lives – is under His total control! Through every adversity and trial that this fallen-in-sin world may send into our lives – the Spirit of the Lord of our life continues to communicate unto us that our soul’s eternal salvation is being safely kept and secured under His almighty and sovereign care.

Why? Even because we are the – “Seed”“the children” of His eternal Kingdom! And, through His Word and His Spirit – He continually communicates with us – i.e. bears witness with our spirit – that this is indeed true! He planted us in this world for Him to be sent here to rescue us from the hopeless captivity to our sin – which He has done! Praise His all glorious Name!

The truth concerning Jacob being God’s elect from the womb (see: Rom.9:10-13) – is the truth concerning all of God’s elect-unto-eternal salvation. God in His grace has known us – and loved us (see: Jer.31:3) – and girded us in this Truth (which is Christ Jesus) before we have ever even come to know and realize it. For it is in the communication (by the Holy Spirit through the Holy Word of Truth of the report of the pure gospel message) that comes the creation of the event of finally hearing with saving understanding this gospel report and personal announcement. Rom.10:17> “So then – faith cometh by hearing – and hearing by the Word of God.”

For Christ’s Glory Only!

John Carpenter