By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net

And who is like Your people, like Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people, to make for Himself a name-and to do for Youself great and awesome deeds for Your land-before Your people whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, the nations, and their gods? (2 Samuel 7:23 NKJV)

This is one of my favorite moments in Old Testament history.  It is a great moment in David's life.  Instead of pouting that God has denied him the right to build the temple David goes before the Lord in submission and gratitude.  Included in his prayer is gratefulness for what God has done for Israel. God has redeemed for himself a people. He has delivered them from Egyptian bondage.  By this action, he made a name for himself. 

While Israel was blessed above all the nations Christians are blessed above all people. Israel was delivered from Egyptian bondage, but Christians are delivered from the bondage of sin (Titus 2:14) and the threat of death (Hebrews 2:15).
 
When God led Israel out of Egypt he did marvelous things for them such as parting the Red Sea. For our eternal redemption, God commended his love toward us by the death of his Son (Romans 5:8). By the power of the Holy Spirit, he revealed and confirmed this incredible story of love. Just as God made a name for himself in the redemption of Israel he also purchased a people by the blood of his Son “to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:6). Jesus through his humility acquired a name that is above every name (Philippians 2:9-11).

What a marvelous thought that God intervened powerfully in the nation of Israel to nurture her, patiently enduring her stubbornness to ultimately produce a Savior for the world. Thoughts of the rich blessings enjoyed in Christ should bring us to our knees and call us to say: “And what is my house, that You have brought me this far” (2 Samuel 7:18)?

By George Slover

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For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. (2 Peter 1:16)

The Lord Jesus Christ is the focal point of the apostles preaching.  His first advent, of which the apostles were witnesses, is the object of the Christian’s faith. Christ’s second advent is the object of the Christian’s hope. A foundation of such faith and hope are those who testified of the marvelous revelation of Jesus.

The Christian’s faith is not based on fables.  There were many strange stories circulating among both the Jews and the Gentiles.  (Matthew 13:22) But the story of Jesus is not a myth. It is history- real history.  The story of Jesus is an incredible one.  The apostles were witnesses of those things Jesus did and taught. 

The Christian’s faith is based on eyewitnesses.  The apostles were eyewitnesses of his Majesty.  The word “eyewitness” alludes to the careful scrutiny of those who testified.  There was no deception or imagination.  They truly witnessed his majesty!  Peter, James, and John saw in Jesus the glory of God on the holy Mountain. 

The Christian’s faith is based on the testimony of the Father.  On the mountain of transfiguration, the apostles not only saw the glory of God, but heard a voice from heaven.  The Father said: “this is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5)  Only the Father could make such an announcement.   He was well pleased with his son!  Instead of Moses or Elijah, man must now listen to Him.  Regardless of what man may think of Jesus, he is still honored by the Father.   It would behoove us to heed the Father and listen to his son. 

Human nature is such that it would be easy to doubt the incredible story of Jesus. However, when one fully examines the evidence and accepts its reality with trust, love, and hope, he is constrained to make Jesus his Lord and is motivated by the promise of the Lord’s victorious return. (II Peter 3:10-14)

By George Slover

 

There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9)

Much of Jesus’ ministry was near the sea of Galilee.  Luke tells us that Jesus was near the city of Bethsaida on the east side of the sea.  A great multitude followed Jesus because of the signs he performed.

Thus, Jesus tested Philip: "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" (John 6:5)  Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little." (John 6:7) Then, Andrew adds, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9)  Does Andrew see some potential here or is he thinking the situation is hopeless?   

The Barley loaves were not large commercial loaves of bread.  They would be just enough to make a fish “sandwich”.  The fishes were salted and dried, and used for relish.   It was common food for a common little boy.  The food may have been for his lunch.  However, Jesus does something spectacular with this small amount.

How many times have we contemplated our own inadequacy?  Who are we among so many?  The world seems so intimidating, and we are so small.  What can we do? 

There are many tools God places at our disposal to contribute to our spiritual success.  The most useful one is a book that seems so common and ordinary. That book is the Bible. Its message has radically changed lives for more than 2000 years.   

This great faith building book is at your disposal right now.  The same message that influenced an Ethiopian, a Jewish zealot, and a jailer can also give you joy and hope.  Study it, practice, preach it,  and you will be blessed!

By George Slover