TRUTH
Suggested Reading: John 8
(click scripture link to read online)
Sunrise over the Dead Sea from Ein Gedi.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: John 8:32
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Truth and Freedom – these words stand out in our reading. The accusers of the woman taken in adultery were faced with truth. The result was freedom, not only for the woman, but also for the men. She was free from death and was not condemned by Jesus. They were free to admit their sin and to be freed from the guilt of hypocrisy. Jesus was the only One who could’ve cast a stone. He is without sin, and He chose not to condemn her. What right does He have to change the Law of Moses? The scribes and pharisees quoted Moses’ Law on the matter. Jesus has every right to change Moses’ Law, because, as He stated, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” Jesus, in Himself the “TRUTH,” was the very One who had told Moses from the burning bush that His name was “I AM.” No wonder that the Jewish leaders, as recorded in the last verse of our reading, “took up stones to throw at Him.” He had given to Moses the Laws we’ve read in Leviticus, in order to show the impossibility of anyone living a holy life on their own. He is the One who provides forgiveness for our sins. The most often repeated verse in the Bible is, “His mercy endures forever.” For our worship today, we could read 1 Chronicles 16 and Psalm 136 (click here), or turn to these amazing Words in our Bibles, as I’ve done.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, “I Am,” I throw myself on Your mercy. I pray with the publican in the Temple,”Lord be merciful to me a sinner.” Just as You said that this person went to his house justified, so am I justified before You, O Holy God. Thank You Lord that as I daily abide in YOUR WORD, TRUTH MAKES ME FREE. AMEN!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I am honoured to know Dr. Paul Maier, Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University. He is often called on by the major radio and TV networks for his expertise. He spent every day for a year with me on 100 Huntley Street as we explored the book of Acts. His Dad is Dr. Walter Maier, Founder and former preacher on “The Lutheran Hour: Bringing Christ to the Nations.” I wrote Paul a few days ago as we read Leviticus. Without explaining the context of my enquiry, let me quote the Doctor concerning the Leviticus’ laws: “Most of these laws regarding ‘abominations’ are inoperative today, as they were in Jesus’ day 2000 years ago. Rabbinical Courts rarely, if ever, applied them.” I asked Dr. Maier specifically about Moses’ law concerning the practice of homosexuality. I quote,”Homosexuality is in an entirely different category, since it is opposed also in the New Testament and is against natural law.” As I pointed out in the Leviticus commentaries, FORGIVENESS, based on the animal sacrifices which pictured the sacrifice of Jesus, Who is our final and complete sacrifice for sin, is the operative Word of God (Romans 1:16-32).
Yours for a Holy Spirit taught understanding of TRUTH,
David
Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Amen!
I am very fearful for the State of Israel and I pray that the Lord God of Israel is King and His Kingship has dominion over all, Amen
Thank you Lord for what you have done in me I pray that you bring salvation
to those who need you the most, and that through the Holy Spirit will change
their lives
In Jesus name I pray
Amen
Lianne Hogg
Thank-you— may David’s Prayer Song re-play on my mind and in my heart all day,and forever more!!
Dr. Maier’s insight on the execution of laws surrounding abominitions written in Leviticus is interesting. Having rarely being applied as written, perhaps these punishments were possibly more of a deterrent to the Israelites? They were harsh. The referrence of Jesus to others who were willing to stone the adulteress, is especially significant in this world we live in today, “for His mercy endures forever.”
reply to Claudette: We should continue to pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.
Do not fear for Israel as you wrote as God is Sovereign and Israel is His land. He will work out His purposes for Israel. I pray that His people will recognize their Messiah. Also thank you David for your blog each day. May the Lord continue to give you deeper understanding.
I am glad you gave furthur insite into Lev. as I found it harsh also.
I wept today when reading the scripture around Romans 1 vs 16-32.
Sin is so terrible but God is good and mighty to save and mighty in battle
It is extremely difficult to show the love of Christ to people caught in such sin.
I guess u have to give them over to God and let God do the work.
People make their own choices.
I choose God.
Though none go with me still I will follow
Like Peter said “where will I go? U have the words of eternal life. U r the Christ.
May God be merciful to me a sinner saved by grace and rejoicing in that knowledge even as I cry.
Mellany
The Truth is in Your Word, Oh Lord, and it is what sets us free!
I am learning to soak myself in the reading of scripture whenever I exhibit disapproval of others. It leads me to know I am, indeed, casting judgement, am unforgiving and am called to look within, to face my own sin. That is when I bow down, am humbled on my knees in prayer, and repent. The Lord’s forgiveness is so healing, and the cleansing of His mercy, so real.
Thank you, David, for your continued guidance.
My vote is for Mellany! ( and you too, Mr. Mainse, of course! ) Way to go, girl! My sentiments, exactly! Forget Obama and Romney, we have a winning team right here! I’d like to touch on what the two DAVIDS wrote today; regarding all those laws in the OT, Hank Hanegraaff refers to them as ” Types and Shadows ” Anyone here tune in to his program? I’m not exactly sure where I stand on a lot of those things? I need to study more! I discovered something this morning; after clicking on the scripture link, then hit the audio bible option, I find I can remove my glasses and exercise my ears. Ain’t technology grand?! Thank you , LORD, for providing all of this for us! Have a blessed day, everyone! In JESUS name, AMEN.