In the second parable, the woman who has lost a valuable coin searches everywhere in order to find that which was so valuable. And that group includes me. D.A. [16] I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. 11:5-7 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. He learned more of the things that matter in those years than most men learn in a lifetime. Life (of the abundant kind) is about believing in Him, in placing full confidence in His words and surrendering to His leadership and direction. One of the first texts I read after becoming Catholic was Francis Thompson's "The Hound of Heaven". Let us with humility interpret the Word of God. Additionally, there is some evidence that agape was also coming into more common use at the time to mean simply to love (per Carson). 118. Wayne Grudem says, Those who are said to be reigning with Christ for the thousand years are Christians who have died and are already reigning with Christ in heavenThis view is called Amillennialism because it maintains that there is no future millennium yet to come.[x], The Amil believe that the millennium is now, the whole period from Jesus ascension to his return. [13]For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:9-13), What is it that Martha is acknowledging here? He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. It is amazing how God uses the mouths of even the ungodly, or those whom ought to seemingly be uninvolved in the fate of Gods people, to proclaim the great plan He has for His people. 53:6), no one does anything that is truly good in the eyes of the Holy God we serve (Roman 3:12). [13] He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. You see, God never gives commands (imperatives) without first laying the foundation for the ability to obey those commands. I shall content myself with pointing out the more obvious spiritual lessons which I think the passage was probably meant to convey. (2 Corinthians 4:4, ESV). We would do well at this point to pull back and remember the bigger picture of Jesus ministry, and how it fits into the larger scope of redemptive history. [5]No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. [28] You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence. [29] Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Wed love to move closer to church and to my work. It is only by Gods grace that we arent completely turned over[viii] to these desires in the first place.[ix]. He cares deeply for them. We are fallen men and women. He was going to use His disciples to proclaim this gospel of peace to all the nations in order that He might gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad., This process of spreading the gospel and blessing the nations through the spread of the gospel is the same as gathering into one the children of God, because when a person believes in Christ they are united with Christ and are adopted into His family. These realities are expressed in Peter and in the lives of millions of lost people around the world. (1 Peter 2:2-3). He saves us for Himself, by Himself, from Himself. It was his job to preside over the Sanhedrin. Posted on October 23, 2017. In addition to the notes, there was a sermon that proved very helpful by C.H. Frauds. This is a supernatural thing. [9] When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. For later he would go on to say: Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvationif indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. In answer to their question about the kingdom, Jesus gave the fundamental mission of the church. And its a goal that positions us well to commune with God. You see, death here seemed to have the last say, and the attitude of defeat among the mourners smacked of Satan. And it should do the same for us. Though I loved the darkness more than the light, He has turned my heart toward Him. The poem became famous and was the source of much of Thompson's posthumous reputation. The Amillennial view (Amil) is probably the simplest of the four major viewpoints on the millennial question. We are all sinners, we have all acted against the law of God which has been emblazoned on our consciences. That image comes from Francis Thompson, a 19th century British poet who wrote "The Hound of Heaven." Although Thompson was a follower of Christ, he struggled with poverty, poor health, and an addiction to opium . This means you cannot effectively correct and guide your children, encourage your wife, lead others in a Bible study, or share with those in pain. Our doing is our beholding. Have puffed and burst as sun-starts on a stream. Cowards. I do not address a people this morning who feel no care as to whether they serve God or not. We are blind men boldly marching in midnight toward a fiery grave. Morris comments, The result of the miracle, as always, is division. Francis Thompson (1859-1907) 239. [11] But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. Apart from the Son there will be only darkness. (Ephesians 2:8-10). Christ knew that He was going away soon. But He completely healed them. This indicates to us the outlook of the Councils situation, that even these two groups that hated each other felt the need to work together on this. Spurgeon sees great, if perhaps accidental, wisdom in Marys mistaking Jesus for the gardener: She was mistaken when she fell into supposing him to be the gardener; but if we are under his Spirits teaching we shall not make a mistake if now we indulge ourselves in a quiet meditation upon our ever-blessed Lord, supposing him to be the gardener., It is not an unnatural supposition, surely; for if we may truly sing, We are a garden walled around, It was first printed in 1890 in the periodical Merry England,[1] later to appear in Thompson's first volume of poems in 1893. Rain hits it. We have the down payment of this reality in the giving of the Spirit, yet not the consummation of this reality in the presence of our Lord and Savior. I, chaps. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his names sake. Praise God that we have been found by God in our sinful state and enjoy the privilege of being united to Christ through His loving, relentless pursuit! This ought to give us great hope and joy. Prior to that, dialoguing with a Jewish elder, Nicodemus, Jesus explains that all salvation is predicated upon the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit you must become a new creation (born again) in order to be saved. He isnt just saying, Im the dude youre looking for, Hes saying, I AM who I AM, He is disclosing to them the personal name of YHWY. He was running from his father, from his failure as a medical student, from God himself. Piper closes his thoughts on the matter this way: When Jesus died, he glorified the Fathers name and saved his Fathers people. However, as I just mentioned and have mentioned before, the Sadducees were the most secular (if thats an appropriate word for it) leaders the Jews ever had. No eye except that of the angels had as yet rested upon His form. In his love for us Jesus acts like a hound-dog, intense and focused as he pursues the hunt. (Hebrews 11:17-19). Often it is very easy to get caught up in viewpoints about the millennium, and I do not want to detract from the importance of the millennium. The second resurrection is the physical resurrection of the body preceding the judgment when Christ returns. But seeing and intellectually assenting to the reality of Gods power doesnt make you a child of God. But as well soon see, this verse must be read in its context if were to truly appreciate and understand our Lords message. [18]And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. This was so apparent that it practically dominates the opening sections of this chapter. You can listen below to Richard Burton's reading of it, followed by a short excerpt from Ravi Zachiaras on Thompson's being addicted to opium and being the object of God's pursuit. He must watch over the new church of Christ, and must also feed them. But he is correct that from what I have read at least, letters (a), (b) and (c) are universal in their appearance in the minds of many commentators, and definitely appeared in my mind as I studied the passage. We might sleek into the pits of electronic sex. This is another example of how sometimes popular tradition gets it wrong or at least assumes perhaps a little more than we ought to assume. [i]. [27] For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. Furthermore, Gods plans were bigger than just the Jewish nation, for John tells us, not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. That is to say that it was Gods plan that through the death of Jesus the promise of Abraham might be fulfilled: Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. The hallmark of this text is a warning to believers not to live their lives as introverted and covetous people. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. There are two primary ways to view this: I believe that both views are correct. Thousands have read "The Hound of Heaven" with tears, for it is the story of God's pursuit of all, who, like Thompson, reject him, and try to flee from him. [19] I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Your faith will be solidified. In this segment of verses we read how Peter and the Lord, while sitting amongst the other disciples, had what must have been their first bit of extended conversation since the night of Jesus death. Remember, He is the Lord of all the earth, He is God and He sees and controls the hearts of all men (Prov. The poem became famous and was the source of much of Thompson's posthumous reputation. 21:1, Ps. Oh how different His are from ours! Whom are you seeking? Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away. [16] Jesus said to her, Mary. She turned and said to him in Aramaic, Rabboni! (which means Teacher). To be plants in his garden, Supposing him to be the gardener, is all the heaven we can desire. This also has ramifications for how we understand the millennium. Finally, the Apostle does not stop with this exhortation, but goes on to deliver a comforting reminder (read verse 3). Now lets examine once again some of the bigger picture here. We know His motivation, as discussed earlier, for this was love. You use the Sword of the Word in an unwieldy way and lead others astray, therefore causing great pain and spreading sour milk (to use the authors dairy term) around the church. 33:13-15, Phil. This is a time for joy and sharing the good news, not for clutching me as if I were some jealously guarded private dream-come-true. Carson and F.F. "I must confess," he says, "that I never would have been saved if I could have helped it. A Sermon Published On Thursday, September 24, 1914. It isnt that Marthas faith is wrong, it is simply not matured, it simply hasnt grown into a full-orbed understanding of the character and nature and power of who God in Christ is, and what He is capable of doing. Jesus said to them, Unbind him, and let him go.. Therefore, let me give you four things to take away from this passage: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. "There cannot be heaven without Christ. When Christ says that He is the resurrection and the life, He isnt saying anything new, He is reiterating that life, true life, comes from Him and Him alone. The time was as solemn and majestic as that of the first creation when light burst out of chaos and darkness. [10]For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. Such was the nature of His patience and longsuffering. 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, [2] and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank you that you have heard me. Certainly one of the most difficult things for us humans to deal with is the truth that God, in His eternal purposes, has allowed, yea even willed, for terrible calamity to befall those whom He loves. I fled Him down the arches of the years. You were dead. 15. 13:47, 48, and an indication that all kinds of people are going to be saved. Moody and Lovett point out that Thompson's use of free and varied line lengths and irregular rhythms reflect the panicked retreat of the soul, while the structured, often recurring refrain suggests the inexorable pursuit as it comes ever closer.[3]. But I think we might safely infer from this passage that Marthas priorities have shifted from ones that are busy and self-centered, to ones that are Christ-centered. 11:28-29When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, The Teacher is here and is calling for you. [29]And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. Or do we hesitate? Pink says is emblematic of that black stream through which He was about to pass. The brook was on the east side of the city and eventually flows into the Dead Sea. For help and support, please email help@spurgeon.org. [53]So from that day on they made plans to put him to death. I hid from Him, and under running laughter. The way that John tells the story is really interesting. Not following Jesus obviously did not occur to him as an option. We have children who are sick. John clearly infers that Jesus came to save those people who would believe upon His name. Charles Spurgeon. A sinking feeling takes hold when you realize that youre missing an entire days worth of money in your bank account what in the world happened? The second principle is tied to the first, and it is this: The kingdom of God is dynamic. That is to say it is more than just this idea of God separately reigning in heaven, He is working out His will in and amongst us in time and space. Peter is given the chance to identify with Christ, with His Lord, and instead of doing so He cowers. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. For you. 153 fish,all the species/nations of the world can fit into the net and the net is not broken.. [iv], Sadly, there are many people who incorrectly associate Christs saving work with the entire world, as if all the world will be saved simply because this verse says that God loved the world. Furthermore, John and Jesus say time and time again that Jesus IS the only way to salvation. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. John says earlier in chapter 3: [36] Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. We see that not only is this man the Messiah whose long awaited and desired coming had finally arrived, but he is the very Son of God who called creation into existence millennia prior to this moment. The Hound of Heaven by Francis Thompson, Read by Richard Burton 15:11-13 And he said, There was a man who had two sons. Amen. For no man will ever call upon the name of the Lord without the gracious help of God who opens our eyes and shows us the glory of the light of Jesus for what it truly is.[vii]. The answer is-they are here that they may live unto the Lord, and may bring others to know his love. Now our response must be carefully assessed. Secondly, if one examines the verse closely, it is plain that John isnt saying that God loves the entire world unto salvation. The full text is found here: http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0182.htm. These are sins that block the blood flow and clot the arteries of our faith, causing our thirst for the knowledge of God to dry up. [15] Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? He is quick to say, however, that we must have caution in adding more to the thing than that which is already there. Similarly, God doesnt love the world because the world is inherently good. The postmillennialist has it right in the respect that when God saves a man, there is fruit and evidence of change not only in that mans heart, but in his life and in the society in which he lives. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. The reason this verse (verse 5) is here is because John wanted to ensure that we understood that Christs reasoning in verse four in no way interfered with how we understand verse six. I only say that they appear to me to deserve consideration and reflection. It wasnt enough to say these are the miracles of Pharaohs magicians, but the very reason that the men in vs. 46 came to the Council in the first place was due to the overwhelming evidence before them. So there is this connection again between us being transformed, and us beholding Him in His glory. 1088, [xiv] John Frame, Systematic Theology, Pg. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Autobiography, Vol. Believers will indeed gain wealth, influence, and even dominance.[xv]. So when the Son willingly took the suffering of that recompense on himself, every footfall on the way to Calvary echoed through the universe with this message: the glory of God is of infinite value! For those of us who are children of God, saved from the wrath of the Father because of the work of Christ on the cross, we must not miss the importance of this text. 1088. There is such power in this phrase and in this truth. By continual hearing of the Word and submitting your lives joyfully to its teaching. They dont want to follow Christ. All of this can be comprehended by identifying how the Bible speaks about the kingdom of God and the reign of His Christ in other places, and how we are to understand this in light of what we read in chapter 20. Rise up, and come away.'. Christ is heaven and heaven is Christ.". Therefore your are called to believe and that faith, that belief, is the instrument by which you obtain your salvation. With this cursory understanding of the kingdom of God under our belts, let us examine the four major views on the reign of Christ in the millennium. We can do this, as Christians, by prayerful meditation on the Word of God. The stench of death was likely setting in, and no one ever though of the man comingbackto life. The story of Lazarus was not included for no reason at all in this gospel. Now it may seem odd to us, who do not have the full picture of the Jewish culture, that Martha would even know such a thing. He is the resurrection and the life, and those who believe that will never die. Could He have been any more blunt than this? [8] Romano, August 23, 2013, notes on Luke 15 talk. Their hearts loved His heart. The inevitable question surfaces (in my mind at least): do I love my Lord enough to serve Him if it means waking my exhausted body up at o-dark-thirty to serve him? Then I plead with you repent of that sin. It was not absolutely necessary for our preparation for immortality that we should tarry here. Furthermore, we can rest in the fact that it is God the all powerful who is working within us. The Elevation of Worship in Todays Culture, Reformation Month Devotionals: Thoughts from Richard Baxter. In our recent Bible study there was a passing comment about Spurgeon describing God as the "hound of heaven", citing that God relentlessly pursued him until Spurgeon finally surrendered to him. How is it said that we obtain this discernment? 1087-1088. The Father has a sovereign plan, and the Son knows that all things are in the hand of the Father this is illustrated all the more in verse 9. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. This is the day Jesus rose from the dead and thats why even to this day, 2,000 years later, we call it The Lords Day and worship Him together on this day. Therefore what is at stake here is not only the veracity of His teaching and the very truth of our salvation, but also the preeminence of Jesus Himself. The amillennialist would remind us of verses like we find at the end of Marks gospel, So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19 also see Ephesians 1:20-23)[i]. I like to think of myself as a patient man except, of course, when the kids or the co-workers, or someone (anyone) else has really pressed my nerves or my buttons repeatedly. Jesus is indeed our great Gardener! However it is the learned man or woman who confidently asserts opinion where angels dare not tread. They dont want to hear that they are sinners and that their sin is wrong. In addition to his sermons, he wrote many books, including a four-part autobiography, a massive seven-volume series on the Psalms called The Treasury of David, books on prayer and other . Now Peter needed to have that same love for the sheep. Read by Richard Burton.Subscribe to our Yo. Charles Spurgeon Quotes about Heaven - Lib Quotes It shows us His deity, His majesty, His obedience to the Father and His love for us. 11:16So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.. What this verse does teach us is that God has prepared a way of salvation (eternal salvation) for the whole world people from every tribe and tongue and nation will have a way to be saved.
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