The Names of Jesus: Redeemer

Hello Beloved,

As we continue our study of the names and titles of Jesus, we were previously in the Old Testament. Last month, we considered the title of Jesus as “The Banner.” This month we will consider the salvation names of Jesus. We will be following closely with Elmer Towns categories of names, beginning with “Redeemer.” The title of Redeemer is never used of Jesus in the New Testament, though His work of redemption is spoken of often. The term “redemption” basically means “to buy back.” When it is associated with our salvation, it means the price that was paid to purchase our salvation and forgiveness of sins, which was Christ’s blood.

We can follow Towns’ description of Jesus as “Redeemer” by focusing on three different aspects of this concept. First, we will consider that Christ purchased us in the “marketplace.” The term agorazo means “to go to the marketplace (agora) and pay the price for a slave.” Think of the song that was sung in heaven and led by the Four Living Creatures in Revelation 5: “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” Revelation 5:9 (ESV). Second, redemption (exagorazo) also means “to buy out from the marketplace.” In Galatians, the Apostle Paul emphasizes Christ’s redemption by removing us from the curse of the law. He writes, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— Galatians 3:13 (ESV). In the place of this curse, God has made us adopted sons and daughters; “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV). Third and finally, let us search out Christ’s redemption as lutrao, which means “to pay the price for the slave and then release him.” This aspect of redemption emphasizes the freedom for those redeemed in Christ through the shedding of His blood. The author of Hebrews writes, “he (Christ) entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption” Hebrews 9:12 (ESV). As Towns concludes, the redemption of Christ “includes the price of redemption (agorazo), removal from the marketplace of sin (ekagorazo), and the provision of liberty to the redeemed (latrao).”

In the super-miracle of the Incarnation, our very Creator, Preserver, Judge, becomes our Kinsman, Sinbearer, Redeemer! Of all miracles and mysteries this is the most staggering. (J. Sidlow Baxter)

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

*Today’s notes came from Elmer Towns’ “The Names of Jesus.”

The names of Jesus: The Banner

As we continue our study of the names and titles of Jesus, we are currently in the Old Testament. Last month, we considered the title of Jesus as “The Desire of All Nations.” This month we will consider the messianic title: “The Banner.” A banner is a pole used as a standard or ensign set on the tops of mountains as a call for the people to assemble themselves for some great national purpose. We might relate the use of a banner or ensign in the same manner as we perceive a flag.

In the prophecy of Isaiah, it is communicated that in the coming Millennium the “shoot of Jesse” who is also called the “root of Jesse” will stand as a banner for all His people. In the Millennium, wild animals will be kind to domesticated animals, and what once was dangerous will be safe for children. This will be a time when:

And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze, Their young will lie down together, And the lion will eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:6–9 (NASB95)

By “knowledge of the Lord,” Isaiah infers that people will not just know about the Lord, but they will live in accordance with God’s principles and His Word. Judah and Israel will be regathered into the land of promise, and they will abide by the New Covenant. Finally, the prophet communicates in this passage that all the peoples will be blessed and gather around “The Banner,” which is Jesus Christ. Jesus will be a rallying point for the nations. The prophet states, "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious." Isaiah 11:10 (NKJV)

As citizens of America, we culturally stop our events at ballgames, the beginning of school days, or even at vacation Bible school to say the pledge of allegiance to the “banner” or flag that represents our nation, the United States of America. We do this because we are patriots, citizens who care about our country, and loyalists who submit to the governing authorities under which God has placed us. We celebrate the men in war who carried the “banner” courageously into battle with little concern for their own safety. We revere those who hoisted the “banner” at the end of the battle to remind the enemy who was the victor. We place the “banner” in the ground of new and untamed territories, like the moon, to show that we have gone where no man has gone before. The “banner” is a point of rally for us as Americans. Consider our national anthem, “O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” How much more should Jesus, “The Banner,” be our point of rally now as He will be in the coming kingdom. Jesus said as much in Luke when he stated, “And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.” Luke 13:29 (ESV)

The Banner of Jesus is flying high
when nailed upon the cross was He to die.
With arms opened wide as a flag unfurled
as men passed by and their insults hurled.

Upon Calvary's hilltop the banner flies
as Jesus lays down His life for us and dies.
There the veil of the temple was torn in two
and heaven’s door opened we go through.

He said 'When I am hung upon the tree'
then I will draw Jews and Gentiles to me, '
To all who believe the cross leads to heaven
and all who come in repentance are forgiven.

Outstretched upon Calvary's cross I see
the full extent of Jesus' love for me.
The 'agape' love of God was outpoured
for this poor, vile sinner by Christ adored.

From the Root of Jesse the banner flies
'Come, enter the gates of heaven it cries.'
The Sovereign Lord beckons us to come
and calls us to our great heavenly home.

There praise shall be my glorious battle cry
and His great love my soul shall occupy.
Called into His Banqueting house above
where His great banner over me is love.

By: Roy Allen

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

The Names of Jesus: The Desire of All Nations

Hello Beloved,

As we continue our study of the names and titles of Jesus, we are currently in the Old Testament. Last month, we considered the title of Jesus as “Branch.” This month we will consider the messianic title: “The Desire of All Nations.” During the return from exile, under the leadership of Joshua and Zerubbabel, the people of God were beginning to show signs of discouragement with the building of the Second Temple. It simply did not have the regality and the architectural beauty of the temple that Solomon had built. Further, there were articles that would be missing from the Second Temple that were in that of the first, among which included the ark of the covenant with the mercy seat and the very Shekinah glory of God. To encourage the Jews in the rebuilding of the temple, Haggai wrote,

6  "For thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; 7  and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,' says the LORD of hosts. 8  'The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says the LORD of hosts. 9  The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,' says the LORD of hosts. 'And in this place I will give peace,' says the LORD of hosts." Haggai 2:6-9 (NKJV)

The shaking here most likely refers to the earthquake that occurs during Christ’s second coming and the period surrounding the battle of Armageddon. It is after our Lord’s return that He will set up the Millennial kingdom and the nations will adorn the future temple with their wealth. However, a traditional title for Christ seems to be tucked into the seventh verse of this text, a title that is debated in some circles. Nevertheless, as we see in the New King James Bible, it is possible to see in this text a title for Christ as “the Desire of all Nations.” In line with this interpretation, we see Christ, as the glory of God, fill His temple. It is true that the Shekinah glory of God was absent in the dedication of the Second Temple, and the glory of God returning to the temple could be perceived as partially fulfilled in Christ’s first coming when the baby Jesus entered the temple. Simeon described Jesus as, “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:32 (ESV). Nevertheless, it is clear that Haggai is referring to Jesus’ second coming in Haggai 2:6-9. At that time, Christ will be King and Lord of all the nations. This is why we continue to pray, “Come, Lord Jesus!” Revelation 22:20 (ESV) Someone once wrote of Jesus:

To the horticulturist He is the True Vine.
To the judge He is the Righteous Judge, the Judge of all men.
To the juror He is the Faithful and True Witness.
To the jeweler He is the Pearl of Great Price.
To the lawyer He is Counselor, the Lawgiver, the Advocate.
To the newspaper man He is the Good News of Great Joy.
To the philanthropist He is the Unspeakable Gift.
To the philosopher He is the Wisdom of God.
To the preacher He is the Word of God.
To the sculptor He is the Living Stone.
To the statesman He is the Desire of all Nations.

(Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations: Signs of the Times.)

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

The Names of Jesus: Branch

Hello Beloved,
As we continue our study of the names and titles of Jesus, we are currently in the Old Testament. Last month, we considered the title of the Jesus as “Immanuel.” This month we will consider the messianic title of “Branch.” In days of old, the branch metaphor was often related to the descendants of a king (Ezek 17:3, 10; Dan 11:7), and the Bible depicts this metaphor of Jesus as the righteous “Branch” that shoots from the dynasty of David. We often reflect on Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah 11:1, which states, “There shall come forth a shoot (my emphasis) from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit” Isaiah 11:1 (ESV). Several other prophetic passages also depict Jesus as the “Branch:”

 “Branch of Yahweh” (Isa 4:2)

“Branch of David” (Jer 23:5–6)

“The Branch, My Servant” (Zec 3:8)

“Branch, a man” (Zec 6:12)

 Elmer Towns indicates that the four passages exhibited above which describe the “Branch” communicate an interesting kaleidoscope of colorful metaphors that appear to parallel an emphatic description of Jesus from each of the four gospels (Elmer Towns, The Names of Jesus, 48). First, the prophet Jeremiah writes, “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land” Jeremiah 23:5 (ESV). Towns connects Matthew’s emphasis of Jesus as “King” with Jeremiah’s description of the Messiah. Second, the prophet Zechariah states, “Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch” Zechariah 3:8 (ESV). Towns connects Zechariah’s emphasis on the Messiah as “Servant” from this passage with the broad emphasis on Jesus as “Servant” from the gospel of Mark. Of course, the prophet Isaiah also greatly emphasizes the connection of the “Servant” with “Messiah” in his four servant songs located in the second half of his prophetic book. Third, Zechariah also writes of the Messiah, “And say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: for he shall branch out from his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD” Zechariah 6:12 (ESV). Towns emphasizes the humanity of Jesus from this allusion and connects Zechariah’s description of the “Branch” with Luke’s use of the “Son of man” in his gospel. Finally, Isaiah writes:

In that day the branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel. And he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem, when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning. Then the LORD will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory there will be a canopy. There will be a booth for shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain. Isaiah 4:2-6 (ESV)

Towns connects Isaiah’s portrayal of the “Branch” that encompasses the very identity of the Lord Himself in all His divine glory with John’s description of Jesus with the Word who was with God and was God (John 1:1). As Jesus was the “Servant” who suffered for our sin in His first coming, we await the fulfillment of His kingdom, which will be inaugurated in His second coming. At this time, King Jesus, the righteous Branch, will sit on His throne and execute justice and righteousness. Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

The Names of Jesus: Immanuel

Hello Beloved,

As we continue our study of the names and titles of Jesus, we are currently in the Old Testament. Last month, we considered the name of the prophet like “Moses.” This month, as Christmas approaches, we will consider the name “Immanuel.”

 In the birth narrative of Matthew, we are told by an angel of the Lord that Mary, who is a virgin, is to give birth to the Christ child, His name is to be Jesus, and He will fulfill the Immanuel prophecy. Matthew alludes to Isaiah 7:14 when he writes, “’Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us)” Matthew 1:23 (ESV).

 In the context of Isaiah 7, the wicked king of Judah, Ahaz, is examining his water supply when the prophet Isaiah approaches him. Ahaz is in a conundrum. Two northern kingdoms more powerful and of greater wealth are trying to manipulate him to join their alliance. Isaiah, speaking for God, communicates that God is going to deliver Judah from these enemies. Further, he invites Ahaz to ask for a sign from the Lord “as deep as Sheol or high as heaven” for assurance of God’s promise. Ahaz tries to seem religious by stating that he would not put God to the test, but in so doing he completely misses out on a blessing by misunderstanding the situation. Nevertheless, Isaiah states that God would give Ahaz a sign:

 14 . . .  Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15  He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16  For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. 17  The LORD will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father’s house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria.” Isaiah 7:14-17 (ESV)

 Though God does provide a more immediate fulfillment to this sign, possibly in the birth of Isaiah’s son Maher-shalal-hash-baz, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, the premiere “God with us.” It was stated of Jesus in John’s prologue, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” John 1:14 (ESV).

 God had promised to be with His people in the Old Testament through many difficult and challenging situations. He promised Moses, “But I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12) in using this servant as a vessel through which to deliver God’s people from Egyptian bondage. God promised Joshua in the conquest of the promised land that “Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you” Joshua 1:5 (ESV). Further, in encouraging the people to rebuild the temple after the exile, God promised His people by the mouth of the prophet Haggai, “I am with you, declares the LORD” Haggai 1:13 (ESV). Of course, Jesus fulfilled the promise of God being with us in a unique and greater way when the very Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, took on flesh, and was born in a manger. Let us reflect on the “Immanuel” who came to die on that old rugged cross that we might have life. I leave you with these words from Charles Spurgeon:

When once I mourned a load of sin,
When conscience felt a wound within,
When all my works were thrown away,
When on my knees I knelt to pray,
Then, blissful hour, remembered well,
I learned Thy love, Immanuel!

When storms of sorrow toss my soul,
When waves of care around me roll,
When comforts sink, when joys shall flee,
When hopeless griefs shall gape for me,
One word the tempest’s rage shall quell,
That word, Thy name, Immanuel!

When for the truth I suffer shame,
When foes pour scandal on my name,
When cruel taunts and jeers abound,
When “Bulls of Bashan” gird me round,
Secure within Thy tower I’ll dwell,
That tower, Thy grace, Immanuel!

When hell, enraged, lifts up her roar,
When Satan stops my path before,
When fiends rejoice and wait my end,
When legion’d hosts their arrows send,
Fear not, my soul, but hurl at hell
Thy battle-cry, Immanuel!

When down the hill of life I go,
When o’er my feet death’s waters flow,
When in the deep’ning flood I sink,
When friends stand weeping on the brink,
I’ll mingle with my last farewell,
Thy lovely name, Immanuel!

When tears are banished from mine eye,
When fairer worlds than these are nigh,
When Heaven shall fill my ravish’d sight,
When I shall bathe in sweet delight,
One joy all joys shall far excel,
To see Thy face, Immanuel!

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

The Names of Jesus: A Prophet Like Moses

Hello Beloved,

 As we continue our study of the names and titles of Jesus, we are currently in the Old Testament. Last month, we considered the name of “Shiloh” and its implications in describing the Christ. This week we will consider the prophet “like Moses.” We read of this individual in Deuteronomy
18:15-18, Moses writes:

15  “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen— 16  just as you desired of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ 17  And the LORD said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.
Deuteronomy 18:15-18 (ESV)

One might initially think this that prophet would find its fulfillment in Joshua, the immediate successor of Moses, but the end of Deuteronomy nullifies this thought. We read, “And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,” Deuteronomy 34:10 (ESV) A close examination of this prophet from Deuteronomy 18 helps us to understand that like Moses, God would communicate to this prophet directly, and then this prophet would communicate directly to the people. That’s exactly what happened at Horeb (or Sinai) when the Lord spoke to the people, and the people asked Moses to intercede for them because they were petrified of God’s voice. As Ajith Fernando points out, in one sense this could be descriptive for any of God’s prophets in that the people were called to listen to God’s prophet, (v. 15) and the prophet was required to speak the words that God put in His mouth. (v. 19) However, the “face-to-face” characteristic of this prophet, which closely resembled Moses’ ministry, most clearly finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.

In the period between the Old and New Testament, it became clearer to God’s people that the prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:15-19 referred to one single prophet as opposed to just the prophetic office in general. When John the Baptist came on the scene, the question was posed, “’Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”’ John 1:21 (ESV) At least twice, during Christ’s ministry, the observing Jewish multitudes recognized Jesus as this prophet. In John 6:14, it was said of Jesus after the feeding of the five thousand, ‘“This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”’
John 6:14 (ESV) Further, at the end of the Feast of Booths the multitudes heard Jesus claim that through belief in Him one would expel “rivers of living water.” They then exclaimed, ‘“This really is the Prophet.”’ John 7:40 (ESV) Further, in the gospel of John, Jesus Himself could have been alluding to his fulfillment of this prophecy when he stated to the religious leaders, “For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.” John 5:46 (ESV)

It seems very clear that the Apostles recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of this prophesy. After healing the lame man at the “Beautiful Gate”, Peter proclaimed to the crowds regarding the fulfillment of Christ’s ministry, “Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’” Acts 3:22–23 (ESV) Stephen, a deacon who was associated with the Apostles, may have been alluding to Jesus before the Sanhedrin when he said, “This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’” Acts 7:37 (ESV) Of course, as intimate as Moses was with God, meeting Him in face-to-face encounters at the tent of meeting, Jesus, the perfect God man, was much more intimate. No other merely human prophet came close to the intimacy Moses had with God, but Moses could not touch the connection of Jesus and the Father. In this sense, we could conclude that Jesus fulfilled the ideal of a perfect prophet. Of course, Jesus is more than a prophet, He is the very God-man who died for our sins. Further, in studying the life and ministry of Jesus, we discover the office of prophet was just one among three anointed ministries, including that of priest and king.

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

The Names of Jesus: Shiloh

Hello Beloved,

As we have exhaustively surveyed the names and epithets of God in the last series of this newsletter, I will be turning to write on the names of Jesus. This series will primarily follow the work of Elmer Towns’ The Names of Jesus.

The first name given of Jesus in the Old Testament comes from a passage we recently studied on Sunday morning, Genesis 49:10. You may recall that Jacob prophesied Judah’s descendants would experience praise from his brothers, and he would exhibit power over his enemies. Judah is described as a lion who will receive the symbol of rule, the scepter. Jacob states, "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples” Genesis 49:10 (NASB).

Admittedly, the name of “Shiloh” does not appear in many of the translations, like the ESV and NIV. However, I believe it is best to translate the word from this passage by using the Hebrew transliteration, which is “Shiloh.” There are several debated meanings for this word, including “the sent one,” “son,” “peace” or “peace-giver” (the name Towns adheres to), “tribute,” and “he to whom it belongs.” We know that whatever it means, the name clearly refers to Jesus. At the heart of this prophecy, the nations of the world will be gathered to “Shiloh.” (Not to be confused with the place in Israel where the tabernacle was placed in the time of the Judges.)

Many ancient Jewish and Christian commentators agree that the passage of Genesis 49:10 must refer to the coming Messiah. Shiloh is a portrait of strength and power and will rule during a period of prosperity. Immediately following the given name of Shiloh, Jacob declares several metaphors that signify abundance during Shiloh’s reign. Jacob states, "He ties his foal to the vine, and his donkey's colt to the choice vine; He washes his garments in wine, And his robes in the blood of grapes. His eyes are dull from wine, And his teeth white from milk” Genesis 49:11-12 (NASB). During this period, grape vines are so numerous, one could tie his or her animal to them. Wine is so abundant; one uses it to wash clothes. Further, dark eyes and white teeth are indicative of health. Could this picture of worldwide dominion and prosperity be a portrait of the coming Millennium in which the Christ King (Shiloh) will reign? I believe it is! Yes, it is to Shiloh, the one to whom it belongs, that will have the rule and reign over such a kingdom. However, before this reign, further revelation from God’s Word communicates that Messiah must die and pay the penalty for our sins. William Billings captures this truth in his poem “Shiloh.”

Let all your fears be banish'd hence
Glad tidings I proclaim
For there's a Saviour born today
And Jesus is his name

Lay down your crooks and quit your flocks
To Bethlehem repair;
And let your wand'ring steps be squar'd
By yonder shining star

Seek not in courts or palaces
Nor royal curtains draw;
But search the stable, see your God
Extended on the straw

Then learn from hence, ye rural Swains
The Meekness of your God
Who left the boundless Realms of Joy
To Ransom you with blood

The Master of the Inn refus'd
A more commodious Place;
Ungenerous Soul of Savage Mould
And destitute of Grace

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Biblical Epithets for God: Alpha (Α) and Omega (Ω)

Hello Beloved,

We are finishing our long study on the names and epithets of God in this edition of the Voice. Last month, we considered the epithet of God as “Husbandman.” This month, we will focus on the epithet of God as the “Alpha (Α) and Omega (Ω).” This epithet for God comes predominantly from the book of Revelation. There are two places in this book when God speaks directly. Both places contain this epithet for God. In the introduction of the book, God states, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty”
Revelation 1:8 (ESV). At the end of the book during the presentation of the New Jerusalem, the voice from the throne emphasizes . . . “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end . . .”  Revelation 21:6 (ESV).

“Alpha” and “Omega” are respectively the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, but they are also meant to summarize all the other letters. As Revelation 21:6 indicates, this epithet infers that God controls the beginning and the end as well as everything that is in between. The word we use to describe this control is “sovereignty,” an attribute of God that we have studied in a previous edition of this newsletter. The connotation of God being the Alpha and the Omega relates primarily to history. R. Bauckham believes that this title being placed at the beginning and end of the vision in Revelation signifies that God is the sole origin and goal of all things. The title is built on the prophetic truth ascribed to God by Isaiah, “Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god’”
Isaiah 44:6 (ESV). God begins history at creation, and He ends it in the “eschaton” or the “end times.” Because God is sovereign over all of history, we can know that God is in charge of our past, present, and future. He has shown Himself faithful in the past; He continues to be a source of strength in present difficulties, and He prophetically reveals He has a firm grasp on the future.

Further, the title of Alpha and Omega is also used specifically of Jesus in Revelation 22:13. Jesus encourages John’s readers by stating, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” Revelation 22:12-13 (ESV). Therefore, not only does this title attribute deity to Jesus, but it also stresses the unity between the Father and the Son. Jesus, as God’s Son is sovereign over all things, has been given all authority, and will judge righteously. I leave you with this thought from Peter C. Moore.

God is not just the Lord of creation, the one who starts everything going in accordance with a grand plan. He is also the Lord of history. History is 'his story', and in some unfathomable combination of divine sovereignty and human will, God is the master chess player moving his chessmen forward and back in anticipation of the final moment when all that opposes him will be checkmated and his reign will be universally recognized. (Peter C. Moore/ The Complete Gathered Gold)

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

*Ideas attributed predominantly to Grant Osborne

Biblical Epithets for God: Husbandman

Hello Beloved,

Last month, we considered the epithet of God as “Husband.” This month, we will consider the epithet of God as “Husbandman.” It may initially appear as though the “Husband” and the “Husbandman” are the same thing, but they are very different. The idea of Husbandman comes from John 15 in which Jesus says to His disciples, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman” John 15:1 (KJV). A translation that may be a little clearer would be found in the English Standard Version, which states, “. . . my Father is the vinedresser” John 15:1 (ESV). However, even this translation may be somewhat difficult to understand, so I will allude to the New Living Translation, which makes the meaning of the word abundantly clear when Jesus explains “. . .  my Father is the gardener” John 15:1 (NLT2). James A. Patch writes:

HUSBANDMAN, huzʹband-man, HUSBANDRY, huzʹband-ri: Husbandman, originally a “householder” or “master of the house,” is now limited in its meaning to “farmer” or “tiller of the soil. . . It is a common practice in Palestine and Syria today for a rich man to own lands in many different parts of the country. He sets farmers over these different tracts who, with the helpers, do the plowing, planting, reaping, etc; or he lets out his lands to farmers who pay him an annual rental or return to him a certain percentage of the crop. Much of the plain of Esdraelon, for example, was until recently owned by Beirut proprietors and farmed in this way. The writer while riding on the plain near ancient Dan, was surprised to overtake an acquaintance from Beirut (3 days’ journey away), who had just dismounted at one of his farms to inspect it and to receive the annual account of his farmer. The pride with which the husbandman pointed out the abundant harvest will not be forgotten. All the difficulties of the owner with his husbandmen described by Jesus are often repeated today. In a figurative sense, Jesus said “I am the true vine, and my father is the husbandman” (Jn 15:1). He sows, cultivates, prunes and expects fruits from His church. In the parable of the Householder (Mt 21:33 ff), the wicked husbandmen were the Jews. The church is referred to as “God’s husbandry” in 1 Cor 3:9 (m “tilled land”). [ISBE]

John 15: 1-11 predominantly describes our absolute dependence on Jesus as our source to complete and fulfill God’s desires for our lives in “bearing much fruit.” Jesus states,

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:2-5 (ESV)

We must remember that in this passage, Jesus is the genuine or the “true vine.” Often, Israel was described as a vine in the Old Testament (Ps. 80:9–16; Is. 5:1–7; 27:2ff.; Je. 2:21; 12:10ff.; Ezk. 15:1–8; 17:1–21; 19:10–14; Ho. 10:1–2). The picture painted by Jesus in John 15 may very well be an allusion to the parable of the Gardener in Isaiah 5. Listen to the parable:

Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it; and he looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. What more was there to do for my vineyard, that I have not done in it? When I looked for it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and briers and thorns shall grow up; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his pleasant planting; and he looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, an outcry! Isaiah 5:1-7 (ESV)

God, the husbandman, cared for and cultivated the vine, Israel, and with all He did, they should have produced the most excellent of grapes. However, the vineyard yielded wild, sour, or rotten grapes, which represented their failure to keep His covenant. Jesus is the “true” vine, that is, in Him is found the culmination of all the promises given through Israel. Where Israel failed, Jesus succeeded. Therefore, as we abide in the vine, (Jesus) and the vineyard is cared for by the gardener/farmer (the Father), we grow, mature, obey, experience joy, and produce much fruit.

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Biblical Epithets for God: Husband

We have been studying the “epithets” for God. As a reminder, the Oxford English Dictionary defines an epithet as “an adjective or phrase expressing a characteristic quality or attribute of the person or thing mentioned.” Last month, we considered the epithet of God as “Shepherd.” This month, we will consider the epithet of God as “Husband.”

In the Church age, we often think of the metaphor of Christ as the Bridegroom and the Church as the bride. However, there are several passages, especially in the Old Testament, that use the epithet of God as “Husband.” This epithet often alludes to the union between God and His people, and it carries strong overtones of covenant.

Ezekiel uses this language of a husband and wife to describe the Jews spiritual unfaithfulness in calling Judah an “Adulterous wife, who receives strangers instead of her husband!” Ezekiel 16:32 (ESV). We have also seen the epithet of God as “Husband” in our Wednesday night Bible study on Hosea. In the second chapter of Hosea, after Israel was depicted as the unfaithful wife who would be disciplined, God speaks of His restoration for His wayward people. The Lord proclaims, “And in that day, declares the LORD, you will call me ‘My Husband . . . I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the LORD” Hosea 2:16; 19-20 (ESV). Hosea’s contemporary, Isaiah, describes Israel’s failure and restoration with a similar metaphor. He writes, 

“For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called. For the LORD has called you like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit, like a wife of youth when she is cast off, says your God. For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD, your Redeemer.” Isaiah 54:5-8 (ESV)

And finally, Jeremiah refers to God as Israel’s “Husband” by using this concept to describe the first covenant that God made with the Jews, while also setting up the promise of a new covenant. He writes, “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD” Jeremiah 31:31-32 (ESV).

The Bible’s use of the epithet “husband” for God reminds us of the importance of spiritual faithfulness and devotion in our relationship with God. We are to serve and worship Him alone, as opposed to the idols of this world like money, power, and prestige. The use of God as Husband and His people as wife also reminds us of the strong bond that is intended to be between a literal husband and wife, often emphasized when describing this institution as a covenant. I leave you with this beautiful poem by Lucy Bennett that describes what our covenant relationship with God should look like.

I am the Lord’s. O joy beyond expression,
O sweet response to voice of love divine;
Faith’s joyous “Yes” to the assuring whisper,
“Fear not! I have redeemed thee; thou art mine.”
I am the Lord’s. It is the glad confession,
Wherewith the bride recalls the happy day,
When love’s “I will” accepted him forever,
“The Lord’s,” to love, to honor and obey.
I am the Lord’s. Yet teach me all it meaneth,
All it involves of love and loyalty,
Of holy service, absolute surrender,
And unreserved obedience unto thee.
I am the Lord’s. Yes; body, soul and spirit.
O seal them irrecoverably thine;
As thou, Beloved, in thy grace and fulness
Forever and forevermore art mine

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Biblical Epithets for God: Shepherd

Hello Beloved,

We have been studying the “epithets” for God. As a reminder, the Oxford English Dictionary defines an epithet as “an adjective or phrase expressing a characteristic quality or attribute of the person or thing mentioned.” Last month, we considered the epithet of God as “Light.” This month, we will consider the epithet of God as “Shepherd.”

The epithet of God as “Shepherd” is very well known and well loved by so many. Believers have uniformly found comfort and security in God as “the Shepherd.” The portrait of a shepherd often evokes thoughts of God’s guidance, protection, provision, care, and discipline. The Bible also uses this epithet for leaders like kings, pastors, and even priests, when describing the ideal servant-oriented role that those in authority should resemble.

As we observe some Biblical passages that describe God as Shepherd, consider Jacob’s final blessing of Joseph on his deathbed. Jacob reminded Joseph of God’s shepherding watch-care and provision even through the slander, attacks, and difficult circumstances his son experienced at the hands of others. Jacob stated, “The archers bitterly attacked him, shot at him, and harassed him severely . . . yet his bow remained unmoved; his arms were made agile by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),” Genesis 49:23-24 (ESV). At times the psalmist calls us to worship God by using the concept of “Shepherd” as a comforting picture, like when he writes, “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand . . .” Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV). At other times, the psalmist uses the illustration of shepherd to remind us of our personal and intimate disposition before the Majestic God who created us. David writes, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” Psalm 23:1 (ESV). In Ezekiel, to contrast the failure and self-centeredness of Israel’s leaders, the prophet pictured the way God would care for His people by using the identity of God as “Shepherd.” He writes of the Lord,

“Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. 12  As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13  And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14  I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. 15  I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. 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. I will feed them in justice. Ezekiel 34:11-16 (ESV)

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not recall how Christ is described as the chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), the great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20), and the good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11), in the New Testament. I leave you with this old poem about Our Faithful Shepherd:

There are some dry, barren lands we must cross
As God's beloved sheep;
There are dark valleys, difficult mountains,
Some waters rough and deep.
There are enemies to encounter,
Battles to be fought,
Storms to endure,
Lessons to be taught.
Through it all, our Shepherd is faithful,
As our eyes are fixed on Him:
He's the water of life in a dry thirsty land,
The light in the valley dim;
He undergirds as we climb steep mountains,
And carries us through waters deep;
He protects us from the angry wolves
Who seek to harm His sheep;
He fights our battles for us,
And shelters us in the storm,
Teaching us to trust Him
As He keeps us safe and warm.
Praise the Name of Jesus -
The Shepherd of our soul;
We're the people of His pasture -
And He's faithful to His fold.

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Biblical Epithets for God: Light

Hello Beloved,

We have been studying the “epithets” for God. As a reminder, the Oxford English Dictionary defines an epithet as “an adjective or phrase expressing a characteristic quality or attribute of the person or thing mentioned.” Last month, we considered the epithet of God as “Redeemer.” This month, we will consider the epithet of God as “Light.”

As the “Light,” God is holiness and the very definition of glory in all its radiance. God covers Himself as with a garment of light. The Psalmist states, “. . . O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent” Psalm 104:1-2 (ESV). God is truth, and in His revelation, He brings “true” enlightenment to His people. David sang, “For you are my lamp, O LORD, and my God lightens my darkness” 2 Samuel 22:29 (ESV). As a picture of security, and parallel to a stronghold, David asserted, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 (ESV). The prophet Micah spoke of his hope in God through terms of light. He declared, “Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me” Micah 7:8 (ESV). James uses the imagery of light to describe the attribute of God’s changelessness and generosity by claiming, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” James 1:17 (ESV). John exhorted the followers of Christ to exemplify the God they serve because “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” 1 John 1:5 (ESV).

In the everlasting state of the New Heavens and New Earth, the sun will not be needed as God will be its light. Isaiah prophecies, “The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended” Isaiah 60:19-20 (ESV). John reveals in further revelation that this light includes the Lamb, Jesus Christ. He states regarding the New Jerusalem, “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb” Revelation 21:23 (ESV). My friends, remember the words of Jesus, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” John 8:12 (ESV).

I am reminded of a simple but true nugget of contemplation from James Philip, “In the light of God, human vision clears.” (The Complete Gathered Gold)

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Biblical Epithets for God: Redeemer

Hello Beloved,

We have been studying the “epithets” for God. As a reminder, the Oxford English Dictionary defines an epithet as “an adjective or phrase expressing a characteristic quality or attribute of the person or thing mentioned.” Last month, we considered the epithet of God as a “Help.” This month, we will consider the epithet of God as a “Redeemer.”

The English word “Redeemer” is derived from the Latin, whose root meaning is “to buy back.” The result is the “liberation of any possession, object, or person, usually by payment of a ransom.” (Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible) The epithet of Redeemer alludes to God’s attributes of love, mercy, grace, and kindness. Further, it relates to the epithet of “Savior” as God is the source of both physical and spiritual deliverance. God is able to deliver His people from danger, adversity, harm, and trouble.

God is described as “Redeemer” by Job in response to his friends’ accusations as he seeks vindication. Job states, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.” Job 19:25 (ESV) David requests that he would be forgiven of hidden faults and preserved from sinning willfully. He concludes this beautiful Psalm of devotion with a well-known prayer, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 (ESV) Isaiah often uses this epithet when speaking of the One True God who chose Israel. In the forty-fourth chapter of Isaiah, after reminding the Jews of God’s care for them, Isaiah writes, “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: ‘I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself.’” Isaiah 44:24 (ESV) In speaking of the Servant (Jesus) who will be a light to the nations, Isaiah writes, “Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation, the servant of rulers: ‘Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.’” Isaiah 49:7 (ESV) Finally, in response to the brutality of the Babylonians and the manner in which they treated God’s people, Jeremiah writes, “Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name. He will surely plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, but unrest to the inhabitants of Babylon.” Jeremiah 50:34 (ESV) Though in this newsletter, we are focusing on the epithet of “Redeemer” as relates generally for God, we know that the ultimate redemption accomplished by God, was through the “Redeemer” of His Son Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul reminds us that “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.’”— Galatians 3:13 (ESV)
I leave you with this story:

The following illustration is by Charles Spurgeon: “There is a young girl in heaven now, once a member of this church. I went with one of my beloved deacons to see her when she was very near her departure. She was in the last stage of tuberculosis. Fair and sweetly beautiful she looked, and I think I never heard such syllables as those which fell from that girl’s lips. She had had disappointments, and trials, and troubles, but all these she had not a word to say about, except that she blessed God for them; they had brought her nearer to the Savior. And when we asked her whether she was not afraid of dying, ‘No,’ she said, ‘the only thing I fear is this, I am afraid of living, lest my patience should wear out. I have not said an impatient word yet, sir; I hope I shall not. It is sad to be so very weak, but I think if I had my choice, I would rather be here than be in good health, for it is very precious to me; I know that my Redeemer liveth, and I am waiting for the moment when he shall send his chariot of fire to take me up to him.’ I put the question, ‘Have you not any doubts?’ ‘No, none, sir; why should I? I clasp my arms around the neck of Christ.’ ‘And have not you any fear about your sins?’ ‘No, sir, they are all forgiven; I trust the Savior’s precious blood.’ ‘And do you think that you will be as brave as this when you come actually to die?’ ‘Not if he leaves me, sir, but he will never leave me, for he said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee’” (Heb. 13:5). (AMG Bible Illustrations)

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Biblical Epithets for God: Help

Hello Beloved,

We have been studying the “epithets” for God. As a reminder, the Oxford English Dictionary defines an epithet as “an adjective or phrase expressing a characteristic quality or attribute of the person or thing mentioned.” Last month, we considered the epithet of God as “my Strength.” This month, we will consider the epithet of God as a “Help.”

The epithet for God as a “Help” flows from His attributes of love, mercy, grace, and kindness. As “a Help,” God is the source of our safety, defense, and He is a deliverance for His people. The Bible Sense Lexicon states a helper is a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose.

Consider how the concept of God as a “Help” is used in the Scriptures. Moses named his son Eliezer for “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh” Exodus 18:4 (ESV). Before his death, Moses blessed Israel, reminding them, “Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread upon their backs” Deuteronomy 33:29 (ESV). The psalmist proclaims that God is “the helper of the fatherless” Psalm 10:14 (ESV). For David, God is “my help” Psalm 27:9 (ESV). At other times, he calls on the Lord to “be my helper!” Psalm 30:10 (ESV). Sometimes he remembers “Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield” Psalm 33:20 (ESV). Yet, at other instances, David increases in confidence by proclaiming “God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life” Psalm 54:4 (ESV). But God is not just the “Helper” of David. In Psalm 115, the psalmist reminds a variety of groups, “O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield” Psalm 115:9-11 (ESV). The psalmist calls us to let the truth of God’s help be ever before us. He writes, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV). The help of the godly is not found in other sources, but “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God” Psalm 146:5 (ESV). God is a Helper to the helpless. I leave you with this thought.

The prayers are beautiful that reach the ear of God. The fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much, and is beautiful. The prayer of the widow and fatherless, who have no helper save he who heareth the orphan's cry, is beautiful. The prayer of the infant, who takes God's promise in his "most implicit grasp," as he does his mother's hand, is beautiful. The prayer of the lowly saint, unlettered and ungrammatical, is beautiful. The prayer of the poor man, when "God heard him and delivered him out of his troubles," was beautiful. The prayer of the publican, who smote upon his breast, and said, "God be merciful to me a sinner," was beautiful. The prayer of Stephen, when amid the storm of stones he cried, just before he "fell asleep," "Lay not this sin to their charge," was beautiful.

There is a grammar and rhetoric of heaven, but it is foreign to the culture of this world. The courtiers there wear "wedding garments," and they speak the celestial language; but sometimes they seem ragged and ignorant to the eyes that are blinded with the clay and dust of our earthly roadsides.

We cannot always discern the fashions of heaven. There is a flippery that sometimes claims to be the garb divine, but it is mere tinsel. There is an "excellency of speech" which is jargon and mockery in the ear of God. There is "sounding brass and tinkling cymbal"—mere clatter, and not celestial music at all. There are "beautiful prayers" that are unlovely and abominable before the Searcher of hearts. (New Testament Illustrations)

As God is the One who saved us by sending His son to die for our sins, let us also rely on Him as a “Help” in every circumstance.

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Biblical Epithets for God: “My Strength”

Hello Beloved,

 We have been studying the “epithets” for God. As a reminder, the Oxford English Dictionary defines an epithet as “an adjective or phrase expressing a characteristic quality or attribute of the person or thing mentioned.” Last month, we considered the epithet of God as “Fortress, Refuge, and Stronghold.” This month, we will consider the epithet of God as “my Strength.”

In being “my Strength” God exhibits His mighty power as the omnipotent God Who is able to resist all who oppose Him with any force they may bring against Him. As Strength, God can give His people perseverance, toughness, and fortitude. He is able to support them mentally, physically, and morally in any adversity, temptation, danger, or challenge that may be faced in this life.

After God delivered His people from Pharoah’s Army by opening the Red Sea and then closing it on their adversaries, Moses sang, “The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him” Exodus 15:2 (ESV). In Nehemiah 8, after the people listened to God’s Word read and explained, they cried out in contrition and remorse. Nehemiah encouraged them with the words, “. . . Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV). Consider the first words of David in the eighteenth Psalm, “I love you, O LORD, my strength” Psalm 18:1 (ESV). Further, David opposed the reasons to fear with the truth of God as his strength when He writes, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 (KJV). The wisdom of Proverbs reminds us that this strength is found as one follows the “way” of the Lord. “The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity” Proverbs 10:29 (KJV). In Isaiah, Jesus as the prophesied “Servant” is to restore Israel to the Lord and be a light to the nations as God is His strength. “And now the LORD says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him— for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and my God has become my strength" Isaiah 49:5 (ESV). After hearing the revelation and plan of God, the prophet Habakkuk praises God, ending his prayer with, “GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places . . . ” Habakkuk 3:19 (ESV).

I conclude with this thought on strength from depth, “The iceberg is steadied because the great mass of its bulk is beneath the surface. So the life of the strong man must go deep. Underneath the surface lie the great principles that endure—truth and justice and rectitude and the things that make for wholesome life and character.” (Bible Illustrations - A Treasury of Bible Illustrations). May the Lord be the strength in your life.

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Biblical Epithets for God: Fortress, Refuge, and Stronghold

Hello Beloved,

We have been studying the “epithets” for God. As a reminder, the Oxford English Dictionary defines an epithet as “an adjective or phrase expressing a characteristic quality or attribute of the person or thing mentioned.” Last month, we considered the epithet of God as “Savior or Salvation.” This month, we will consider the epithet of God as “Fortress, Refuge, and Stronghold.”

A fortress (mesuda) is a defensive structure that encompasses walls, citadels, and possibly moats or towers. If you were to live in the time of David, a fortress would be a prime source of security from enemy forces. Often, cities would choose sites that were naturally favorable to fortresses, like the top of a mountainous terrain or an ample water supply. In ancient times, fortifications were made from debris, rubble, beaten earth, and just about anything that would provide protection. Many times, the Psalmist would equate trust in God with that of a fortress. David states, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer . . .” Psalm 18:2 (ESV). The idea of a fortress is close to the concept of refuge (maoz). In Psalm 31, David claims in language that is reminiscent of Christ’s suffering, “In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;” Psalm 31:1-3 (ESV). Further, the idea of “stronghold” (misgabbi) is often used synonymously with the concepts of fortress and refuge, but it specifically describes a strongly fortified defensive or military structure (Logos Bible Lexicon). Consider David’s use of these concepts in Psalm 62, “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress (misgabbi); I shall not be greatly shaken” Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV). Finally, consider David’s cry in Psalm 9:9-10, “The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you” Psalm 9:9-10 (ESV).

I am currently preparing for this Sunday’s sermon on the Immanuel prophecy of Isaiah 7:14. By the time you read this article, you will have heard the sermon. Consider David’s descendant, Ahaz, in relation to this principle. Ahaz was afraid of the militaristic alliance between Israel and Syria. He should have found his security in God, for it was God who desired to be Ahaz’ fortress, stronghold, and refuge. God even provided an opportunity for Ahaz to request a sign to strengthen His faith. Instead, however, Ahaz chose to find his security in the political alliance between Judah and Assyria. Such unbelief cost Ahaz and God’s people, Judah, dearly.

Is God your source of security and refuge? Do you trust Him as your fortress when the boss wants you to do something unethical? Do you find refuge in Him when false rumors are being spread about your character? Do you seek Him as your stronghold when you lost your job and you do not know from where the next paycheck is coming? These are times when God yearns to be our stronghold, our fortress, and our refuge. I leave you with the first stanza of what might be the most popular hymn of the Reformer, Martin Luther, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”

A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper he, amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Does seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Until next time this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Biblical Epithets for God: Savior or Salvation

Hello Beloved,

We have been studying the “epithets” for God. As a reminder, the Oxford English Dictionary defines an epithet as “an adjective or phrase expressing a characteristic quality or attribute of the person or thing mentioned.” Last month, we considered the epithet “Rock” in relation to God. This month, we will consider the epithet of God as “Savior or Salvation.” As “Salvation or Savior,” God reveals His attributes of love, grace, mercy, and kindness. Often, salvation bears the connotation of deliverance, whether in a physical or spiritual manner. God can and many times does deliver His people from danger, harm, adversity, or troubles.

After God delivered the people of Israel from Pharoah’s army, Moses wrote his song, exulting, “The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation . . .” Exodus 15:2 (ESV). As David recounted the many times that God delivered him from his adversaries, he wrote of Him, “Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever” 2 Samuel 22:51 (ESV). Regarding the promise of God’s restoration for the people of Israel, Isaiah writes, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation” Isaiah 12:2 (ESV). Of course, I have often sung with Isaiah of the great comfort God has given His people in promising, “I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior . . .” Isaiah 43:3 (ESV). Finally, as a segway to this special season that we call Christmas, we are reminded that an angel told Joseph to name Mary’s child, Jesus, for the name means “Savior” and He “will save His people from their sins” (Matt 1:21). Ultimately, Jesus did “save us” by redeeming us from our sin through dying on an old rugged cross, and then rising from the dead on the third day. Let us remember that this is what Christmas is all about.

In his book, The Sacred Santa: Religious Dimensions of Consumer Culture, Dell deChant, a professor of religious studies at the University of South Florida contends that “the Christmas season culture has become a religion all its own.” He suggests “It's a religion complete with mysterious and powerful deities (the economy, Santa Claus), houses of worship (malls), narratives (carols) and rituals (shopping and decorating). Santa, not Jesus, is the savior of the season,” says deChant, “He certainly saves the bottom line for retailers across the country.” Even though many of us complain about the commercialism, deChant says the “’Festival of Consumption’ between Thanksgiving and the week after Christmas has taken on all the characteristics of traditional religions, embraced with equal fervor by the holy and not-so-holy among us. He calls it "a religious culture in disguise." (Fresh Illustrations)

Let us keep Christ in Christmas. Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Biblical Epithets for God: Rock

Hello Beloved,

We have been studying the “epithets” for God. As a reminder, the Oxford English Dictionary defines an epithet as “an adjective or phrase expressing a characteristic quality or attribute of the person or thing mentioned.” Last month, we considered the epithet “Judge” in relation to God. This month, we will consider the function of God as “Rock.” As a “Rock,” God is stable and fixed. That is, He does not change. God is unvarying in His character and always keeps His promises. God is also enduring and permanent; something that can be relied upon. Like a rock over the years of time, God is steady. A rock also functions as a protector. Many a fortress or place of refuge has been built atop a high rock. Like a great rock, God is powerful and able to meet the needs of His people. Therefore, the concept of rock flows well with God’s omnipotence (all-powerful), faithfulness, and immutability (unchanging).

In Psalm 19:14, David desires that the meditations of his heart would be acceptable to the Lord who is “my rock” and “my redeemer.” Moses describes the justice and purity of God when he states, “For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God! “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he” Deuteronomy 32:3-4 (ESV). Hannah used the epithet of rock to describe God’s holiness when she sang, “There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God” 1 Samuel 2:2 (ESV). To David, the rock was the one to whom he prayed stating, “To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit” Psalm 28:1 (ESV). Or consider David’s source of comfort as he prays, “from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” Psalm 61:2 (ESV). Writing of God’s holiness and righteousness, the Psalmist claims, “the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him” Psalm 92:15 (ESV). And in
Psalm 95, the psalmist uses the concept of rock as an aspect of worship when He calls to his fellow congregants, “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” Psalm 95:1 (ESV). Consider this illustration about Christ, our Rock:

In a storm one dark night some sailors were thrown by the sea upon a rock, to which they clung for their lives. Their first feeling was one of joyful gratitude. They were on a rock. Their second emotion was a sickening fear, for the tide might rise, and the storm and waves sweep over the rock and carry them away to death in the raging sea. Just then a flash of lightening overtook the darkness, and by its lurid glare they saw that the rock was covered with samphire, a plant which always grows above the level of the tide. Then were they greatly glad, for they were assuredly safe. So is it in our wildest storms, if we cast upon the rock Christ Jesus. If God loves us we shall live, for the love involves the life—life here, life everlasting. (Bible Illustrations)

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Biblical Epithets for God: Judge

Hello Beloved,

We have been studying the “epithets” for God. As a reminder, the Oxford English Dictionary defines an epithet as “an adjective or phrase expressing a characteristic quality or attribute of the person or thing mentioned.” Last month, we considered the epithet “Lawgiver” in relation to God. This month, we will consider the function of God as “Judge.” In being Judge, God has the authoritative right to discern what is moral, just, right, and good. As God is holy in His very nature, we can be assured that what is moral and just is directly reflective of His essence. As God is righteous in His character, He determines what is right and always knows what is the “right” thing to do. As God is the transcendent Creator, He purposed and planned the ultimate meaning and significance in His creation; and therefore, He affirms in accordance with His original plans what is “good.” God as Judge examines and evaluates deeds and works according to His righteous standards. God as Judge determines an appropriate punishment for those who break His standards. And God as Judge rewards the righteous in relation to His faithfulness. Further, we must remember that as God is the Judge, and we are not, He will put down and exalt whom He wills.

Consider these Biblical allusions to God in His role as “Judge.” In arguing for mercy on Sodom should there were but fifty righteous among the wicked, Abraham asked, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” Genesis 18:25 (ESV). Reflecting on the revelation of God in His creation, Asaph states, “Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest. He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people . . . The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah” Psalm 50:3-6 (ESV). Again, Asaph states, “. . . it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another” Psalm 75:7 (ESV). In the ninety-fourth Psalm, we are reminded that God is a God of vengeance, and in His justice, the psalmist requests that God “shine forth! Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! Psalm 94:1-2 (ESV). Yet, Isaiah reminds God’s people that God is gracious and “the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; he will save us” Isaiah 33:22 (ESV). God provided salvation through Jesus, His Son, yet Peter reminds us that Jesus is also “the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead”
Acts 10:42 (ESV). It was the Apostle Paul, who in facing death considered his reward when writing, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV).

I am so grateful that God Who is righteous and just is also loving and compassionate. No matter how many times I read this illustration, the principle always rings true to illuminate the mercy of our righteous Judge.

Two men who had been friends and companions in their youth met in the police court, the one on the magistrate's bench, the other in the prisoner's dock. The case was tried and the prisoner was found guilty. Would the judge, in consideration of their friendship years before, forbear to pass judgment? No, he must fulfill his duty, justice must be done, the law of the land obeyed. He gave out the sentence—fourteen days' hard labor or a fine of $500. The condemned man had nothing to pay, so the prison cell was before him. But as soon as he had pronounced the sentence the judge rose from the bench, threw aside his magistrate's robes, and stepping down to the dock, stood beside the prisoner, paid his fine for him, and then said, "Now, John, you are coming home with me to supper." It is just so with the sinner. God cannot overlook sin. Justice must be done, and the sentence pronounced, but Christ Himself pays the debt and the sinner is free. (Bible Illustrations)

What a wonderful gift that God the righteous Judge gave when He sent His only Son to die for our sins. His Word calls us to respond in faith and repentance. Have you received this gift of amazing grace? If not, call us here at Grace Baptist Church and I would love to have a conversation with you about how you can have a right relationship with God. Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Biblical Epithets for God: Lawgiver

Hello Beloved,

We have been studying the names of God over the past eighteen months. These names have helped us to better understand God’s character and attributes. We now have moved to observe some Biblical “epithets” for God. As a reminder, the Oxford English Dictionary defines an epithet as “an adjective or phrase expressing a characteristic quality or attribute of the person or thing mentioned.” Last month, we considered the epithet “King” in relation to God. This month, we will consider the function of God as “Lawgiver.” As Lawgiver, the sovereign God sets moral standards concerning what is right or wrong. He has the authority in this function to demand obedience, accountability, and responsibility in direct conjunction with the moral standard He sets. Further, as the Lawgiver, God is the perfect standard of what is good, right, and just.

We must be extremely careful about usurping the place of God as “Lawgiver.” It is easy for us to set ourselves in this position and judge others based on our own laws or convictions. Consider what James states, “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12 ESV). In Isaiah 33:22, the prophet speaks about God stating, “For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; he will save us” Isaiah 33:22 (ESV). Prior to the attribution of this epithet to God, the prophet argues for his readers to consider their actions in relation to God as “Lawgiver.” He writes, “14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling has seized the godless: ‘Who among us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings?’ 15 He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, who despises the gain of oppressions, who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking on evil, 16 he will dwell on the heights; his place of defense will be the fortresses of rocks; his bread will be given him; his water will be sure.” Isaiah 33:14-16 (ESV).  I conclude with a quote from A.W. Tozer:

God's justice stands forever against the sinner in utter severity. The vague and tenuous hope that God is too kind to punish the ungodly has become a deadly opiate for the consciences of millions. It hushes their fears and allows them to practice all pleasant forms of iniquity while death draws every day nearer and the command to repent goes unregarded. As responsible moral beings we dare not so trifle with our eternal future. (A. W. Tozer: 1897-1963)

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”