February 29 IN HEAVENLY LOVE ABIDING Anna L. Warning, 1823–1910 But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4–6) Those who were born on this day are special people—they celebrate only one fourth as many birthdays as the rest of us. But the Bible tells us of something else that makes someone special—spiritual rebirth: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9) The Scriptures also teach that as believers we enjoy many special privileges. We are heavenly people—our citizenship is in the heavenlies with Christ. Even now we are seated positionally with Him in glory. In Christ we have access to His storehouse of riches; we are the possessors of all heavenly blessings. We have been given a heaven-born nature that responds to spiritual nourishment—the Living and Written Word. While we seek to be worthy representatives for God in this life, our affections are already centered on things above. This occupation with heavenly values enables us to rise above the mundane circumstances and storms that often cross our earthly paths and provides the enablement we need to live a life of daily victory. And while we await the day of our final victory, we live in the enjoyment of our future inheritance. In a sense, then, we are “in heavenly love abiding” already. The author of this hymn text, Anna Laetitia Warning, was raised as a Quaker in South Wales but later joined the Anglican church. In later life she took on a busy ministry of visiting prisoners in jail. She was known and loved for her gentle but cheerful spirit. In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear; and safe is such confiding, for nothing changes here. The storm may roar without me; my heart may low be laid, but God is round about me, and can I be dismayed? Wherever He may guide me, no fear shall turn me back; my Shepherd is beside me, and nothing shall I lack. His wisdom ever waketh; His sight is never dim; He knows the way He taketh, and I will walk with Him. Green pastures are before me, which yet I have not seen; bright skies will soon be o’er me, where darkest clouds have been. My hope I cannot measure; my path to life is free; my Savior is my treasure, and He will walk with me.
For Today: Ephesians 1:3–14; Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:1, 2
Live this day as an heir of the heavenly kingdom. Face each situation that may arise with the absolute confidence that God is round about you.
February 28 SWEETER AS THE YEARS GO BY Words and Music by Lelia N. Morris, 1862–1929 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; He is my Rock, and there is not wickedness in Him.” (Psalm 92:12–15) For the believer, growing older should mean a greater awareness of God’s love and fellowship as well as a time of greater usefulness in Christian service. The golden years can and should be the most fruitful time of life. A lifetime of companionship with God should result in a mellow and gracious Christ-like spirit. Because there are fewer demands and pressures for life’s necessities, the older Christian should have opportunities for effective ministry that he never before attempted. There is nothing more tragic, however, than to see a professing Christian become disgruntled and self-centered in later years. It is true that we simply bring into full bloom the traits that were begun in our early years. If we wish to have positive and productive attitudes in our senior years, we must begin to develop these traits while we are still young. Author and composer Mrs. Lelia Morris was an active worker in the Methodist church. She continued to write gospel songs during the last 15 years of her life, even after going blind in her early fifties. “Sweeter as the Years Go By” was written during the early years of her blindness. It is said that during this difficult time in her life, Mrs. Morris used a 28-foot long blackboard with music lines on it to help her hymn writing. In all, Lelia Morris wrote more than 1,000 hymn texts, as well as many of the tunes. Her handicap never deterred her from being effective and productive for God. Even in blindness she found her Lord sweeter as the years went by. Of Jesus’ love that sought me, when I was lost in sin; of wondrous grace that brought me back to His fold again; of heights and depths of mercy, far deeper than the sea, and higher than the heavens, my theme shall ever be. He trod in old Judea life’s pathway long ago; the people thronged about Him His saving grace to know; He healed the broken hearted, and caused the blind to see; and still His great heart yearneth in love for even me. ’Twas wondrous love which led Him for us to suffer loss—to bear without a murmur the anguish of the cross; with saints redeemed in glory let us our voices raise, till heaven and earth re-echo with our Redeemer’s praise. Refrain: Sweeter as the years go by, sweeter as the years go by; richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus’ love is sweeter, sweeter as the years go by.
For Today: Psalm 92:12, 14; Proverbs 16:31; John 15:10, 11
Seek out a respected elderly person. Learn his secret for a contented and useful life with God. Keep this musical message upon your lips—
February 27 IT’S JUST LIKE HIS GREAT LOVE Edna R. Worrell, 19th century How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1) The greatest demonstration of love is God’s gift of Jesus Christ to a lost world. It is impossible to comprehend fully this divine love; it can only be learned experientially. As we grow in our love relationship with the Lord, we begin to realize in part the magnitude of His love. This love is unconditional—He loves us regardless of our failures or successes. This love is impartial—it includes everyone. This love is infinite and eternal—simply because God Himself is love! And this love is personal—He loves each of us as if we were the only one in His world to love. Discouragement is common to each of us, especially in our moments of self-pity or as we are made aware of our shortcomings. In times like these, introspection—continually looking within—only makes us more miserable. Rather, we need to look up. We need to focus on Christ and His great love for us, to remember that we are “children of God,” and to rely on His promise that our eternal destiny is heaven. Such a reflection will assuredly change any gloom to song and restore once more a walk of sweet fellowship with our Lord. Then we will have the joy of knowing that Jesus will keep us from day to day because of His great love. A Friend I have, called Jesus, whose love is strong and true, and never fails how e’er ’tis tried, no matter what I do; I’ve sinned against this love of His, but when I knelt to pray, confessing all my guilt to Him, the sin-clouds rolled away. Sometimes the clouds of trouble bedim the sky above. I cannot see my Savior’s face; I doubt His wondrous love; but He, from heaven’s mercy seat, beholding my despair, in pity bursts the clouds between and shows me He is there. When sorrow’s clouds o’ertake me and break upon my head, when life seems worse than useless and I were better dead, I take my grief to Jesus then, nor do I go in vain, in pity bursts the clouds between and shows me He is there. Oh, I could sing forever of Jesus’ love divine, of all His care and tenderness for this poor life of mine; His love is in and over all, and wind and waves obey when Jesus whispers “Peace, be still!” and rolls the clouds away. Chorus: It’s just like Jesus to roll the clouds away; it’s just like Jesus to keep me day by day. It’s just like Jesus all along the way; it’s just like His great love.
For Today: Luke 19:10; Ephesians 3:18, 19; 1 John 3:16; 4:9, 10
Determine to live joyfully as one who knows what it means to be loved and forgiven by God’s great love. Carry this musical truth with you—
“There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, urged on by Jezebel his wife”(1 Kings 21:25).Despite the strength of his wife’s evil influence, God gave Ahab many chances to do right. Each of us is responsible for the choices we make and the opportunities we refuse.
Background
The 800s B.C. saw the rise of Assyria. In Syria-Palestine, Ben-Hadad II of Aram (Syria) led a coalition of kings determined to resist the Assyrians. Ben-Hadad seized the opportunity created by Israel’s weakness after the three-year famine to invade Israel and force Ahab to join his anti-Assyria compact. Despite the defeats inflicted by Israel (1 Kings 20), Israel and Syria later did unite with seven other area states. In 853B.C at Qarqar the allies threw back the forces of Assyria’s Shalmaneser III. This battle, not mentioned in Scripture, took place between the events reported in 1 Kings 20 and 22. First Kings 22 portrays Syria and Israel again at each other’s throats, this time as Ahab set out to occupy Ramoth Gilead, which Ben-Hadad had ceded to him after his earlier defeats (cf. 20:34). Against this background of international tension and strife, the biblical writer focused on the character of Ahab, king of Israel, and on Israel’s gracious God.
Overview
God intervened to help Ahab repel two Syrian (Aramean) invasions (20:1–34), but Ahab was rebuked for sparing the Aramean ruler (vv. 35–43). When Jezebel arranged the death of Naboth so Ahab could have his vineyard, Elijah confronted the king and announced God’s judgment (21:1–29). Micaiah the prophet accurately predicted Ahab’s death in battle (22:1–40). In Judah, a devout Jehoshaphat succeeded his godly father, Asa (vv. 41–50).
Understanding the Text
“Meanwhile a prophet came to Ahab king of Israel” 1 Kings 20:1–30. Ahab, fully aware of Israel’s desperately weak condition, was willing to surrender to Ben-Hadad of Aram. However, Ben-Hadad’s progressively outrageous demands forced Ahab to resist. When a prophet of God appeared and predicted victory, a sobered Ahab asked for—and followed!-God’s instructions. Even the wicked may respond to God if desperate enough. But why should the Lord intervene on behalf of wicked King Ahab? The text and context suggest three significant reasons. (1) At Carmel the people of Israel acknowledged God and killed the prophets of Baal. God kept covenant with them by fighting for His people. (2) In victory Ahab would “know that I am the Lord” (v. 13). There could be no future doubts in Ahab’s mind that the Lord truly is God. (3) The Arameans challenged God’s nature and power. Each victory revealed God more clearly (v. 28). Ahab’s continuing commitment to evil despite God’s gracious revelation of Himself tells us much about his character. Every expression of God’s grace is intended to draw us to Him. Response to grace is up to us. “Therefore it is your life for his life” 1 Kings 20:31–42. When desperate, Ahab was eager for God’s help and direction. With the battles won, Ahab quickly reverted to his arrogant ways. The phrase, “You have set free a man I had determined should die,” suggests that Ahab had been commanded to kill Ben-Hadad. When Ahab was rebuked he did not repent but became “sullen and angry.” “Deathbed conversions” are too often shallow and meaningless. When the danger is past, too many revert to their old attitudes and ways. It is not what we know about God that counts. What counts is how we respond to Him once we know. “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers” 1 Kings 21:1–16. Old Testament Law forbad permanent sale of family land. The godly Israelite saw property allotted to the family in the time of Joshua as God’s gift (cf. Josh. 13–19). Thus Naboth refused the king’s offer to buy or trade his vineyard on religious grounds. The king went home and sulked (vv. 3–4). Jezebel scornfully told him to “act as king” (v. 7), and promised to get him the vineyard. She then ordered, in Ahab’s name, that Naboth be falsely accused and killed so Ahab could take his land. Ahab did not order Naboth’s death. But he was only too glad to profit from it. Undoubtedly Ahab would have been quick to adopt Jezebel’s solution if only he had thought of it! “But I didn’t do it” is an empty excuse if we profit from and condone the wrong actions of others. “So you have found me, my enemy” 1 Kings 21:17–29. Elijah’s response to Ahab’s exclamation puts the king’s remark in perspective. Elijah appeared only because “you have sold yourself to do evil.” The king’s enemy was not Elijah, but Ahab himself! We really are our own worst enemies. But it is also true that when we choose to do right, we can be our own best friends! Ahab’s repentance (v. 27) was sincere, but far too late. God could only delay the judgment destined for Ahab’s line. If even this most wicked of Israel’s kings can find grace through repentance, think how much grace we can find when we repent. The armor Ahab wore when he was killed was probably made by attaching metal scales to a heavy shirt, as shown above. The person wearing scale armor was vulnerable to arrows which struck “between the sections” (1 Kings 22:34). “Attack and be victorious” 1 Kings 22:1–28. Ahab recognized the sarcasm in Micaiah’s voice and demanded he tell the truth. That prophet then told the king he would be killed in the battle for Ramoth Gilead. The lying spirit from the Lord troubles many. Two observations help. God is able to turn the evil done by Satan and his minions to accomplish good. The lying spirit may have had its own purpose in deceiving Ahab. Perhaps most important, God did not deceive Ahab at all! Through Micaiah the Lord fully revealed what He intended. Ahab then chose to act on the lie told by his own prophets, and so rode to his doom. God always reveals His truth to human beings. He is not responsible if men reject the truth in favor of lies. “Jehoshaphat . . . king of Judah” 1 Kings 22:41–50. Despite his association here with Ahab, Jehoshaphat was a godly king. We are told more about him in 2 Chronicles 17–20.
DEVOTIONAL
Jezebel’s Theory of Leadership (1 Kings 21)
“Do it because I said so!” Mom shouted at Kara. That girl was so exasperating! It seemed to Mom that these days she had to shout just to get Kara’s attention. “You’ll do the lawn before you go to practice, and that’s that,” Dad said grimly. “I don’t care if you miss every practice and get kicked off the team. I’m your father, and what I say around here goes.” Oh, I know. Teenagers can be irritating. Maybe Mom needs to yell at Kara. And maybe Dad is just putting his foot down because his son has put off a weekly chore. But some moms and dads who talk this way to their children have unwittingly adopted Jezebel’s theory of authority. We can deduce that theory from 1 Kings 21. Ahab wanted a vineyard? Well, Ahab was king, wasn’t he? So King Ahab ought to get what he wanted. And he could use his royal power any way he wished to get it! Actually Jezebel’s theory is out of line with what the Bible teaches. Kings in biblical Israel were supposed to rule, under God, for the benefit of God’s people. Kingship was never a right to command others for the king’s benefit. Sometimes Christian parents adopt Jezebel’s theory of authority. They “act like a king” and command their children without taking time to listen and without enough concern for the child’s needs. And they justify their ways just as Jezebel would. “I’m your dad. And I’ve got the right to tell you what to do.” Oh, yes. Sometimes Christian parents have to put their foot down. Maybe even yell a little. But Christian moms and dads can never forget that parenthood is a commission to servanthood. As Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matt. 20:26–28).
Personal Application
Servanthood means acting in another’s best interests.
Quotable
“Meekness was the method that Jesus used with the apostles. He put up with their ignorance and roughness and even their infidelity. He treated sinners with a kindness and affection that caused some to be shocked, others to be scandalized, and still others to gain hope in God’s mercy. Thus, He bade us to be gentle and humble of heart.”—John Bosco
“Then the word of the LORd came to Elijah” (1 Kings 17:2).The utter humanity of Elijah has appealed to generations of believers. His story contains encouragement for Christians who ever find themselves depressed or discouraged.
Biography: Elijah
Elijah is undoubtedly one of the greatest of the Old Testament prophets. He appeared at a critical moment in Israel’s history, when King Ahab, urged on by his Phoenician wife Jezebel, made a determined attempt to wipe out the worship of Yahweh in Israel. Through Elijah, the Lord entered the conflict and decisively defeated the pagan god, stimulating a popular return to the true faith. But Elijah’s confrontational role wore on the great prophet. Even in victory he recognized the superficiality of the popular revival, and felt depressed and alone. He was rested and reassured by God, and returned once again to represent the living God to an apostate king and nation.
Overview
Elijah announced a drought to Ahab (17:1). He then hid, first at Kerith (vv. 2–6), and then with a widow in Zarephath (vv. 7–24). After three years Elijah returned to confront the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (18:1–46). But after a decisive victory, Elijah inexplicably fled to Horeb (19:1–9). The Lord spoke to the despondent Elijah, gave him a task, and also a companion in Elisha (19:10–21).
Understanding the Text
“Neither dew nor rain in the next few years” 1 Kings 17:1. Baal was originally a god of storms, worshiped for his supposed ability to bring rain and make the land fertile. The drought announced by Elijah struck at the strength of the pagan deity that Ahab and Jezebel attempted to make dominant in Israel. The drought displayed a major tenet of biblical faith: “The Lord, He is God!” “First make a small cake of bread for me” 1 Kings 17:7–24. While hiding from Ahab, Elijah left Israel and went to Jezebel’s homeland, Phoenicia! There he stayed with a penniless widow who first fed the prophet, and then herself and her son when Elijah promised that her near-empty jug of oil would not run dry, and her near-empty jar of flour would not run out. The widow’s faith was rewarded. Instead of starving, the woman and her son were fed daily. When the widow’s son became ill and “stopped breathing,” Elijah was there to ask God to restore him. The return of the boy to life was final, joyous proof to the widow. God truly did live and speak through Elijah. When you and I are first called to faith in Christ it may seem that we, like the widow, are called on to give up something vital to us. For the widow, the demand was to surrender what little food she had left. But see what happened when she responded to the prophet’s promise. Instead of less, she had more. Instead of giving, she gained. And ultimately that initial choice meant the restoration of her son to life. Whatever you and I give up when we receive Christ, God gives us far more. And ultimately we have eternal life. Archeologists can date pottery jars to within 25 years by their shape and decorations. These jars are from the time of Elijah, between 875–850B.C They remind us that Bible stories like that of the widow of Zarephath are not fairy tales, but are drawn from the lives of real people who used utensils like these nearly 3,000 years ago. “Obadiah was a devout believer in the Lord” 1 Kings 18:1–15. After three years Elijah returned to Israel and met Obadiah, a high official in Ahab’s government who was a secret believer. We assume he was a secret believer, for otherwise he would surely have been purged by Jezebel. Some might criticize Obadiah for compromising his faith. But our passage commends him as “devout.” And we see that he used his position to save the lives of a hundred of God’s prophets. Obadiah reminds us not to judge others. We might not make the same choices they do, but each person is responsible to the Lord for the course he takes in life. Who is to say that Obadiah was not directed by God to make the choice he did? “Bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah” 1 Kings 18:16–40. The story of this confrontation on Carmel is one of the best-known stories in Scripture. Several things to note are: *“who eat at Jezebel’s table” (v. 19). The queen supported the pagan “missionaries” she imported from her homeland to convert Israel to her faith. There was a concerted effort during this period to suppress worship of the Lord. *“Elijah began to taunt them” (v. 27). Pagan gods and goddesses were thought by their worshipers to be engaged in humanlike affairs, such as traveling, sleeping, and even doing business. Elijah’s taunts ridiculed this humanistic view of deity. *Ancient texts portray the Phoenician Baal as a bloodthirsty as well as lascivious god. His priests slashed themselves with knives in hopes the smell of blood might attract his attention. *“repaired the altar of the Lord” (v. 30). The “fallen down” condition of an altar dedicated to Yahweh shows how effective Ahab and Jezebel had been up to this time. But the spectacle of fire falling from heaven in answer to Elijah’s prayer moved the people to turn on the pagan prophets and kill them. “There is the sound of a heavy rain” 1 Kings 18:41–46. With the prophets of Baal executed and the Lord publicly acclaimed as God, Elijah sensed that God was ready to bring rain, and prayed to that end. The incident reminds us that God uses our prayers to accomplish His purposes. And that the believer who is close to the Lord will pray in harmony with His will.
DEVOTIONAL
When Depression Strikes (1 Kings 19)
A book that I have suggests that “nearly everyone gets depressed. That basic feeling of emptiness, exhaustion, and meaninglessness is universal, crossing all borders of age, sex, and nationality.” The problem is, we sometimes don’t understand our depression. As in Elijah’s case, depression can strike when everything seems to be going extremely well. Even worse, we don’t know what to do about our depression. Is it the mark of some deep spiritual flaw? Does depression indicate weak faith? The story of Elijah’s inexplicable bout of depression after the victory on Carmel encourages us. If a spiritual giant like Elijah can suffer from depression, maybe pygmies like you and I shouldn’t expect too much of ourselves. But even more, Elijah’s experience shows us how God treated His prophet’s depression and gives us clues to how we can help ourselves. When Elijah became despondent and he ran from his ministry, God was not angry. Instead God actually provided food to sustain Elijah while he ran (vv. 6–9). It’s easy to get down on ourselves when depression strikes. We need to remind ourselves that God is with us, bending to sustain us rather than to condemn. When Elijah had rested, God gave His prophet a simple task to do (vv. 15–16). Depression often robs us of the will to act. It’s important to get up in the morning, and set out to perform our daily tasks. When Elijah doubted and complained, God reassured him. He was not alone, for God had reserved “seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal” (v. 18). Remembering that we’re not alone in our experience can help. Finally, God gave Elijah a friend and companion to be with him (vv. 19–21). Having someone who cares is important, even if they don’t know what to say or do to lift our mood. Depression is a problem for many. And there are no easy answers. But we can lift some of the pressure on ourselves by recalling that God still loves us, by going about our work, remembering we’re not alone, and by finding a friend who cares.
Personal Application
Let God’s caring attitude toward Elijah guide you when others are depressed, and sustain you when you suffer depression.
Quotable
“He said not: Thou shalt not be troubled—thou shalt not be tempted—thou shalt not be distressed. But he said: Thou shalt not be overcome.”—Julian of Norwich
This is my personal collection of thoughts and writings, mainly from much smarter people than I, which challenge me in my discipleship walk. Don't rush by these thoughts, but ponder them.
Milo 