Author: astherainandsnow

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness…

“I purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem..; fear not. These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the Lord…

“The fasts… shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts; I myself am going.’ Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Zechariah 8:7-8,15-17,19-23

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

The prophet’s words of a future gathering picture the fulfillment of the Name and gospel Jesus embodied in Bethlehem. The Savior came to save, to unite His people in faithfulness and righteousness to be a blessing and light to the world. His incarnation draws the faithful to adore and rejoice, and moves them to bring others to behold and entreat the Lord of hosts.

The season resounds with chatter of meals and festivities, togetherness and sharing, yet the world shivers in a meaningless grey winter of soul. When we remember the One celebrated at Christmas, we are wont to invite others in from the cold to know His warmth and light. A heart eager to behold and adore the new-born king will be filled with wonder and holy desire to welcome others into that place. What in our way of living causes others to say, ‘We have heard that God is with you, and want to come along’?

Whom do we know who is weary, dampened by dreary circumstances or recent losses? Who needs HIs message of gathering and the hope of salvation? Are we listening, watching for the ones the Lord would draw close? To whom will we bring His light?

“O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!

God of God, Light of Light,
lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb;
very God, begotten not created; 

Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;
sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest!

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! 

O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!” ~ John Francis Wade (1743)

Amen.

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“’Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel’

“(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25

“Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,.. emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And… he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,  so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

From the unnamed inclusion in creation’s Trinity to the promised incarnation of majestic descriptors, the Son of God bore the Name above all names from eternal beginning. Present in Genesis, active in history, announced with hope, He came. Teaching, serving, loving, dying, rising, ascending, Jesus fulfilled every aspect of His glorious Name and lives today crowned with it still. (Genesis 1:26; John 1:1-4; Revelation 19:11-16)

Our Savior’s name, often dismissed, sworn, or reviled, swells with significance for the Christian’s everyday. The Wonderful Counselor is our Mighty God and Everlasting Father who’s saved us from sin, imparting everlasting peace. Which name do I treasure most?

If my daily efforts aim to exalt my name over His, how can I set aside self to hallow His above all? What will I do to guard and extol the Name worthy of reverence? Whom can I prepare to one day humbly bow in Spirit and truth? (John 4:24)

“O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread thro’ all the earth abroad
the honors of your name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease,
’tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’tis life and health and peace.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, write Your great name on my heart that I daily bear its beauties, and by word and deed, proclaim its holiness and power.

“After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle… Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah… 

“Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, and said, ‘O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land..? And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir… [have come] to drive us out… O our God,.. we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.’

“The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel.., a Levite of the sons of Asaph…  And he said, ‘Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.  Tomorrow go down against them… You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.” Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.’

“Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord…

“And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa… Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed…’

“When they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.” 2 Chronicles 20:1,3,5-7a,10a,11a,12,14-16a,17-18,20,22

The approaching armies could be heard and seen, striking fear in King Jehoshaphat. Responding as was his nature in life’s desperate impossibilities, he turned to the Lord his God and recounted past promises and intervention. He claimed His presence and power to save. And the Lord answered, through Jahaziel His servant, to encourage him in truth, direct next steps, and announce victory.

Many in our circles of influence are fearful and needy. Life’s pressures burden with anxiety and confusion, and people cry out, not knowing where else to turn for relief or help. When we step in as an answer to their prayer, speaking life-giving truth, we never know what far-reaching results the Lord will work through our obedience. Those we aid with spiritual light who step out in faith receive more than imagined, gladness, and soul peace as a result of trusting Him. (2 Chronicles 20:25-30; Ephesians 3:20-21)

Who around us- at home, workplace, public interactions- is in a drought of hope, direction, the light of truth? How sensitive are we to the Holy Spirit’s nudging, how familiar with God’s word, so we are ready with living water? Whom will we encourage with a message of God’s balm, hope, and saving victory today? (John 7:38; 1 Peter 3:15)

Father, fill me to be an agent of grace, truth, and light to those around me, so they can know Your hope, salvation, and victory.

“A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet…

“O Lord, I have heard the report of you,
    and your work, O Lord, do I fear.
In the midst of the years revive it;
    in the midst of the years make it known;
    in wrath remember mercy.
God came from Teman…
His splendor covered the heavens,
    and the earth was full of his praise.
His brightness was like the light;
    rays flashed from his hand;
    and there he veiled his power.
Before him went pestilence,
    and plague followed at his heels.
He stood and measured the earth;
    he looked and shook the nations…
    His were the everlasting ways…
Was your wrath against the rivers, O Lord?..
The mountains saw you and writhed…
The sun and moon stood still in their place
    at the light of your arrows as they sped,
    at the flash of your glittering spear.
You marched through the earth in fury;
    you threshed the nations in anger.
You went out for the salvation of your people,
    for the salvation of your anointed.
You crushed the head of the house of the wicked…
You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors…
You trampled the sea with your horses,
    the surging of mighty waters…

Though the fig tree should not blossom,
    nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
    and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
    and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the deer’s;
    he makes me tread on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:1-6,8,10-19

The prophet’s consternation over the Lord’s punishment and justice resolves in his realization that He went out to indescribable ends for the salvation of His people. Habakkuk describes the varied extent of His wrath, mercy, power, and love in the conquest of His own over history and in ways beyond his comprehension. His resolution is one of absolute trust in this great and purposeful God who will indeed complete His every good intent.

In present observation, even experience, of injustice and cruelty, it is easy to be confused at God’s wider ways, or even that He has control. In the shaking nations as well as personal circumstances, we rejoice in great deliverances, then chafe in plagues sorrow, doubt, disbelief. We experience deep mercy, then suffer deserved, harsh consequences. What might come next, what is He doing, and where do I fix my trust?

Hushing the soul at Christmastime refocuses our perspective to the eternal and real. God sent Jesus out of glory to earth for our salvation. How do I respond to His divine, benevolent effort? Have I ever taken in and wondered at the extent of His reach for me, and the depth of His suffering for me? Have I grown indifferent to His unending love? Has the maelstrom of the world drowned out the music and call of my salvation?

“He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness,
And wonders of his love.” ~Isaac Watts (1719)

Lord, no matter what, help me trust Your ongoing work, pray with sure hope, and rejoice in You, my strength and salvation, to Your glory.

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,
    or his ear dull, that it cannot hear;
but your iniquities have made a separation
    between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you
    so that he does not hear.
For your hands are defiled with blood
    and your fingers with iniquity;
your lips have spoken lies;
    your tongue mutters wickedness…
Feet run to evil,
    and are swift to shed innocent blood;
their thoughts are of iniquity;
    desolation and destruction are in their highways.

“Therefore justice is far from us,
    and righteousness does not overtake us;
we hope for light, and behold, darkness,
    and for brightness, but we walk in gloom.
We grope… like the blind;
    like those who have no eyes;
we stumble at noon as in the twilight,
    among those in full vigor we are like dead men.
We all growl like bears;
    we moan like doves;
we hope for justice, but there is none;
    for salvation, but it is far from us.
For our transgressions are multiplied before you,
    and our sins testify against us;
for our transgressions are with us,
    and we know our iniquities:
transgressing, and denying the Lord,
    and turning back from following our God,
speaking oppression and revolt,
    conceiving and uttering from the heart lying words.

“Justice is turned back,
    and righteousness stands far away;
truth has stumbled in the public squares…

“The Lord saw, and it displeased him
    that there was no justice.
He saw that there was no man,
    and wondered that there was no one to intercede;
then his own arm brought him salvation,
    and his righteousness upheld him…

“’A Redeemer will come to Zion,
    to those… who turn from transgression,’ declares the Lord.”

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Isaiah 59:1-3,7,9-16,20; 60:1

Isaiah’s prophetic word broke into despair, promising a Redeemer to the oppressed, salvation to the transgressor. The separation that began in Eden made wide the gap between God and man, and ready a people for Jesus. Misery would meet Mercy at Christmas.

In every day, darkness and gloom grope for light, vileness, defilement, and injustice cry out for an able, strong hand to save. Enter Jesus into our chaotic culture to intercede, His saving righteousness to impart. Emmanuel has come! Rejoice! (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; )

What outside forces, oppression of soul, uncertain emotion, or longing looms heavy? In what misery- of my own or another’s making- do I choose to stew? Will I behold my Savior, cast my cares on Him, and arise to the joy of salvation? (1 Peter 5:7)

“O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o’er the grave.

O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light.

O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel. ~ J.M. Neale (1851)

So be it, Lord!

“Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people.., for he himself knew what was in man.

“Now a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus… came to Jesus by night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs unless God is with him.’  Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly,.. unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’  Nicodemus said, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly,.. unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’

“Nicodemus said, ‘How can these things be?’  Jesus answered, ‘Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand? Truly, truly,.. we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?.. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 2:24–3:12,14-17

Yes, Jesus knew what was in a man. He made Himself available to this curious Jewish ruler at night, knowing he was reluctant to be seen conversing with him by day. He knew his questions and doubts, and the limited understanding he had to grapple with both. He knew how to explain heavenly ideas with earthly illustrations. And He knew that He loved Nicodemus, and that faith would be required for him to be born again.

Our Lord Jesus, compelled by love, strives patiently with those He came to save. He knows our rebel hearts and perspective marred by sin. He knows the struggle of spiritual resistance. He came that we might be born again and set free to know and love and fear and obey and honor Him.

How patiently do we get to know those around us? Are we turned off by wayward individuals, or drawn to their souls? How can we make ourselves available for the curious and questioning, so they might know Jesus too? TO whom will we extend His love today?

“Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.

“Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King.'” ~ Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, may I pursue others in patient love as You’ve pursued and saved me, to Your glory.

“The Spirit of God came upon Azariah, and he went out to meet Asa and said, ‘Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The Lord is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, a teaching priest and law, but when in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them. In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for great disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands. They were broken in pieces. Nation was crushed by nation and city by city… But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.’

“As soon as Asa heard these words,.. he took courage and put away the detestable idols from all the land… and from the cities that he had taken.., and he repaired the altar of the Lord… He gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those… residing with them, for great numbers had deserted to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord was with him… They sacrificed to the Lord on that day from the spoil that they had brought 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep. And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul, but that whoever would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. They swore an oath to the Lord with a loud voice and with shouting and with trumpets and with horns. And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.” 2 Chronicles 15:1-9,11-15

The effect of God’s Spirit moving is evident through the power of the prophet’s word to Asa and his immediate resultant bold reforms. Exemplary in their thoroughness and the courage with which they were executed, the steps taken by the king redirected the passion and priorities of God’s people. Only a steadfast, wholly true heart would beat with such compulsion and take such bold and effective action.

First, Asa received the prophet’s words with eager resolve to seek the Lord and courageously endeavor to work for Him. He wasted no time. How quickly do we obey when the Lord’s word strikes?

Next, he removed the detestable idols from the cities and land. What little gods have we allowed to stain our affections, entertainment, language? What needs extricating in order for us to be pure in mind and practice?

Then, Asa repaired the altar, attracting others to the Lord. What has interrupted or broken regular, consistent fellowship with the Lord? How will we adjust time, place, schedule, to prioritize unfettered worship and winsomely invite others?

With those steps taken, there was great rejoicing, with sacrifice, song, and surrender. What personal reforms has the Spirit identified that will enable robust celebration of the Lord and His goodness? What steps will I take first? What will I offer Him today of resources and praise?

Father, reform my heart and whole desire to purity and generosity toward You, so You are honored and magnified.

“On the first day of the week,.. they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but… not the body of the Lord Jesus. ⁴ While they were perplexed.., two men stood by in dazzling apparel… [and] said, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen… And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told these things to the eleven and the rest… Peter ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling…

“As they were talking about these things, Jesus… said, ‘Peace to you!’ But they were startled… He said, ‘Why are you troubled..? See my hands and my feet… Touch me, and see…’ They disbelieved for joy and were marveling…

“Then he said, ‘These are my words I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me… must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,.. ‘That the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name…’

“Lifting up his hands he blessed them. He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. They worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” Luke 24:1-6,8-9,12,36-39,41,44-47,50-53

Following Jesus during his earthly ministry in the tangle of teaching and travel, the disciples’ focus was horizontal. Although Jesus often spoke of His death and resurrection, they were caught up in the challenges of every day life on the dusty earth they walked with Him. When He was lifted on the cross, their eyes squinted upward as emotions wrangled, yet they did not understand how His words would be fulfilled. His resurrection brought new marveling, and His ascension, an even higher blessing. Now they would increasingly and finally grasp how He had and would fulfill scriptures. Hope filled them with joy and blessing.

During the daily drudge of this world’s sojourn, we can forget to look up and marvel at the Lord lifted high. Truly, His body was raised from death and carried up to heaven, and the meaning for us in both of those lifts is life-giving. His resurrection assures victory over sin’s penalty and power, His ascension promises ongoing intercession and hope of heaven. (Isaiah 6:1-8; Romans 8:31-34; Revelation 4:2-11)

How can the raising of Christ raise our spirits today? Raise our sense of calling and heavenly purpose because He died and rose for us? Raise us from anxiety, fear, intimidation because He overcame defeat, destruction, and death? Raise us from shame and self-deprecation because His rising is a pledge to put to death forever our sins’ consequences? Raise our hope and anticipation because He makes a glorious way for eternal significance?

Jesus was raised from death and to heaven to fulfill His word for us and to His Father’s glory. How will we apply the meaning to our besetting follies and doldrums, so we marvel and bless His name?

“Joy to the world; the Lord is come;
Let Earth receive her King;
Let ev’ry heart prepare him room,
And heav’n and nature sing.

“No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.” ~Isaac Watts (1719)

Lord, lift my sights and spirits to behold and be like You, so you are exalted.

“When the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him… He took bread,.. broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup.., saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood…’

“’Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers…’

“The men said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you,.. that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.’ And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest… Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and went home marveling at what had happened…

“[Jesus] said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law… and Prophets and Psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, ‘It is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations.'”  Luke 22:14,19-20,31-32; 23:46-49; 24:5-9,12,44-47

While He lived among them, Jesus taught His disciples and repeatedly warned them of His upcoming death and resurrection. The consistent message dripped on their curious, eager hearts, but was not fully absorbed until He had died and been raised. The lessons of preparation for understanding and accepting His death became lessons of applying it, what to do with His victory won. (Luke 23:46-49)

All through life we take in lessons, some specifically conveyed and others gleaned from experience. There are situations we’re so in the moment that we fail to recall what we know we know, yet looking back, see how the lesson applied, or could have been. The scriptures are full of warnings and direction that, the more familiar we are with them, are a help and hope in present living. The Spirit calls them to mind to effect immediate decisions and responses. (John 14:26)

In a time of tension between promises fulfilled and those to anticipate, how should we then live? At Christmastime, we look back on the gift that was Jesus to the world, and we look forward to His coming again. Our challenge is to live out and proclaim the message of His life and salvation with hope of His future return. The lessons He’s taught us all along can be applied now and believed in days to come.

What lessons has the Lord taught over the recent past? What have we learned about suffering, the wickedness of the world, the blessing of mutual encouragement, our mandate as His children? How deliberate are we to put His word to action? Christ gives both perspective and power as we trust and obey.

Lord, keep me alert to all You’ve taught and are teaching, that I might always, aware of Your sovereign, good activity, live boldly to Your praise.

“The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”

“He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!’  And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this…

“’Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.’  Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me…’

“And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’ And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.'” Luke 9:22; 22:19-23,31-34,39-40,45-46

Jesus had repeatedly told his disciples about His impending death and resurrection. Every announcement of doom was attached to the announcement of glorious result, and so with warning of the temptation they would face. He was clear in stating that Satan had his eye on Peter, but that He had even bigger plans than Peter’s failures. This disciple had heavenly purpose, and there would be help from on high.

Such is the mercy of God. He tells it like it is: we are sinful, and in the flesh very weak. We will be prickled with temptation from the enemy, but He has bigger plans for us that include victory and spiritual fruit. We are not alone in temptation, and have a great High Priest who has gone before us ever interceding on our behalf. His Spirit convicts of sin. When we do fall, His resurrection victory is applied and He restores and redeems. (Luke 22:56-62; John 16:8; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:15-16; 12:1-4)

How well do we know the Lord’s warnings? How has Christ’s example and encouragement fortified our resolve to heed them? Before meeting temptation, are we committed to taking His way out? What are we doing to redeem our errors and honor Him?

“Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.

“Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King.’ ” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Father, help me take Your warnings seriously and learn from Your glorious intervention, to Your praise.