Abide secure in the finished work of Christ (Heb 10:11,12). #ItIsFinished#FinishedWorkOfChrist
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The contrast between Christ, our High Priest, and all other priests before him could not be more stark. For centuries the priest of the temple “STOOD“ before God making sacrifices that pictured but never were able to take away man’s sin. When Christ came he gave substance to what was abstruse.
Christ made a single sacrifice (himself for all sin). Then he, “SAT DOWN.“ His work was complete, finished (Jhn 19:30). He “SAT DOWN.” The final work of Redemption was achieved. It is this redeeming message that we preach and give witness to today. Lord, may I remain resting, abiding, in the finished work of Christ at the cross.
Look to Christ alone for cleansing from sin (Heb 10:8-12). #ComingAgain #RememberingChrist
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
How does Christ’s death forever cancel the Old [First] Covenant – the ceremonial laws seen in the tabernacle? It can be equated to the Lord’s Supper (the new symbol of Christ’s work in Salvation; his blood shed, his body broken in the New Covenant – Mat 26:26ff). The Lord’s Supper (looking back to Christ) pictures Christ’s finished work on the cross. The old ceremony (looking forward to Christ) is done away in favor of the new.
The Lord’s Supper is done in remembrance of Christ’s work. But when he returns (just as when he first came) the ceremony (an ordinance of the church) will be done away (1Co 11:23ff). Like a keepsake photograph of the young soldier away at war. When he/she returns home, the picture is done away with for the reality of his/her physical presence. Lord, we are clinging to your promise of salvation and soon return.
May your devotion reflect the deepest levels of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice (Heb 10:11,12). #FinalSacrifice #SinDefeatedChristExalted
Asian of Narnia: Pictures the Ultimate Sacrifice
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
It could not be more clear. Under the Old Covenant, priests in the Tabernacle–Temple came day after day before God, making the same sacrifices for sin. It was not, nor would it ever be, enough. But our High Priest, Jesus Christ, made the LAST SACRIFICE for sin. Aslan of Narnia vividly pictured Christ’s sacrifice.
In one selfless act, Christ offered himself as the final and eternal cleansing agent for all of man’s sin. The Ceremonial Law became obsolete (the Moral Law – 10 Commandments – is still in play. It defines sin). But now the New Covenant in Christ’s blood-sacrifice cancels the judgment and condemnation of sin for all those who believe.
My Lord, you have freed this old sentry from the power and penalty of sin.
Oh Lord, how feeble is my nature; how apt I am to stumble in my way. At a time when my heart is full of joy and expectation the enemy attacks.
I am caught off guard. I am shocked and ashamed that I missed the signs of a “fifth column” advancing. My intended work of faith is subverted before yet it is begun.
Oh Lord, how can I keep my heart from retreating into mournful discouragement?* How can I recover from the damaging blow delivered?
My only hope of triumph in the battle that has swarmed around me is the knowledge of Your unchanging, undisturbed, love, grace and forgiveness.
Oh Lord, You will comfort the hearts of those in the siege. You will heal the wounds thought fatal. You will arise to give life and joy again.
There is none like the Lord Jehovah. There is no strength greater than Yours. You set aright the caldrons of war and stand with your mighty warriors.
_________________
*Psychologists use the term “self talk” to describe the ongoing internal conversation with ourselves, which influences how we feel and behave.
The book of Psalms is a diary of “self talk.” But it goes far beyond psychosomatics. It reveals David’s (and some others) innermost source of strength. He depends not upon himself but upon God.
Having had a particularly disappointing moment recently my melancholy nature threatened to overtake me. I turned to God and was reminding myself (like David in Psalm 103) of His great healing and power.
What came out was my true inner dependence upon Him. I CAN bring all my hurt and unrest to God alone.
100% Receive the 100% promise of sin forgiven & remembered no more (Heb 10:1-4). #100%ForgivenAccepted
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God had a purpose in the use of animals sacrificed in the confession of sin. It was to remind men of his mercy, grace and love for his people (Psm103:8-12). But instead the repeated sacrifices became a morbid ritual and reminder of how wicked was/is the heart of man. The people felt alienated from rather than accepted by God. Their sacrifices became a means to buy their forgiveness.
It is the same today – except that the sacrifice of Christ has been made once and for all time. Our sin Is washed away and the sinner is cleansed from all unrighteousness. Sin is forgiven and remembered no more. It is the enemy (Satan) who wishes to dredge up all our old sin and bring condemnation (Zech 3:2,3; Jhn 10:10). But “there is now therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1).
Lord, you have accepted me 100%; my sin is forgiven and remembered I more.
Worship God with a whole and obedient heart (Heb 10:1-4;1Sa 15:22). #HumanNeedTrumpsRitual #ObedienceTrumpsSacrafice
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The NET EFFECT of the symbolism and ritual of the tabernacle, priesthood and the law was to point men to the coming reality of Christ. This symbolism was a “shadow, a dim preview” of things to come. It was never intended to be the end in itself, but merely a means to an end.
All of the symbolism and ritual was never able, in and of itself, to deliver men perfectly from their sin and guilt. What it did do was remind men regularly of their sin, year after year; to remind men that THEIR WORKS & SACRIFICES could never free them perfectly from sin and guilt. But men turned their ritual into the end itself; into a mindless routine. Lord, may my worship of you never become merely heartless ritual.
May you determine early to trust Christ the Savior and Lord (Heb 9:27,28). #NoFutureShock #LiveDieJudgment
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Two things we can count on: Death & Judgment. In thinking about the future I am reminded again of its finality. The ultimate future for every person is not his/her career, financial security, marriage, success, education or family. It is DEATH. Every life culminates there. After that comes our JUDGMENT. We will face Christ, the one who died for our sins.
Only one question remains for us at the moment of judgment, “Have you trusted Christ as Savior and Lord?“ The answer to that question will determine our eternal future. For me that answer is, “Yes.“ I am eagerly awaiting Christ’s return or my own intervening journey into the eternal. There will be for me, no “future shock.“ Lord, my future is in your hands. I put my trust in you for my future destiny.
When I think of my fallen self and how desperately wicked can be my heart, I think of my crucified and risen Savior who has borne my sin and shame and redeemed me to himself.
The sin, which does so easily beset me, has its end in the Cross of Calvary. It drives afresh the nails into my Savior’s hands and feet. My besetting sins do not go unaccounted for. These…
…my sins of commission – to lie, to lust, to speak ill/criticize, to waste time;
…my sins of omission – to disobey by not going when moved, not speaking when prompted, not helping when urged;
…my sins of disposition – envy, pride, anger, evil desire;
All these my sins, and more, go painfully under the shed blood of Jesus on the cross.
My unmerited righteousness in Christ does not come without a price. I cannot flee the failure of sins committed, but I can, in Christ, flee from the sin not yet committed before it besets me. AND EVERY SIN FROM WHICH I FLEE IS THAT MUCH PAIN RELIEVED IN MY SAVIOR’S BODY. FOR EVERY SIN RESISTED IS A SIN FOR WHICH HE DID NOT HAVE TO DIE.
Where sin has abounded in my heart without confession, my precious Savior is left to suffer. For lack of confession is unbelief in his atoning sacrifice, his faithfulness to forgive my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1Jn 1:9). My confession acknowledges and accepts his sacrifice.
If he did not want to forgive us he would not have died so horrible a death. So believe. Do not carry your burden of sin. He has borne it. Confess it and do not mourn any longer. You are forgiven and accepted in the beloved (Eph 1:6).
(Note this portion from Valley Of Vision, a book of Puritan prayers)
“…if I sin not I should thank thee for it;
“…if I do sin I should be humbled daily under it;
“…I should mourn for sin more than other men do, for when I see I shall die because of sin, that makes me mourn;
when I see how sin strikes at thee, that makes me mourn;
when I see that sin caused Christ’s death, that makes me mourn;”
“…Thou has taught me that faith is nothing else than receiving thy kindness; that it is an adherence to Christ, a resting on him a love clinging to him as a branch to the tree, to seek life and vigor from him.” [To mourn no longer]
“…I thank thee for showing me the vast difference between knowing things by reason and knowing them by the spirit of faith. [Job 42:5,6]
“…By reason I see a thing is so; by faith I know it is.
“…I have seen thee by reason [head knowledge] and have not been amazed.
“…I have seen thee as thou art in the Son [by faith] and HAVE BEEN RAVISHED TO BEHOLD THEE…
“…I bless thee that I am thine in my Savior, Jesus.” [Mourn no longer]
May your heart and love for Christ grow exponentially for his sacrifice for sin (Heb 9:13,14,24–28). #ChristTheLambSacrificedForMan #TheBloodOfChristSaves
The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The difference between an animal sacrifice for sin and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is twofold. The sacrifice of animals was temporary; daily, weekly and annually multiple sacrifices were made. Second, the animals had no choice in the sacrifice. They did not know it was coming nor why.
But Jesus chose to die. He shed his blood for the cleansing and forgiveness of sin. His life was not taken. He gave it up willingly. This was the final and perfect sacrifice. No more sacrifices need be made. Christ’s death on Calvary removes all sin once and for all (1Pe 1:18-21). It does not overlook our sin. It acknowledges it as a dark blot before God and receives for all, sin’s judgment – DEATH.
Lord, may my love for you grow exponentially every day for suffering my judgment for sin.
May your heart remain broken for sin (Heb 9:13–23). #HighCostOfRedemption
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
James T Draper says of this passage, that it is, “one of the most remarkable…in the entire Word of God. It’s teaching is at the very center of the gospel of Redemption… ‘Without shedding of blood [there] is no redemption.’” This is at once both extraordinary and violent in our eyes. Death is written all over this passage.
When Adam and Eve Sinned, an innocent animal’s life was taken to give them a covering. When a death angel passed over Egypt, it was the blood of an innocent slain animal smeared on the Hebrew’s doorpost that protected the household. All this pointed towards the shed blood of Christ for man’s redemption from sin.
It is hard for me to take in the violent shedding of blood for my redemption. Yet, it places within me some idea of the high cost paid by an innocent victim for my sin. Jesus willingly gave his life in a violent death for me. Lord, may my heart remain broken for sin.
A SOBER TRUTH: What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Understanding Covenants: there are five major covenants in the Bible initiated by and kept by God. Three required nothing in exchange for God’s promises (Noahic Cov – Gen 9:8-11; Abrahamic Cov – Gen 12:1–3; Davidic Cov – 2Sa 7:11–17). A fourth covenant (known as the Mosaic Covenant or “Old Covenant;” transmitted through the Old Testament) is heavily conditioned by and dependent upon faithful obedience (Exo 19:3-8). The last covenant is an expanded version of the Mosaic Covenant (it’s called the “New” Covenant (Jer 31:31–34).
The Mosaic Covenant lists conditions (Ten Commandments) to be followed and if not would become sin against God. The “New Covenant” (transmitted through the New Testament) fulfills the legal requirement of death for sin (“The wages of sin is death” – Rom 6:23) Jesus is the one who died, paid our penalty, to forgive all our sin. Lord I stand my sentry post knowing your reliability as a covenant keeping, promise keeping, God.
Walk secure in your inheritance of forgiveness by the sacrifice of Jesus (Heb 9:16-23). #LastWillAndTestament #HeirsToGod’sPromises
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
For a will to be put in force the testator must die. The Old Covenant (testament or will) of Moses was put in force by the symbolic death of a sacrificial animal. Its blood was sprinkled on everything in the Tabernacle. That was symbolic of the proof that there was a death. Therefore, all the promises of God (the testator) were assigned to the heirs of those promises. But these sacrifices were repeated habitually. They were symbolic of the reality to come. The testator himself had not yet died.
The “New” Covenant (testament or will) was not new, as in kind. It did not revoke the old. It is fully realized, explained, in Christ. It was put in force by the actual death of the testator. That is, Christ. Our sin is atoned and forgiveness is final. No more sacrifice is needed. The resurrection of Christ secures our eternal life. Lord, I am relying fully on the FINAL sacrifice of Christ (His blood shed on the cross) for forgiveness of my sin.
Live in the victory of sin eternally forgiven through Christ (Heb 9:11–15). #ChristIsOurVictory #VictoryOverSinAndDeath #VictoryInJesus
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“But Christ“…“So now Christ,“ have a ring of victory. Those words signal a change. The “rituals” of the Old Covenant are replaced with a “relationship” of righteousness with Christ. The death of Jesus on the cross was the final sacrifice for sin. His blood was spilled at Calvary. Our sin has been judged and atoned for.
Those who receive God‘s forgiveness may now enter freely into worship of the living God and receive the eternal inheritance promised them. Jesus opened the way forever into God‘s holy presence. Lord, I am made right with God by the blood spilled for me at Calvary; my victory is final in Jesus.
Rejoice in your new found freedom in Christ (Heb 9:1–10). #FreedFromTheLawOfDeath #SavedByTheLawOfGrace
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
What this passage is pointing out is that the Old Covenant was never intended to absolve sin eternally. All it did, along with all its external symbolism, was to picture a better and more perfect redemption to come. That Redemption has now arrived in Christ.
The old is expanded by the new. The new fulfills the old. The old system of rules, rituals (focused on behavior) and a multitude of sacrifices was replaced. The new has come. It is a covenant of grace through the one sacrifice of Christ, the lamb of God who takes away sin forever. The focus is on a change of heart. Lord, you have freed me from the law of sin and death; I am a new man by the law of grace and life (Rom 8:1-4).
Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.
These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.
#8 The High Priest
PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION
Offer your life in service to Christ for his atoning sacrifice for us (Heb 9:6-15). #JesusOurAtonmentForSin
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The last symbol to speak of in the Tabernacle is the priesthood and the High Priest. It was required of the priests to tend to every facet of the Tabernacle. Every part of it is a reflection of Jesus Christ. It all points to sin, judgment, sacrifice and salvation.
In the New Covenant Jesus Christ is our eternal High Priest. He has offered his own blood as a sacrifice for sin, bearing all the judgment of sin on his back for all humanity. He himself is the sinless one who has atoned for our sin, entered into the holiest place in heaven and is now on his throne as our eternal mediator.
Lord, I am forever grateful for your atoning grace. What more could I offer than my own life in service to you.
Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.
These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.
#7 Ark of Covenant & Mercy Seat (Prt 2)
PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION
Open your heart, rely fully on God for the cleansing of sin. (Heb 9:4–11).
On top of the Ark of the Covenant was a lid called the Mercy Seat. It was made of solid gold. Two golden cherubim were attached to each end, facing each other with their wings stretched out to touch one another. This was the most sacred object in the tabernacle. This lid lay between the Law of God (stone tablets in the Ark) and God himself (Exo 25:10-22).
God met with Moses (later with the high priest) and spoke from the midst of the two cherubim. Annually (Day of Atonement) the high priest would sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat from the sacrifices made for sin. It symbolized the sins of man as absolved. Just so, the blood of Jesus has cleansed us from all sin (Rom 3:25; 1Jhn 2:2).
Lord, thank you for cleansing away all my sin. “Your mercy endures forever” (Psalm 136).
Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.
These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.
#7 The Ark of Covenant & Mercy Seat (Prt 1)
PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION
Humbly acknowledge God’s invitation to speak directly with him (Heb 9:4–11). #GodSpeaksWithMan #ApproachGodHumbly
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Behind the veil to the Holy of Holies rested the Ark of the Covenant & Mercy Seat (Exo 25:10–22). This was the last piece of furniture in the Tabernacle and it was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle.
The Ark was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. In it was the Law of God (10 Commandments) carved on two stone tablets. It represented God‘s holiness. There was also a golden jar with manna in it. It represented God‘s provision for his people in the wilderness. Finally it contained Aaron’s staff upon which blossoms grew (a dead stick that bore fruit). This rod represented God’s authority given to man.
Taken all together the Ark represented God‘s presence, the place where God meets and speaks with man. Lord, I am humbled at the privilege of coming into your presence to speak with you.
Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.
These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.
#1 THE BRAZEN ALTAR
The Brazen (bronze) Altar
PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION
Express profound gratitude to Jesus for the sacrifice he made for our sin (Heb 9:1–5,14,15). #JesusIsOurSacraficeForSin
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This passage explains in part the arrangement of the Jewish tabernacle rooms and furniture. In the outer room stood the bronze altar of sacrifice (Exo 27:1-8). Bronze is a symbol of sin. The altar was where only perfect animals were sacrificed for sin. A fire burned perpetually in the altar. It represented God’s judgment of sin.
The slain animals (a substitute for man) were consumed by fire as an atonement for sin – satisfying God’s judgment. Jesus was our perfect sacrifice for sin. He died on a cross (his Bronze Altar) in our place to satisfy God’s judgment against sin (Rom 3:25; 1Pe 2:24; 1Jh 2:1,2). Father, I am profoundly grateful for the sacrifice Jesus made for my sin – that I might be reconciled to you.
Remain open to the inward change Christ brings (Heb 8:8–12). #GoodChange #ChangeForGood
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The writer of Hebrews has carefully explained how Christ is superior to angels, to Moses (the greatest prophet) and to the entire Jewish temple priesthood (Chs 1-7). All this necessarily means that the old covenant (system of laws and sacrifices) must give way to the new and superior covenant (where mercy and grace prevail). The prophet Jeremiah predicted this and our writer quotes the entire passage to make the point (Jer 31:31-34).
These Hebrew Christians, and we today, needed to understand that Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross changed everything about the Jewish system of laws and rules. God would seek to change all men’s hearts and not just their behavior. Men would follow God out of love and not out of fear. This is not a matter of denying the old, but of explaining it with a new understanding. That is what the Tabernacle symbolism is all about.
Lord, what this old sentry wants is to understand what is mine in Christ and continue growing in that grace.
Grasp and hold on to the hope you have in Christ (Heb 7:18–22). #PeaceWithGod #JesusABetterWay #LawVsGrace #OpenDoorToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The law of (the system of, demands of) righteousness was set aside to find its perfection, it’s realization, in Jesus Christ…in Grace. The law gave no one any hope of communion with God. God can no more be a friend to me through the law than a punitive justice system can reach out to an inmate and give redemptive healing to a broken life.
Jesus introduces a better hope. He brings hope and the open door through which I may enter into a redemptive relationship with God (v19). This is the great hope of the Christian faith. Lord, my hope (the hope of my beloved nation) in this life, and the life to come, is in Jesus – he is the promise; the peace, forgiveness, joy and redemption of God.
Embrace the far better hope established in Christ Jesus (Heb 7:11- 20). #JesusOurEternalHighPriest #LawOfWorksOut #LawOfGraceIn
The Dawn of Grace
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In this passage, the writer makes it clear that the Law and the priesthood of the Law were never intended as a way of works to achieve right standing with God. These were always intended as a foreshadowing of a better hope (vv18,19; Gal 3:23-26).
The priesthood is shown as temporal and replaced by a perpetual, eternal, Priesthood (Christ Jesus). So also the Law was imperfect as to the redemption of man. It was intended as an outward expression of the inner change required for redemption. A new law of Grace was put in the place of the demands of righteousness (Jhn 1:17; Rom 3:21,22; 6:14).
Lord, I see here the sun setting on the Law of righteous demands and the dawn risen on the law of Grace.
Strive to express a pastoral-shepherd’s heart toward others (Heb 6:9). #ShepherdsHeart #PastoralHeart
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Like the loving caring father who gives his child stern correction regarding disobedience and the consequences of that, he then speaks words of kindness and encouragement. Just so, after the solemn warnings of Hebrews 5:11–6:8, the writer puts his loving arms around these believers and his last words are words of confidence and encouragement.
“Oh, precious and beloved friends, we are so confident in you. You are and will continue to do, more and more great things in ministry. Your hearts are dialed into God and those works brought about by salvation. We so believe in you.” Lord, may I approach all discipline and exhortation with a pastoral-shepherding heart.
While you still can, strive by faith to understand and follow God’s mission for you (Heb 6:7-8). #WindowOfOpportunity #FulfillGodsPlan #StandingStrongInFaith
Use Your Window
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The writer is speaking to believers here (vv1-6 describes it beautifully clear). Verses 7 and 8 illustrate a principal of discipline in the believer’s life. When rain falls on a field, it bears fruit. If that same field bears only thorns, thistles and weeds, the farmer burns the worthless brush away. I don’t conclude this to mean that believers will lose their salvation or maybe they weren’t believers to begin with (read vv1-6 again).
My understanding and life experience of this leads me to conclude that believers who are rebellious, unwilling to listen to God and grow to maturity (5:11) are in danger. They have “fallen aside from,” “side-stepped,” their responsibility, their opportunities to be productive for God. They bring harm to the work of the Kingdom. God WILL bring correction and judgment on his children for their own good. Heb 3:12-19 is evidence of that. (Also note 1Co 3:12,13; 2Co 5:9-11)
Lord, may I never miss a window of opportunity to grow in my faith and obedience to you.
________
THIS SENTRY’S TESTIMONY:
“Last Call”
God is serious about his children’s growth and obedience.
As an eight year old boy I gave my heart to Jesus. That’s when I met the Lamb of God. I had some growth in my early years. But later, in spite of my faith and upbringing, I became rebellious.
In college my life went completely off the rails. God often spoke to my heart, but I would not listen. I’ll spare you the details, but I wanted God to butt out of my life. I spurned my faith. Yet, in the deepest recesses of my heart, I knew that Jesus was tenaciously and compassionately striving with me.
Fast forward: through my rebellion I squandered my college opportunity. I was failing after three years of mischief. I was asked not to return to campus. As a result, I was drafted into the military. I soon found myself thousands of miles away from home in the war torn land of Vietnam.
God was bringing severe judgment and discipline into my life to get my attention. After many previous calls for me to return to him, to mature in my faith, to be used of him, he was about to issue the “Last Call.”
As a believer I was doing more harm to the faith than good. I was “falling aside from,” “side-stepping,” my responsibility, my opportunity to be productive for God. My lifestyle as a “believer” had brought me dangerously close to holding Jesus up to open shame. God was ready to set me aside, leaving the likelihood of my repentance for renewal as a remote and unlikely possibility (Heb 6:6).
On December 28, 1968, I was standing watch in a guard tower. It was in the early morning hours. I was lonely and I was scarred. I had a small New Testament in the pocket of my flak jacket (my church gave it to me before I left – it felt more like a good luck charm to me; maybe it would stop a bullet).
I pulled that New Testament from my pocket. I opened it up to the Gospel of John and began to read: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:” (Jhn 1:1, 4-5, 10-12)
When I read the words, “He came to his own and his own did not receive him”, my heart was deeply convicted. I heard God distinctly speak into my heart. He said to me, “I have come to to you over and over again. You have not received what I have for you.”
In my heart I knew that I was living dangerously close to even more severe judgment than being in a hostile far away country (maybe committing a sin unto death – 1Jn 5:16,17. That’s when God issued what I knew then was my “Last Call.” He said to me, “Tonight you have a choice. You can go home in a body bag or you can go home serving me. The choice is yours and the time is now.”
The next thing I remember, I was on my hands and knees in that guard tower over the Saigon River. I was weeping and asking God to forgive my rebelliousness. I was broken, weeping and confessing sin.
[1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”]
On my knees in that guard tower before God I felt his cleansing touch. It washed me clean from the top of my combat helmet to the bottom of my combat boots. My heart and life was revived in joy and total surrender to God.
[When I was an eight year old boy I met the Lamb of God. At age twenty-one, I met the Lion of Judah. Jesus became the Undisputed Lord of my life.
I never looked back. Life changed for me in that solitary moment of surrender to God. For fifty-five years now God has continuously done gracious undeserved works in my life.
“Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion” (Heb 3:15).
Come confidently into God’s presence to receive his mercy & grace (Heb 4:16). #FindingFavorWithGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The word of God exposes me for who I am (vv12,13). I am left without any excuses and guilty before an eternal judge, Jesus Christ. But this judge has already paid the penalty for my sin and guilt (vv14,15). He is my judge and my pardon.
Then, this judge does the unthinkable. He invites me into his chambers. He says, “You may come into my chambers anytime for help. You will always be welcome.” I may confidently come before God‘s throne of grace, beleaguered as I may be, and find grace and mercy in my time of greatest need. He understands who I am and what exactly is my need.
When this sentry loses his way, confounded by his own circumstances, God’s mercy and grace will be given to him in just the right measure, at just the right time.
__________
Read Heb 4:16 again (Amp Version). Pause and reflect between each phrase.
“Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor]
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with confidence and without fear,
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so that we may receive mercy [for our failures]
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and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”
-PAUSE-
Consider this blog post, Jesus: Savior-Brother. Link below.
2) The Living Word, Jesus, is the one to whom every man will give an account (4:13).
3) Jesus also understands man’s every weakness and frailty – he himself has lived as a man and faced every life challenge just as we have, but without sin (4:14,15).
4) Jesus extends mercy and grace to all men that they might know redemption (4:16).
Some have believed God knows our needs but does not care. Others have believed God neither knows nor cares. Neither is true. Jesus is God in the flesh. He lived and walked among us. He has made God’s incomprehensible love believable. As such, he has pierced the veil between God and man so that man might know that God is for us. (Psm 56:9; 118:6; Rom 8:31).
Lord, This old sentry is overwhelmed by your incomprehensible love and grace.
May you believe for the “rest of God;” the assurance of acceptance with him (Heb 4:6-11). #TheRestOfGod #EndWorksZone
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Are you confused about how you may enter into the “rest of God” defined by some ancients going forward into a veritable land of promise? It is a comparison that reveals the consequence of disbelief and not entering into that promised “rest“ – Caution: Wilderness Journey Ahead.
There is another “rest“ for another time. That time is now. Today. The psalmist pointed to a coming “rest“ (Psm 95:7,8). It is the “rest“ of salvation. Believing is still the criteria for this “rest” today. My works will not save or sustain me. Only my resting and abiding in the grace of God. I simply trust fully in God (Eph 2:8,9) – End of Works Zone.
Lord, I am relieved of the uncertainty of trusting my own works for salvation.
Live a godly life made exceptional by the grace of God (Jer 16:10). #GodlyExceptionalism #NoExceptionToTheRule
Exceptionalism Depends On God’s Grace
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah was to exhibit extraordinary behavior to act out and explain God’s displeasure with Judah, his people (vv1-9). The people denied God. Yet, in verse 10, they ask indignantly, “Why is God unhappy with us? What have we done – how have we sinned against him?“ They were religious in their outward actions but far from God in their hearts.
Far from being the exceptional people God intended them to be, they thought they were the exception to the rule. They believed God was obligated to protect and provide for them. Exceptionalism does not make one an exception to the rule – in this case devotion to God. Lord may I live my life as a child of God, made exceptional in repentance by the grace of God.
I believe in “American Exceptionalism.” But America is not an exception to the rule, free to live in defiance of God and his Word. Her “Exceptionalism” is a God-given attribute. She needs to turn from her sin and act like it. May repentance be the rule of the day.
Hold fast to the truth, that one “faith” entrusted to you (Jude 1:3). #OneFaith #DefendTheFaith
Truth; Chiseled In Stone
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jude further explains “the faith“ I am to defend. It is that faith “entrusted once for all time to God’s people.“ This “faith“ is the one eternal truth given in the gospel – that Christ lived a sinless life and became the sinless sacrifice for all men. In his death he satisfied God’s righteous anger against sin. Christ died that our sin be forgiven. He was buried and raised from the dead to secure men’s eternal life (1Co 15:1-4).
There may be different denominations, but there is only one “faith.” That is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, given “once for all time“ [its chiseled in stone]. Those who claim some “new truth” are false teachers (liars) and lead men away from the truth. Lord, my confidence rests in the sole immutable truth of the Gospel.
Be assured of God’s complete work of grace in your life (Jude 1:1,2). #Grace #Mercy #Peace #Love #GospelAssurance
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jude writes to Christians across the centuries. He writes to me. Jude, the brother of Jesus, writes to all who have believed the Gospel. His opening prayer for us (me) is that we stand firm in the Gospel call of God, our father, who secures us by his Son, by the Shepherd’s care of Jesus.
Jude prays that we would receive more mercy, peace and love. That is, the supply of mercy for our sin, peace for our anxieties and love for our conditional acceptance of others is full, abundant and never ending. Whatever our need for mercy, peace and love, it is in eternal supply. Lord, I have no fear of slipping from your grasp or falling short of the Gospel attributes of faith and action.
The Prayer Sentry 