From: October 19, 2018
October 19
Scripture for today: Jeremiah 33:1-34:22; 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Psalm 89:1-13; Proverbs 25:23-24
“I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David: ‘Your seed I will establish forever, And build up your throne to all generations.’” (Psalm 89:3-4)
From: October 19, 2017
Who is this promised “seed?” Isn’t this seed which the Lord promised to David, also the same seed promised to Abraham? Surely, it must be. The apostle Paul identified it as Jesus, saying, “Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as of many, but as of one, ‘And to your Seed,’ who is Christ” (Gal. 3:16). As today’s Jeremiah reading (Jer. 33:19-22) reminded us, this was an unconditional promise, a covenantal promise. And it was fulfilled in Christ Jesus, whose throne is established forever.
“In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David” (Jeremiah 33:15 ESV)
From: October 19, 2016
Jeremiah prophesied the coming of a “righteous Branch” from David that would restore and rule over Israel. This can be none other than the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Both Jeremiah and Isaiah prophesied of this coming “Branch” (Jer. 23:5; Isa. 4:2, 11:1). Jesus, who was born into the Davidic line both biologically through his mother, and legally through his adopted father, is the fulfillment of this prophecy. However, this fulfillment is still partial in that he has yet to come to rule as King. He has already come as the Righteous Branch, the Son of David, Son of God, but He will soon return as the Righteous Judge and King over all. Jeremiah offered this word of hope, so that the people during his time would obey God. This is still the reason for this word of hope. Obey the gospel, so that you may be grafted into the Branch and be ready for His return.
“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 89:1 NKJV)
From: October 19, 2015
I have joined the psalmist whom the Spirit inspired to write this. The Lord’s mercy has caused me to sing of Him. He has given me eternal life, so that in spite of worldly woes, my singing need never cease. He has filled my mouth with His Word, so that I desire to proclaim God’s faithfulness to my children, grandchildren, and to every generation He allows me to see. Have you joined this chorus that sings and speaks of God’s mercy and faithfulness?
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)
From: October 19, 2014
We are born with a body, yet physical training is necessary to make it strong. When we are born again we receive eternal life, yet in like manner, we are to “train” to grow up in our salvation. Both the physical life and this new spiritual life are gifts from God. We cannot earn them. But we can yield ourselves to the Spirit’s work in us by certain spiritual disciplines that aid in our growth. Training the body is good for today. Training to grow in our salvation is better both today and tomorrow.
“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13)
From: October 19, 2013
Paul told the young pastor Timothy to avoid focusing on silly distractions and people who might despise his leadership. Instead, “devote” (To give all or a large part of one’s time and resources to) the ministry of the Word. Today’s young pastor faces perhaps the most complex, multi-faceted set of needs and expectations of any generation. The modern church wants him to be and do all things well. Yet, Paul’s instruction holds more true than ever. We need churches that are led by pastors who are “devoted” to the ministry of the Word. And we need church members who recognize their responsibility to be equipped by pastors and teachers to find and do the ministry in the other areas.
“Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them” (1 Timothy 4:13)
From: October 19, 2012
Paul taught young Pastor Tim to focus his ministry on these three things. This is a good word for today’s pastors. With the pull and tug of so many needs, pastors are called to “focus” on reading, encouraging and teaching the Word of God!
“I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations” (Psalm 89:1)
From: October 19, 2011
Shouldn’t the One who made man’s mouth receive our songs and praise? What words and songs fill your mouth? Have you taught your children and grandchildren to sing “Jesus Loves Me?” Their mouths only repeat what they hear from ours.