God of grace, grant that your servants would walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which we have been called. Father fill our hearts with your love. Fill our hearts with a love for you, your truth and your glory. Grant that we would do those good works for which we have been prepared. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Venantius Fortunatus

Words: Venantius Fortunatus (circa 530-609) (Pange lingua gloriosi proelium certaminis); translated from Latin to English by Augustus Nelson.

PRAISE THE SAVIOR, NOW AND FOREVER
Click here for tune.

Praise the Savior now and ever;
Praise Him, all beneath the skies;
Prostrate lying, suff’ring, dying
On the cross, a sacrifice.
Vict’ry gaining, life obtaining,
Now in glory He doth rise.

Man’s work faileth, Christ’s availeth;
He is all our righteousness;
He, our Savior, has forever
Set us free from dire distress.
Through His merit we inherit
Light and peace and happiness.

Sin’s bonds severed, we’re delivered,
Christ has bruised the serpent’s head;
Death no longer is the stronger,
Hell itself is captive led.
Christ has risen from death’s prison,
O’er the tomb He light has shed.

For His favor, praise forever,
Unto God the Father sing;
Praise the Savior, praise Him ever,
Son of God, our Lord and King.
Praise the Spirit, through Christ’s merit,
He doth us salvation bring.

Thought Provoker

A cry that arises from God’s people is how long will He patiently bear with sinful men who reject Him? (Revelation 6:10). Although scripture does not provide a definitive time line, we are assured that God will judge the wicked. However, until then He patiently endures that the full number of His elect might come into the fold of Christ the Shepherd. Today, in the life of Judah, we see that God’s longsuffering with sinners will come to an end as He unleashes His wrath upon Jerusalem and lays waste to the promised land.

Dad’s Study

The reign of Josiah which was marked by “deeds of devotion” (2 Chronicles 35:26) is followed by that of his sons that did evil in the sight of the Lord. After showing patient forbearance with Judah for over 300 years, the Lord who is patient and not wishing for any to perish (2 Peter 3:9), has delayed the judgment of Judah to the fullness of time. Right up to the end God sought them and called to them to repent, but they refused and ran deeper into idolatry (verse15-17). Finally, the wrath of God was upon them and He brought the Chaldeans up against them. The Chaldeans were merciless, when they finally breached the city they slew all that were within (verse 17), the only survivors were those who quit resisting God by fighting against the Chaldeans and went out of the city and surrendered (Jeremiah 21:8-10). To these God gave them their lives as the reward of their obedience (verse 20). Jerusalem was utterly destroyed and lay waste according to the prophecy of Jeremiah.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

What is to be gleaned from this account? It is this, that God will not patiently strive with sinners forever. A day of judgment will come when God will demand a reckoning. In this sense this chapter is a call to the Gospel, for when that day comes the only one who will escape with his life is he who is found in Jesus Christ. The application of this chapter is this, have you fled from your sins to the cross of Christ? Have you repented and obediently turned to Christ, trusting in Him for salvation? If not you too will have the wrath of God abide on you as did those disobedient sinners in Jerusalem. Repent, flee to Christ, trust in Him and live. Do so now, without delay, for we know not the day or hour of His coming to execute His judgment.

Catechism

Question 52

Q. Which is the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

God of grace, grant that your servants would walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which we have been called. Father fill our hearts with your love. Fill our hearts with a love for you, your truth and your glory. Grant that we would do those good works for which we have been prepared. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Martin Luther

Words and Music: Martin Luther, 1529; translated from German to English by Frederic H. Hedge, 1853.

This song has been called “the greatest hymn of the greatest man of the greatest period of German history” and the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation.” This hymn was sung at the funeral of American president Dwight Eisenhower at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, March 1969.

In 1720 a remark­able revival began in a town in Moravia. Jesuits opposed it, and the meetings were prohibited. Those who still assembled were seized and imprisoned in stables and cellars. At David Nitschmann’s house, where a hundred and fifty persons gathered, the police broke in and seized the books. Not dismayed, the congregation struck up the stanzas of Luther’s hymn,

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.

Twenty heads of families were for this sent to jail, including Nitschmann, who was treated with special severity. He finally escaped, fled to the Moravians at Herrnhut, became a bishop, and afterwards joined the Wesleys in 1735 in their expedition to Savannah, Georgia. (Sankey, p. 106)

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD
Click here for tune.

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

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Thought Provoker

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs Chapter 16
Persecutions in England During the Reign of Queen Mary
The Life and Conduct of Dr. Rowland Taylor of Hadley

Dad’s Study

Dr. Rowland Taylor, vicar of Hadley, in Suffolk, was a man of eminent learning, and had been admitted to the degree of doctor of the civil and canon law.

His attachment to the pure and uncorrupted principles of Christianity recommended him to the favor and friendship of Dr. Cranmer, archbishop of Canterbury, with whom he lived a considerable time, until through his interest he obtained the living at Hadley.

Not only was his word a preaching unto them, but all his life and conversation was an example of unfeigned Christian life and true holiness. He was void of all pride, humble and meek as any child; so that none were so poor but they might boldly, as unto their father, resort unto him; neither was his lowliness childish or fearful, but, as occasion, time, and place required, he would be stout in rebuking the sinful and evildoers; so that none was so rich but he would tell them plainly his fault, with such earnest and grave rebukes as became a good curate and pastor. He was a man very mild, void of all rancor, grudge or evil will; ready to do good to all men; readily forgiving his enemies; and never sought to do evil to any.

To the poor that were blind, lame, sick, bedrid, or that had many children, he was a very father, a careful patron, and diligent provider, insomuch that he caused the parishioners to make a general provision for them; and he himself (beside the continual relief that they always found at his house) gave an honest portion yearly to the common almsbox. His wife also was an honest, discreet, and sober matron, and his children well nurtured, brought up in the fear of God and good learning.

He was a good salt of the earth, savorly biting the corrupt manners of evil men; a light in God’s house, set upon a candlestick for all good men to imitate and follow.

Thus continued this good shepherd among his flock, governing and leadning them through the wilderness of this wicked world, all the days of the most innocent and holy king of blessed memory, Edward VI. But on his demise, and the succession of Queen Mary to the throne, he escaped not the cloud that burst on so many besdie; for two of his parishioners, Foster, an attorney, and Clark, a tradesman, out of blind zeal, resolved that Mass should be celebrated, in all its superstitious forms, in the parish church of Hadley, on Monday before Easter. This Dr. Taylor, entering the church, strictly forbade; but Clark forced the Doctor out of the church, celebrated Mass, and immediately informed the lord-chancellor, bishop of Winchester of his behavior, who summoned him to appear, and answer the complaints that were alleged against him.

The doctor upon the receipt of the summons, cheerfully prepared to obey the same; and rejected the advice of his friends to fly beyond sea. When Gardiner saw Dr. Taylor, he, according to his common custom, reviled him. Dr. Taylor heard his abuse patiently, and when the bishop said, “How darest thou look me in the face! knowest thou not who I am?” Dr. Taylor replied, “You are Dr. Stephen Gardiner, bishop of Winchester, and lord-chancellor, and yet but a mortal man. But if I should be afraid of your lordly looks, why fear ye not God, the Lord of us all? With what countenance will you appear before the judgment seat of Christ, and answer to your oath made first unto King Henry VIII, and afterward unto King Edward VI, his son?”

A long conversation ensued, in which Dr. Taylor was so piously collected and severe upon his antagonist, that he exclaimed:

“Thou art a blasphemous heretic! Thou indeed blasphemist the blessed Sacrament, (here he put off his cap) and speakest against the holy Mass, which is made a sacrifice for the quick and the dead.” The bishop afterward committed him into the king’s bench.

When Dr. Taylor came there, he found the virtuous and vigilant preacher of God’s Word, Mr. Bradford; who equally thanked God that He had provided him with such a comfortable fellow-prisoner; and they both together praised God, and continued in prayer, reading and exhorting one another.

After Dr. Taylor had lain some time in prison, he was cited to appear in the arches of Bow-church.

Dr. Taylor being condemned, was committed to the Clink, and the keepers were charged to treat him roughly; at night he was removed to the Poultry Compter.

When Dr. Taylor had lain in the Compter about a week on the fourth of February, Bonner came to degrade him, bringing with him such ornaments as appertained to the massing mummery; but the Doctor refused these trappings until they were forced upon him.

The night after he was degraded his wife came with John Hull, his servant, and his son Thomas, and were by the gentleness of the keepers permitted to sup with him.

After supper, walking up and down, he gave God thanks for His grace, that had given him strength to abide by His holy Word. With tears they prayed together, and kissed one another. Unto his son Thomas he gave a Latin book, containing the notable sayings of the old martyrs, and in the end of that he wrote his testament:

“I say to my wife, and to my children, The Lord gave you unto me, and the Lord hath taken me from you, and you from me: blessed be the name of the Lord! I believe that they are blessed which die in the Lord. God careth for sparrows, and for the hairs of our heads. I have ever found Him more faithful and favorable, than is any father or husband. Trust ye therefore in Him by the means of our dear Savior Christ’s merits: believe, love, fear, and obey Him: pray to Him, for He hath promised to help. Count me not dead, for I shall certainly live, and never die. I go before, and you shall follow after, to our long home.”

On the morrow the sheriff of London with his officers came to the Compter by two o’clock in the morning, and brought forth Dr. Taylor; and without any light led him to the Woolsack, an inn without Aldgate. Dr. Taylor’s wife, suspecting that her husband should that night be carried away, watched all night in St. Botolph’s church-porch beside Aldgate, having her two children, the one named Elizabeth, of thirteen years of age (whom, being left without father or mother, Dr. Taylor had brought up of alms from three years old), the other named Mary, Dr. Taylor’s own daughter.

Now, when the sheriff and his company came against St.

Botolph’s church, Elizabeth cried, saying, “O my dear father! mother, mother, here is my father led away.” Then his wife cried, “Rowland, Rowland, where art thou?”-for it was a very dark morning, that the one could not well see the other. Dr. Taylor answered, “Dear wife, I am here”; and stayed. The sheriff’s men would have led him forth, but the sheriff said, “Stay a little, masters, I pray you; and let him speak to his wife”; and so they stayed.

Then came she to him, and he took his daughter Mary in his arms; and he, his wife, and Elizabeth kneeled down and said the Lord’s Prayer, at which sight the sheriff wept apace, and so did divers others of the company. After they had prayed, he rose up and kissed his wife, and shook her by the hand, and said, “Farewell, my dear wife; be of good comfort, for I am quiet in my conscience. God shall stir up a father for my children.”

All the way Dr. Taylor was joyful and merry, as one that ccounted himself going to a most pleasant banquet or bridal. He spake many notable things to the sheriff and yeomen of the guard that conducted him, and often moved them to weep, through his much earnest calling upon them to repent, and to amend their evil and wicked living. Oftentimes also he caused them to wonder and rejoice, to see him so constant and steadfast, void of all fear, joyful in heart, and glad to die.

When Dr. Taylor had arrived at Aldham Common, the place where he should suffer, seeing a great multitude of people, he asked, “What place is this, and what meaneth it that so much people are gathered hither?” It was answered, “It is Aldham Common, the place where you must suffer; and the people have come to look upon you.” Then he said, “Thanked be God, I am even at home”; and he alighted from his horse and with both hands rent the hood from his head.

His head had been notched and clipped like as a man would clip a fool’s; which cost the good bishop Bonner had bestowed upon him. But when the people saw his reverend and ancient face, with a long white beard, they burst out with weeping tears, and cried, saying: “God save thee, good Dr. Taylor! Jesus Christ strengthen thee, and help thee! the Holy Ghost comfort thee!” with such other like good wishes.

When he had prayed, he went to the stake and kissed it, and set himself into a pitch barrel, which they had put for him to stand in, and stood with his back upright against the stake, with his hands folded together, and his eyes towards heaven, and continually prayed.

They then bound him with the chains, and having set up the fagots, one Warwick cruelly cast a fagot at him, which struck him on his head, and cut his face, sot hat the blood ran down. Then said Dr. Taylor, “O friend, I have harm enough; what needed that?”

Sir John Shelton standing by, as Dr. Taylor was speaking, and saying the Psalm Miserere in English, struck him on the lips:

“You knave,” he said, “speak Latin: I will make thee.” At last they kindled the fire; and Dr. Taylor holding up both his hands, calling upon God, and said, “Merciful Father of heaven! for Jesus Christ, my Savior’s sake, receive my soul into Thy hands!” So he stood still without either crying or moving, with his hands folded together, until Soyce, with a halberd struck him on the head until his brains fell out, and the corpse fell down into the fire.

Thus rendered up this man of God his blessed soul into the hands of his merciful Father, and to his most dear Savior Jesus Christ, whom he most entirely loved, faithfully and earnestly preached, obediently followed in living, and constantly glorified in death.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Catechism

Question 51

Q. 51 How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?

A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days (Lev. 23:3), and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God’s worship (Ps. 92:1,2; Isa. 58:13,14), except so much as is taken up in the works of necessity and mercy (Mt. 12:11,12).

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 118:1)

Today’s Hymn

Martin Luther

Words and Music: Martin Luther, 1529; translated from German to English by Frederic H. Hedge, 1853.

This song has been called “the greatest hymn of the greatest man of the greatest period of German history” and the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation.” This hymn was sung at the funeral of American president Dwight Eisenhower at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, March 1969.

In 1720 a remark­able revival began in a town in Moravia. Jesuits opposed it, and the meetings were prohibited. Those who still assembled were seized and imprisoned in stables and cellars. At David Nitschmann’s house, where a hundred and fifty persons gathered, the police broke in and seized the books. Not dismayed, the congregation struck up the stanzas of Luther’s hymn,

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.

Twenty heads of families were for this sent to jail, including Nitschmann, who was treated with special severity. He finally escaped, fled to the Moravians at Herrnhut, became a bishop, and afterwards joined the Wesleys in 1735 in their expedition to Savannah, Georgia. (Sankey, p. 106)

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD
Click here for tune.

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

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Thought Provoker

How many times have you heard the sayings, “well the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree,” or “like father like son”? All too often such phrases are used to explain why a young person is caught in a sinful life, much like their ancestors. We say they were just following the example they were shown or that their genetic material determined their behavior. However with God, one need not just follow their ancestors’ ways, or genetic bloodline. Just look at King Josiah.

Dad’s Study

As we say in our study of 2 Kings 22 and 23, Josiah led a revival in the worship life of Judah. We studied how he destroyed places of pagan worship (2 Chronicles 34:3,4 and 6-8), he removed and dishonored false priests (verses 5), supported the legitimate priests and the temple (verses 9-14), and then led the people to hear the lost books of the law and to renew the covenant (verses 15-33). From all evidence, Josiah was a holy king who sought to worship the true God “in spirit and in truth,” and to lead his nation to do likewise. But if one were to study the reigns of his grandfather (Manasseh) and father (Amon) the legacy would not jive with the actions and heart of Josiah. Manasseh allowed and took part in pagan worship and tried to unite it with true worship. Amon followed his father’s example and again allowed and participated in pagan sacrifice until some in his court assassinated him because of his idolatry. However, Josiah, was in some way influenced by God to seek truth and to restore truth to Israel.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

“In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge. But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge. Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah” (Jeremiah 31: 29-31). As human beings we are constantly making judgements. We must. However, how often do we make judgements about the likelihood of someone being converted by God based on their heritage, ancestry, station in life, etc, and based on our prejudice judgement shirk our responsibility to care for and glorify God before them by action and word. As many commentators write, the preceding quote is telling the world that the new covenant will not judge people by any criterion than their own relationship with God. Not their fathers crimes, or their grandfathers faith.

Greg Bailey – Greenville, SC

Catechism

Question 51

Q. 51 How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?

A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days (Lev. 23:3), and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God’s worship (Ps. 92:1,2; Isa. 58:13,14), except so much as is taken up in the works of necessity and mercy (Mt. 12:11,12).

“O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.” –Isaiah 37:16

Today’s Hymn

Martin Luther

Words and Music: Martin Luther, 1529; translated from German to English by Frederic H. Hedge, 1853.

This song has been called “the greatest hymn of the greatest man of the greatest period of German history” and the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation.” This hymn was sung at the funeral of American president Dwight Eisenhower at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, March 1969.

In 1720 a remark­able revival began in a town in Moravia. Jesuits opposed it, and the meetings were prohibited. Those who still assembled were seized and imprisoned in stables and cellars. At David Nitschmann’s house, where a hundred and fifty persons gathered, the police broke in and seized the books. Not dismayed, the congregation struck up the stanzas of Luther’s hymn,

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.

Twenty heads of families were for this sent to jail, including Nitschmann, who was treated with special severity. He finally escaped, fled to the Moravians at Herrnhut, became a bishop, and afterwards joined the Wesleys in 1735 in their expedition to Savannah, Georgia. (Sankey, p. 106)

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD
Click here for tune.

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

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Thought Provoker

Who is Manasseh?
a. Joseph’s eldest son.
b. The only Tribe in Israel to have a section of land West and East of the Jordan River.
c. One of the kings of Judah, son of Hezekiah, and father of Amon.
d. Israelites who married foreign wives.
e. All of the above.

The answer is “e.” The Manasseh of 2 Chronicles 33 specifically refers to answer “c”. He reigned from 697 B.C. to 643 B.C.. The name “Manasseh” means “cause to forget.” I would like to cause you to forget Manasseh’s wickedness and remember his repentance before the Lord.

Dad’s Study

The description of Manasseh’s wickedness (vv. 1-10) is graphic and frightening (if we think we are a more civil society, we would be wise to consider the way children are “sacrificed” today). As king, Manasseh ruled longer than any other, yet he despised God’s grace and is remembered in Israel’s history as an evil king. While in captivity (vv.11-13) and humiliated by his captors, Manasseh finally cries out to the Lord in repentance. God graciously allowed Manasseh to return to Judah.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Would Manasseh’s repentance be genuine or incomplete? Verses 14-20 tell us that Manasseh followed through, he rebuilt the security of the land (14), reformed worship (v. 15) and remained faithful to the Lord (v.16). But, the people, at best, only half-heartedly followed the Law (v.17). Manasseh’s son, Amon, was the next king. His actions during his short two year reign (vv. 21-25) shed light on what he thought about his father’s reforms, and his father’s God.

Catechism

Question 51

Q. 51 How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?

A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days (Lev. 23:3), and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God’s worship (Ps. 92:1,2; Isa. 58:13,14), except so much as is taken up in the works of necessity and mercy (Mt. 12:11,12).

Dear Father, help us in all seasons and at all times to prepare our ways before the Lord. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Martin Luther

Words and Music: Martin Luther, 1529; translated from German to English by Frederic H. Hedge, 1853.

This song has been called “the greatest hymn of the greatest man of the greatest period of German history” and the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation.” This hymn was sung at the funeral of American president Dwight Eisenhower at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, March 1969.

In 1720 a remark­able revival began in a town in Moravia. Jesuits opposed it, and the meetings were prohibited. Those who still assembled were seized and imprisoned in stables and cellars. At David Nitschmann’s house, where a hundred and fifty persons gathered, the police broke in and seized the books. Not dismayed, the congregation struck up the stanzas of Luther’s hymn,

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.

Twenty heads of families were for this sent to jail, including Nitschmann, who was treated with special severity. He finally escaped, fled to the Moravians at Herrnhut, became a bishop, and afterwards joined the Wesleys in 1735 in their expedition to Savannah, Georgia. (Sankey, p. 106)

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD
Click here for tune.

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

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Thought Provoker

Is it better to work hard and set plans and goals in the Christian life, or to simply wait for the “Spirit to move you”? The life of Jotham answers that question for us.

Dad’s Study

This short account of the life of King Jotham presents to us his overall character, his successes, and the reason for his success. He is characterized as one of the kings who “did right in the sight of the Lord.” All other eyes may favor us, but what counts is to so live that this phrase may be true of us-we do right in the sight of the Lord (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). In fact, in Jotham’s case, he surpassed his father’s righteous example, because he did not repeat Uzziah’s literal and spiritual trespass by entering the temple.

The second element of his life mentioned is his success. He did what he could in external ways to fortify Judah by building cities and walls and towers. Some of these would no doubt be used against future invaders, and could have been one of the material factors in preventing some of those early attacks. Also, he did what he could to expand the kingdom. He fought with the Ammonites and defeated them, and subjected them to the authority of the kingdom of Judah. Both of these illustrate diligence and industry in the cause of the kingdom of God.

Finally, Jotham’s success is explained to us. He was successful because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God. Rather than making provision for the flesh, he made provision for holiness and righteousness. He is the opposite of Judah’s first king after the division, Rehoboam, who “did evil, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord” (2Chronicles 12:14). Jotham lived in the midst of a culture and a country that had strayed from the Lord (v2), and so it was all the more necessary for him to prepare his ways if he was ever to live a godly life.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Consider these two lessons from the life of Jotham:

1. We should learn from and not repeat the sins of others. Jotham did not repeat his father’s errors, though time and again this is a hallmark of kings in Israel and Judah. Also, he did not simply act according to the dictates of his fellow Israelites in Judah, who continued to act corruptly while he was doing right in the sight of the Lord. Let us be conscious of the temptation to carry on sins from the previous generation, as well as the temptation to take up the sins of the present one. Avoiding these things requires thoughtful evaluation and preparation of our hearts before the Lord.

2. Godly planning is necessary to godly living. We generally do not do what we do not plan in the area of spiritual disciplines. Ungodly lives take no effort and require no preparation. But a life of holiness requires work and diligent planning. Do you just wait for devotions to happen or do you plan them? Do you hope some day to get time to read some Christian book or do you plan and make time? Be diligent to prepare your ways before the Lord, and you will continually grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.

Pastor James Williamson

Catechism

Question 51

Q. 51 How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?

A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days (Lev. 23:3), and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God’s worship (Ps. 92:1,2; Isa. 58:13,14), except so much as is taken up in the works of necessity and mercy (Mt. 12:11,12).

God of grace, grant that your servants would walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which we have been called. Father fill our hearts with your love. Fill our hearts with a love for you, your truth and your glory. Grant that we would do those good works for which we have been prepared. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Martin Luther

Words and Music: Martin Luther, 1529; translated from German to English by Frederic H. Hedge, 1853.

This song has been called “the greatest hymn of the greatest man of the greatest period of German history” and the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation.” This hymn was sung at the funeral of American president Dwight Eisenhower at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, March 1969.

In 1720 a remark­able revival began in a town in Moravia. Jesuits opposed it, and the meetings were prohibited. Those who still assembled were seized and imprisoned in stables and cellars. At David Nitschmann’s house, where a hundred and fifty persons gathered, the police broke in and seized the books. Not dismayed, the congregation struck up the stanzas of Luther’s hymn,

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.

Twenty heads of families were for this sent to jail, including Nitschmann, who was treated with special severity. He finally escaped, fled to the Moravians at Herrnhut, became a bishop, and afterwards joined the Wesleys in 1735 in their expedition to Savannah, Georgia. (Sankey, p. 106)

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD
Click here for tune.

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

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Thought Provoker

Have you ever observed the lives of those working to get into heaven? Have you seen how they strive to do what is right day in and day out, yet many times the harder they try the further it seems they get from God? Have you wondered why this is? Examine the life of Hezekiah and discern what it was that enabled him to do what was good, right and true before God.

Dad’s Study

Hezekiah has restored temple worship, called the priests and Levites to their duties and reinstituted the passover. God heard their prayers ( 2 Chronicles 30:27) and turned the hearts of the people from idols back to Him. This is evident in verse 1 where the people went out into all the land and destroyed all the idols and false gods that the people had been worhsipping. A true change in heart will result in a change in life and conduct. True repentance will bear forth fruit of that repentance.

We see this in Hezekiah’s life as well. In making provision for the Levites who are now attending to their priestly duties, Hezekiah reinstitutes the system of offerings. These offerings were provided for worship and for support of the Levites. He reinstates them by first apportioning out of his own goods that which is to be given for the offerings. He then organizes the Levites to oversee the offerings and the house of the Lord in an orderly fashion.

Hezekiah carried out these reforms throughout the land of Judah. He did what was good, right and true before the Lord. Hezekiah did what was good in the broadest sense. He was straight before the Lord and walked in truth in carrying out these reforms. This is the manifestation of a true love for God. Verse 21 tells us all that Hezekiah did in law and commandment he did from a heart of seeking God. In this Hezekiah truly demonstrated that he loved the Lord with all of his heart, soul, mind and strength.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

If you desire to please God with your life, if you desire to live in a way that glorifies God, it begins with a heart that totally loves God. As people who are born in trespasses and sins, we do not have such a heart (Jeremiah 17:9). To have a heart that totally loves God requires a change of heart (Ezekiel 36:26). This change of heart comes only in the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Luke 8:15). Examine your own heart. Have you heard and understood the Gospel? Do you see yourself as a sinner? Have you repented of your sins and trusted in Christ alone and His finished work on the cross for salvation? If so, you are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10). You also have all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-4). You are fully equipped to live for Christ and glorify Him by your walk and life. Go forth and do so.

Catechism

Question 51

Q. 51 How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?

A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days (Lev. 23:3), and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God’s worship (Ps. 92:1,2; Isa. 58:13,14), except so much as is taken up in the works of necessity and mercy (Mt. 12:11,12).