O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today if ye will hear his voice (Psalm 95:6-7).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Reginald Heber, 1826. Heber wrote this hymn for Trinity Sunday while he was Vicar of Hodnet, Shropshire, England.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Click here for tune.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Thought Provoker

As part of the Lord’s prayer, Jesus instructs us to pray, lead us not into temptation. And yet the Bible also teaches that God does not tempt any man (James 1:13). As we come to the end of David’s rule we discover from David’s sin the purpose of temptation and also its origin.

Dad’s Study

The last chapter of 2nd Samuel opens with God being angry with David for his sin of numbering Israel. Read carefully the 1st verse and discover who it is that tempted David. That’s right, God moved David to number Israel. Yet the account of this same sin in 1 Chronicles 21 tells us that it was Satan that provoked David to number Israel (1 Chron. 21:1). We see this same pattern repeated in Scripture. In the book of Job it was God’s idea to tempt Job when he said, Hast thou considered my servant Job . . . (v. 8)? When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, Matthew tells us, Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil (Matt. 4:1). In other words, God the Spirit led Jesus to be tempted by the devil. Which is it, God or the devil that tempts us? It is both! God sovereignly tempts His children, like Job, for the purpose of trying them that they might be found faithful unto His glory. Even if God’s testing results in a spiritual fall, the Christian is strengthened and God is glorified through His divine chastisement. Remember that temptation itself is not sin (James 1:15). How does God tempt? Frequently, through the agency of Satan himself. Like in Job, God lets Satan’s leash out just far enough to accomplish God’s sovereign purpose. Satan’s purpose in tempting is to defeat the Christian and bring spiritual ruin. Although David gave in to the temptation, which resulted in 3 days of pestilence and the death of 70,000 men, he was not defeated. David humbly confessed his sin and sought forgiveness by building an altar and making sacrifice (vs. 17, 25). In summary, who tempts you in your Christian life? Both God and Satan. God tempts for the purpose of refining you and proving you to be GENUINE unto His glory. Satan, on the other hand, tempts to spiritually destroy you. Remember that Satan could not tempt if God did not pull back His restraining hand in your life.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

How are you to resist sin? First, prayer is essential! Bow in prayer today and ask God not to lead you and your family into temptation, but to deliver you from evil. Ask for God’s strength to resist the temptations of the evil one. Secondly, you must know Scripture. When Jesus was tempted, He responded with Scriptural truth (Matt. 4:1-11). If you are being tempted in a specific area, take your concordance and make a list of Scriptures that deal with that sin and trust in them during moments of temptation. Finally, we must take advantage of the God-given ways of escape (1 Cor. 10:12-13). Think of how you have been tempted in the past. Intentionally avoid those things, places, and people that tempt.

Catechism

Question 31

Q. What benefits do they who are effectually called, partake of in this life?

A. They who are effectually called, do in this life partake of justification, (Rom. 8:30), adoption (Eph. 1:5), sanctification, and the various benefits which in this life do either accompany, or flow from them (1 Cor. 1:30).

“Arise, O God, judge the earth: for Thou shalt inherit all nations” Psalm 82:8.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Francis of Assisi, circa 1225 (Canticodi fratre sole, Song of Brother Sun). He wrote this hymn shortly before his death, but it was not published for almost 400 years. Translated by William H. Draper for a children's Whitsuntide festival in Leeds, England; first appeared in the Public School Hymn Book, 1919.

ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING
Click here for tune.

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

Refrain

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

Refrain

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.

Refrain

Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them His glory also show.

Refrain

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!

Refrain

And thou most kind and gentle Death,
Waiting to hush our latest breath,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
And Christ our Lord the way hath trod.

Refrain

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

Refrain

Thought Provoker

What do you think of when you hear or speak the word, “government”? Some today see a great demonic entity ready to oppress believers, while others see a reasonable – if imperfect – bureaucracy that generally is helpful. In either case, the government is made up of fallen human beings, sinners who shall naturally sin against their fellow man through the misuse of power. Is there a way for government (a body of people) to do only that which is right? Although there will be no perfection this side of glory, a government can be a great blessing when people live in the fear of God.

Dad’s Study

King David was a man who understood the benefits and dangers of government, and as we encounter his last Psalm or song we find him thinking about how he governed. Read v. 1. David expresses his humility in that he was “raised up on high” by God, and was thankful. He, a lowly shepherd boy, was elevated to be the king of God’s people. Read v. 2. God anointed him (Messiah means “anointed one”), and made David to speak His Word. Now read verses 3-7. God said, “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.”

Here, in America, our form of government is a republic. That is, we elect those who represent us, but they must represent what is right and good and pure even if chafed against by the people. God’s divine purpose for government is to execute His justice here on earth. What is ‘just’ is what conforms to God’s Word. True justice is achieved when elected leaders follow the law of God rather than what is popular. King David said that such rulership is like the light of the morning – it is crystal clear as to its purpose and effects. And this order and surety (security) were the hallmark of his own ruling over Israel. See verse 6 again: Belial (“worthless ones”) are like thorns and one cannot grasp them in the hand. If worthless people are the ‘government,’ they will only bring wounds to the people. According to David, how are the people to respond to an unjust, unholy government that refuses to fear the only true God? (v. 7) How will God eventually deal with such wicked people?

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Give thanks to God for his sovereign rule over your nation through government. Pray as a family for those in authority over you.

Pastor Craig Chambers

Catechism

Question 30

Q. What is effectual calling?

A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit (2 Tim. 1:9) whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery (Acts 2:37), enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ (Acts 26:18), and renewing our wills (Eze. 36:26), he does persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the gospel (John 6:44,45).

I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies (Psalm 18:1-3).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Francis of Assisi, circa 1225 (Canticodi fratre sole, Song of Brother Sun). He wrote this hymn shortly before his death, but it was not published for almost 400 years. Translated by William H. Draper for a children's Whitsuntide festival in Leeds, England; first appeared in the Public School Hymn Book, 1919.

ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING
Click here for tune.

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

Refrain

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

Refrain

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.

Refrain

Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them His glory also show.

Refrain

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!

Refrain

And thou most kind and gentle Death,
Waiting to hush our latest breath,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
And Christ our Lord the way hath trod.

Refrain

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

Refrain

Thought Provoker

Times of victory give rise to boasting. The winning boxer pounds his chest and cries out, “I am the greatest”! The conquering nations boast of their power and might. David was a king who was a man after God’s own heart but not after man’s own heart. He had many enemies that both hated and attacked him. As he reflected on his many victories, how did David boast (v. 1)?

Dad’s Study

As David reflected on the defeats of all of his enemies he burst out in a song of praise to God (v. 1)! Many songs were written in the Bible in response to a great victory. For example, Israel sang praises for their deliverance from bondage along with the drowning of the Egyptians (Ex. 15). Again, they sang when God gave them water (Num. 21:17) and Moses ended his wilderness wanderings (Deut. 3:22). The entire 22nd chapter of 2 Samuel is a song of praise to God. Unlike modern “praise” songs, this is not a short, repetitious “ditty”, rather an in-depth praise of God’s goodness. If you place this chapter alongside Psalm 18 you will find them almost identical. It must have been sung by David on different occasions whenever he reflected on God’s gracious hand in his life. We don’t have the music but let’s observe the depth of these great lyrics.

David opened his song by exalting the greatness of God. Discuss with your family the imagery David used when he described God as a “rock,” “fort,” “deliverer,” “shield,” “horn of salvation,” “high tower,” “refuge,” and “savior” (vs. 1-4). David then lifted up praise to God for His delivering mercies (vs. 5-20). It was during his weakness that David cried out in faith for God to deliver him. God wonderfully answered his prayers (vs. 7-8). Point out to your family the number of ways in which David described God’s power (vs. 5-20). What reasons does David give for God’s interventions (vs. 21-28)? David also gave God the glory for enabling him to persevere during times of tribulation (vs. 29-36). The song closes with a description of God’s many wonderful accomplishments (vs. 37-51).

In addition to praising God, what was David’s other purpose for his song? Divine deliverance (all deliverances are divine) not only calls for praise to God but also proclamation to the unsaved of the world!

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Has your family recently experienced God’s kind hand of deliverance? Has He provided jobs, financial aid, physical strength, or victory over the old enemies: the flesh, world, and Satan? Make a family list of divine deliverances. Which of His divine attributes did He display? Bow together and praise the powerful God who delights in blessing His people.

Discuss ways you can glorify God for His victories in the midst of your unsaved family and friends.

Catechism

Question 30

Q. What is effectual calling?

A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit (2 Tim. 1:9) whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery (Acts 2:37), enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ (Acts 26:18), and renewing our wills (Eze. 36:26), he does persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the gospel (John 6:44,45).

Searcher of hearts, it is a good day when thou givest me a glimpse of myself; sin is my greatest evil, but thou art my greatest good; I have cause to loathe myself, and not to seek self-honour, for no one desires to commend his own dunghill. My country, family, church fare worse because of my sins, for sinners bring judgment in thinking sins are small, or that God is not angry with them. -The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Francis of Assisi, circa 1225 (Canticodi fratre sole, Song of Brother Sun). He wrote this hymn shortly before his death, but it was not published for almost 400 years. Translated by William H. Draper for a children's Whitsuntide festival in Leeds, England; first appeared in the Public School Hymn Book, 1919.

ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING
Click here for tune.

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

Refrain

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

Refrain

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.

Refrain

Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them His glory also show.

Refrain

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!

Refrain

And thou most kind and gentle Death,
Waiting to hush our latest breath,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
And Christ our Lord the way hath trod.

Refrain

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

Refrain

Thought Provoker

On September 11, 2001 a great calamity was perpetrated against America. There have been many explanations given why this has happened, but one which most Americans don’t want to consider is that God has brought this calamity upon us because of our sins as a nation. We have become a nation where sexual immorality is now considered to be normal behavior. Fornication, adultery, and homosexuality are condoned and openly approved of by many. We have murdered millions of unborn children in the name of personal freedom. If our government were to condone such immorality, could this cause God to judge us as a nation? Could this cause God to bring calamities upon us? Is there any example in Scripture where God brought trouble upon a nation as the result of its leaders setting a course of national policy contrary to the Word of God?

Dad’s Study

Israel suffers three years of famine and this causes David, as the federal head of Israel, to seek the Lord’s presence regarding this calamity. David’s response in the time of distress is to seek the Lord. The Lord brings to remembrance past sins of the nation Israel in their treatment of the Gibeonites. In Joshua 9:15 Israel made a covenant of peace with the Gibeonites, and Saul, as the federal head of Israel, had not honored that covenant, and had shed the blood of the Gibeonites. It had been approximately 30 years since Saul’s death; this sin was long in the past, yet sin that is not atoned for is not forgotten by God. God’s judgments are complete and omit nothing. God reveals to David that the current affliction is the result of national sin.

God does not tell David what to do; he merely brings it to his attention. David turns to the Gibeonites to seek what he must do to atone for this sin. The Gibeonites request that atonement be made by the execution of descendants of Saul. This is in accord with the principles set forth in Numbers 35:31-33 calling for capital punishment. It is also in accord with the principles of Scripture in Exodus 20:5 and 34:7 that say that the iniquity of the fathers will be visited on the sons to the 3rd and 4th generations. So David selects those of the house of Saul to answer for this crime. Yet, David is mindful that he not repeat Saul’s sin by not honoring a covenant. David had made a covenant to care for Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son. He honors that and does not select him as one to die. To do so would have been to repeat Saul’s sin. David selects 7 men, 2 of Saul’s sons and 5 of his grandsons, causing the 2nd and 3rd generations to bear this curse.

Some might argue that this is unfair, that these 7 men had committed no sin, therefore it is unjust to forfeit their lives. In fact Ezekiel 18:19-20 states that the son who has committed no iniquity shall not bear the consequences of the father’s wickedness. How do we reconcile the matter of justice? We know that this was just in the sight of God because verse 14 tells us that God was moved by this and relented in the famine. But how can God be pleased? The answer lies in Ezekiel 18:20. It states that the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself. From that we know that the 7 who died somehow shared in the wickedness of Saul’s iniquity. Perhaps the same sinful nationalist pride that prompted Saul to sin against God by not honoring the covenant with the Gibeonites was also present in the lives of these men. Scripture does not give us the details, but we know the judgments of God are just and in accord with His Word. Matthew Henry said this about such providences of God:

It is not for us to object against the people’s smarting for the sin of their king; perhaps they helped him. Nor against this generation suffering for the sin of the last. God often visits the sins of the fathers upon the children, and he gives no account of any matters. Time does not wear out the guilt of sin; nor can we build hopes of escape upon the delay of judgments. If we cannot understand all the reasons of Providence in this matter, still we have no right to demand that God should acquaint us with those reasons. It must be right, because it is the will of God, and in the end it will be proved to be so.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

What practical truths can be applied from today’s lesson? First is the need to honor our word. When we make a promise (oath or covenant), we must keep it. God takes the matter of promises very seriously and we must live up to our word. When we make a promise and then break it, it is a sin. God punishes individuals for not keeping their word, just as we saw Him punish Israel in 2 Samuel 21 today. Therefore, we should not make promises quickly or rashly. We should only promise what we know we can keep. James 5:12 is good advice, “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”

The second lesson to be learned from today’s passage is that when affliction arises we must search out our hearts and see if this is a consequence of sin in our life. Are you in a time of spiritual famine where God seems distant? Do as David and inquire of the Lord, seek his presence and ask Him to reveal your own heart to you. Let our prayer be as the Psalmist’s, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” Psalm 139:23-24.

Catechism

Question 30

Q. What is effectual calling?

A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit (2 Tim. 1:9) whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery (Acts 2:37), enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ (Acts 26:18), and renewing our wills (Eze. 36:26), he does persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the gospel (John 6:44,45).

O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver (Psalm 7:1-2).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Francis of Assisi, circa 1225 (Canticodi fratre sole, Song of Brother Sun). He wrote this hymn shortly before his death, but it was not published for almost 400 years. Translated by William H. Draper for a children's Whitsuntide festival in Leeds, England; first appeared in the Public School Hymn Book, 1919.

ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING
Click here for tune.

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

Refrain

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

Refrain

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.

Refrain

Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them His glory also show.

Refrain

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!

Refrain

And thou most kind and gentle Death,
Waiting to hush our latest breath,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
And Christ our Lord the way hath trod.

Refrain

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

Refrain

Thought Provoker

During the rule of Trajan, tens of thousands of Christians were martyred for their faith. What was their crime? They were not murderers or thieves. They simply met to worship and pray early each Sunday and lived holy lives! Ask your family why Christ and many of his disciples were tortured and put to death for living by God’s grace a life of goodness? (Read together John 1:4-5; 15:18-21.)

Dad’s Study

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs

Chapter 2

The Third Persecution, Under Trajan, A.D. 108

In the third persecution Pliny the Second, a man learned and famous, seeing the lamentable slaughter of Christians, and moved therewith to pity, wrote to Trajan, certifying him that there were many thousands of them daily put to death, of which none did any thing contrary to the Roman laws worthy of persecution. “The whole account they gave of their crime or error (whichever it is to be called) amounted only to this-viz. That they were accustomed on a stated day to meet before daylight, and to repeat together a set form of prayer to Christ as a God, and to bind themselves by an obligation-not indeed to commit wickedness; but, on the contrary-never to commit theft, robbery, or adultery, never to falsify their word, never to defraud any man: after which it was their custom to separate, and reassemble to partake in common of a harmless meal.”

In this persecution suffered the blessed martyr, Ignatius, who is held in famous reverence among very many. This Ignatius was appointed to the bishopric of Antioch next after Peter in succession. Some do say, that he, being sent from Syria to Rome, because he professed Christ, was given to the wild beasts to be devoured. It is also said of him, that when he passed through Asia, being under the most strict custody of his keepers, he strengthened and confirmed the churches through all the cities as he went, both with his exhortations and preaching of the Word of God. Accordingly, having come to Smyrna, he wrote to the Church at Rome, exhorting them not to use means for his deliverance from martyrdom, lest they should deprive him of that which he most longed and hoped for. “Now I begin to be a disciple. I care for nothing, of visible or invisible things, so that I may but win Christ. Let fire and the cross, let the companies of wild beasts, let breaking of bones and tearing of limbs, let the grinding of the whole body, and all the malice of the devil, come upon me; be it so, only may I win Christ Jesus!” And even when he was sentenced to be thrown to the beasts, such as the burning desire that he had to suffer, that he spake, what time he heard the lions roaring, saying: “I am the wheat of Christ: I am going to be ground with the teeth of wild beasts, that I may be found pure bread.”

Trajan being succeeded by Adrian, the latter continued this third persecution with as much severity as his predecessor. About this time Alexander, bishop of Rome, with his two deacons, were martyred; as were Quirinus and Hernes, with their families;

Zenon, a Roman nobleman, and about ten thousand other Christians. In Mount Ararat many were crucified, crowned with thorns, and spears run into their sides, in imitation of Christ’s passion. Eustachius, a brave and successful Roman commander, was by the emperor ordered to join in an idolatrous sacrifice to celebrate some of his own victories; but his faith (being a Christian in his heart) was so much greater than his vanity, that he nobly refused it. Enraged at the denial, the ungrateful emperor forgot the service of this skilful commander, and ordered him and his whole family to be martyred.

At the martyrdom of Faustines and Jovita, brothers and citizens of Brescia, their torments were so many, and their patience so great, that Calocerius, a pagan, beholding them, was struck with admiration, and exclaimed in a kind of ecstasy, “Great is the God of the Christians!” for which he was apprehended, and suffered a similar fate.

Many other similar cruelties and rigors were exercised against the Christians, until Quadratus, bishop of Athens, made a learned apology in their favor before the emperor, who happened to be there and Aristides, a philosopher of the same city, wrote an elegant epistle, which caused Adrian to relax in his severities, and relent in their favor.

Adrian dying A.D. 138, was succeeded by Antoninus Pius, one of the most amiable monarchs that ever reigned, and who stayed the persecutions against the Christians. When persecution comes you can rejoice with Ignatius, “Now I begin to be a disciple!”

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

There is a direct link between Godliness and persecution. When the ungodly see Christ in you they either are drawn to God like Calocerius the pagan, or like Trajan throw you to the lions. There is no neutrality! Can the world around you hear you speak out for your Savior? Is the light of holiness shining brightly into the dark world?

Catechism

Question 30

Q. What is effectual calling?

A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit (2 Tim. 1:9) whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery (Acts 2:37), enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ (Acts 26:18), and renewing our wills (Eze. 36:26), he does persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the gospel (John 6:44,45).

Heavenly Father, please give me help in fighting with my own selfish heart. Help me to deny myself even in my emotional life, and consider others with a compassionate heart. Let me be like the Savior in Whose name I pray. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Francis of Assisi, circa 1225 (Canticodi fratre sole, Song of Brother Sun). He wrote this hymn shortly before his death, but it was not published for almost 400 years. Translated by William H. Draper for a children's Whitsuntide festival in Leeds, England; first appeared in the Public School Hymn Book, 1919.

ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING
Click here for tune.

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

Refrain

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

Refrain

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.

Refrain

Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them His glory also show.

Refrain

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!

Refrain

And thou most kind and gentle Death,
Waiting to hush our latest breath,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
And Christ our Lord the way hath trod.

Refrain

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

Refrain

Thought Provoker

Your wife has had a tough time with your youngest child all day long. She has also had problems trying to get dinner ready just before you arrive at home. You, on the other hand, have had a great day, with few problems, and are ready to have someone share in the excitement. As you come in, and begin to hear about her day, what should be your reaction? What should be hers?

Dad’s Study

This chapter opens on a painful note. Though his political enemy, Absalom was also his precious son. He had loved him deeply through years of rebellion and separation. And now his son had died fighting against him. David had been in many battles in his life, but no victory was ever so bitter as the victory over Absalom. But, in the nation, there was a different tone. The people had come to their senses, and seen the wickedness of Absalom and the greatness of the king they had temporarily turned from. Now, they wanted him restored. And many of them had laid their life on the line to see that happen. What was in their minds was victory and celebration, the re-installation of the man after God’s own heart!

So, what should David do? Joab’s answer is that David should comfort the people, and receive their welcome to return as the king of Israel. In the rest of the chapter, we see that David did just that. He brought his emotions under control, and regarded the people’s needs rather than his own. We could call it “emotional self-denial.” David is practicing the principle stated in Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

How often do we put aside our own emotions in order to sympathize, or rejoice, with others? This may be one of the hardest areas of self-denial, because it deals most closely with our hearts. This passage calls us to give consideration to others in our family on an emotional level. How we as men feel when we come home should not color (especially not darken) the mood of the whole home. And the same is true in the other direction. We ought to “meet in the middle” in our consideration of each other in the home. The same applies to our church life. We are to listen thoughtfully to the needs of our brethren, never helping complain, but always helping to bear a burden. The ministry of our Savior exhibits this personal self-denial in the face of tiredness and frustrating circumstances and any other thing. Nothing could stop Him from looking out for the interests of His sheep!

Pastor James Williamson

Catechism

Question 30

Q. What is effectual calling?

A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit (2 Tim. 1:9) whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery (Acts 2:37), enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ (Acts 26:18), and renewing our wills (Eze. 36:26), he does persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the gospel (John 6:44,45).