God, My Rock and My Salvation

“Then Moses spoke the words of this song until they were finished, in the ears of all the assembly of Israel: ‘Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. For I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He.” –Deuteronomy 31:30-32:1-4 (ESV).

Moses had already received the ten commandments. The tablets of stone on which they were written were placed in the Ark of the Covenant. Moses had the Book of the Law placed beside the Ark of the Covenant. He was an old man and the years of his leadership were about over. Joshua had already been chosen and commissioned to succeed Moses as the leader of the Israelites. In a solemn assembly, Moses lifted his voice and gave a farewell message to the people. Called “The Song of Moses” and “The Blessing of Moses,” these are recorded in Deuteronomy 32 and 33. The focal verses for today are a prelude to Moses’ long speech and set the stage for what he propounded to the people as he pled with them one last time to be faithful to God their Rock. 

 

A leader such as Moses had his words recorded for posterity. They have been studied by Bible scholars, taken as texts in sermons for centuries, taught in Bible studies, read for their depth of meaning and truths to be lived by. His song and blessing still inspire us today. Indeed, these words of Moses were “as gentle rain…as dew distilling…as showers upon the herb.” And the reason for the importance of His words for generations was that he proclaimed the faithfulness, perfection, and justice of God, our Rock.

Just this week I was talking to a friend, a fellow traveler along life’s road, who, as I, has faced many challenges in life. She and I are both “journal keepers.” We like to write down events in our lives and how we handled challenges as we met them. Having had the conversation with her after a meeting, I came home and took the time to get down from my bookshelf a journal dated twelve years ago. At that time in my life I had the challenge of caregiving for an ill husband and the move from a beloved home in the mountains to a place in Middle Georgia. A very important theme emerged from journal entries—some of which enumerated difficult decisions, challenges beyond my human ability and knowledge to meet. But permeating the sometimes shakily-written record of my days a keen and persistent message emerges: God is my Rock. He is faithful in all His ways. I did not meet a situation that He did not bring me faithfully through it. In adversity I learned patience and trust. I grew in faith and in waiting for God to lead the way.

Prayers voiced twelve years ago and written down as I look back in retrospect were answered even more graciously than I dreamed. At one point, on February 22, 2003, I broke into praise with these words: “Knowing that God is holy and just causes me to think that my learning praise verses and songs here is a small preparation for singing them perfectly in heaven. Here is my offering for today, 

Lord, in praise:

Praise be to God, the One all holy.

Praise to the Lord, our Sacrifice.

Praise and adoration, now and forever;

Our destiny is sure: He paid the price!” -Amen

-Ethelene Dyer Jones 01.18.2015 (quoting some from 02.22.2003)

Walking in Some Fearsome Places

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.”-Psalm 23:4.

We are told by those who do surveys to learn these facts that the most-quoted New Testament reference is John 3:16, a classic verse telling of God’s love for us and His sacrifice to restore man’s broken relationship with Him. And of the Old Testament references, Psalm 23 is the most quoted and beloved.

My daily devotional post for more than a week has been on the subject of the Christian’s walk. We have examined how we can walk in love, in righteousness, face and walk uprightly in a new year, walk in humility, walk securely, in harmony, in the light, patiently, and by the Spirit.

But when we have to walk in some very fearsome places, what then? We continue to walk using all the Christian characteristics we have learned about and putting them into practice. And even in the “valley of the shadow of death,” no evil will beset the Christian for he has a companion to walk with him through this veil of transition from this life to the next.

Think in terms of Christ being the good shepherd and being there to guide His sheep—His followers. A good shepherd, even of the earthly type knew well how to prevent his sheep from dying if they stumbled and could not get up. He lifted them from pitfalls, or guided them with his rod and staff. When they were hungry and thirsty and needed food and a pure water supply, he led them to green pastures and beside still waters. From whatever condition the sheep were cast down or were disquieted, even the pangs of death, the shepherd rescued them.

Recently some dear cousins and some close friends have gone through severe illnesses leading to death. Death is not a stranger to us, for our families experience the pangs of death as we deal with aging, illnesses, and accidents. Even when death comes into our ranks, the Good Shepherd “restores our soul.” He does this because He is “the health of my countenance and my God.” Praise God for His shepherding, even in and through the valley of the shadow of death.

Because we know Jesus, our Good Shepherd, we can pray triumphantly when death occurs to one we love: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55, KJV). –Ethelene Dyer Jones 01.11.2015.

From the Portals of a New Year

“And I said, ‘This is my anguish;

But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.’

I will remember the works of the Lord;

Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.

I will also meditate on all Your work,

And talk of all your deeds.

Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary;

Who is so great a God as our God?

You are the God who does wonders;

You have declared Your strength among the peoples.

You have with Your arm redeemed Your people,

The sons of Jacob and Joseph.” -Psalm 77:10-15, NKJV

From the portals of this new year

I lift eyes to vales unknown

Knowing that what lies before me

Is beyond the light yet shown.

But I walk trustingly toward the future

Fearing not days yet veiled in shade;

For the Lord who spoke and daylight

Flooded earth still holds firmly what He made.

I can worry, fret and wonder,

Fill days with life’s uncertainties;

Or I can trust and with expectancy

Face the future confidently and free.

He ordained that I have perception,

Be aware of pitfalls, walk in narrow ways;

I rejoice in a year with new direction,

For this additional span lent to my days.

Where I walk in paths I travel

May they be labeled righteousness and love,

Following signs of humility and determination

As I draw closer to my home above.

In this new year with its challenges

I shall walk each day in pathways of light,

Not of my own making but ever augmented

By my Lord who lends me sight.

-Ethelene Dyer Jones

01.04.2015

Wise Men Then and Now Worship Him

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him…After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.” –Matthew 2:1-2; 9-12 (ESV. Read Matthew 2:1-12).

A very familiar part of the Christmas story is Matthew’s account of the adoration of the Magi. We get the word Magi (plural) from the Greek word Magos, meaning scientist or wise men. Where did they come from and how would they know to seek out Jesus as the King of the Jews?

In Daniel a similar word was used to indicate those who interpreted dreams, and referred also to astrologers (those who studied signs and wonders, divination) and astronomers (those who studied the stars, likewise interpreting signs in them). Jewish people were forbidden to practice divination. We know these visitors were Gentiles, possibly from Persia. The Nova (new) Star they had seen in their eastern lands was interpreted by them to mean that a new King of the Jews had been born. The logical place to find a King of the Jews was in Jerusalem, so they began their trek. Since the Jews had been in exile in Babylon and Persia, they may have taught the people there about the prophecies concerning a Messiah King who was to be born. Numbers 24:17 was held as a prophetic scripture forthtelling this king: “I see him but not now; I behold him, but not near; a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.”

It was logical for the visitors from the East to inquire at the palace of King Herod about the newborn king whose star they had seen rise in the east. Herod was troubled at their inquiry but did not know about any newborn king. He called in Jewish scribes and priests to inquire where their king was to be born. They could quickly quote for him from Micah 5:2, giving Bethlehem as the place of the expected birth. They knew the scripture, but strangely enough, these learned men of Israel did not go on the quest with the Magi. Neither Herod, although troubled, for his reign was constantly in jeopardy, did not go with them, but asked them to return to him when they had found the child so that he, too, could go and pay his homage. Immediately upon their leaving the palace, the star returned again to guide them.

Soon it was over the house where the child, Mary and Joseph resided. Notice that by the time the Magi arrived, the holy family was in “a house,” not the stable where Jesus was born. This is one clue that time had passed. Another would come with King Herod’s decree later. When they found the Babe, they fell down and worshiped Him. Did these from a pagan land know the significance of the child they worshiped? It is doubtful that they knew the impact of His nature and mission, but in their action there was a foreshadowing of the time when all the Gentile nations would come to acknowledge and recognize him. Also the presentation of gifts in worship was significant. They brought their best gifts to the baby King. The number of gifts has led us to believe there were three wise men. However, we do not know their numbers. The gifts were symbolic: gold represented Christ’s royalty; frankincense his divinity; and myrrh his passion and sacrificial death. Many scholars have thought that the gifts to Jesus were used to finance the family’s trip and stay in Egypt when they fled to escape Herod’s decree of death for all male infants two and under.

Of vital importance in the Magi’s visit is their quest, its fulfillment, worship, the gifts and the symbolism of Jesus coming to be not just the King of the Jews but the Savior of the world. Wise men worshiped Him in the first year of our Lord (Anno Domini). Those who still seek after Him, trust Him and worship Him today are wise, indeed.

Prayer. The Christmas story in all its parts helps us to see the completeness of God’s plan of grace. Thank you that Gentiles came to the light of Your dawning. It is wise to seek and follow the Lord. Amen. –Ethelene Dyer Jones 12.28.2014

What Christmas Really Means

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” –Luke 2:7 (KJV)

The Word for all ages is contained in this verse from Luke. We heard it as children and were awed. We read (and have memorized) it as adults and still we try to comprehend its depth, breadth, height and meaning. I am a person who loves words and seeks to express through my own writing thoughts and impressions of my mind and heart. I long ago accepted by faith the immense truth of this statement from the gospel of Luke. For many Christmases now I have sought to express in poetic thought what this profound statement in Luke 2:7 means. I share with you here my poetic thoughts for Christmas, 2014. May God bless us all as we worship and adore Him.

What Christmas Really Means

“For my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” –Luke 2:30-32 (ESV)

More than two thousand years have passed

Since first the angels sang,

“Peace on earth, good-will to men,”

And hills and valleys rang

Echoing the news of glorious worth,

“A Savior is born tonight,

God’s only begotten Son to earth,

Come to bring peace and right.”

This Baby born in Bethlehem

Of King David’s lineage pure

Certainly the Messiah promised

Would reign with peace secure.

But mankind in his anger

And rulers with jealous rage

Would not accept God’s offered peace

For that and every age.

On a cruel cross He met His death,

This Son of Virgin Mary,

A sacrifice for sins of men

Upon Himself to carry.

The New Covenant with God and man

He mediated with His blood,

And once-for-all in sacred trust

In humble love He stood

To bear mankind’s sins upon Himself

His life bartered for our shame;

Now we can come to God, restored,

Through the power of Jesus’ name.

When we say, “Joyous Christmas”

Are we thinking of the cost,

How spanning earth and heaven,

Jesus paid the very most,

A life for lives, one for many,

To satisfy mankind’s breach

And give a pure sacrifice

Humanity’s heart to reach?

Yes, more than two thousand years have passed

And we stumble still in sin.

Look up, believe, confess, trust Christ,

And know true peace within.

-Ethelene Dyer Jones (Christmas Poem, 2014)

12.21.2014.

A Light to the Nations – A Messianic Prophecy

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” – Isaiah 60:1-3 (ESV).

This prophecy has a two-fold emphasis. The Messiah, who is the Light to all nations, will come. Then, because He has come, God will put His light and beauty upon the people, attracting the nations to the Light of Christ. Jesus said during His earthly ministry, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32, ESV). He spoke of the death whereby He would die as a sacrifice for our sins; the cross is a sign beckoning all people to come to redemption and faith in Him. 

 

Isaiah is foreseeing the glory of all of God’s people being united under the Light. The bright future of God’s people calls for faith and action. We cannot stand dormant in the Light. “The Lord will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen in you” (v. 2) indicates that God will make a clear distinction between His own people and those who still remain in darkness, those who have not acknowledged Him.  But those with the Light have an obligation to bear His light:

The fulfillment of this prophecy from Isaiah was spoken by Simeon when Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem when he was forty days old. There old Simeon blessed Jesus and said, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32, ESV). Imagine the joy old Simeon had in seeing and holding the Son of God! He had been promised the privilege of doing so before his death, and the occasion of Jewish purification of Mary and child was the event that linked the prophecy to the fulfillment Simeon was experiencing. This is another example of how God fulfills what He promises.

Jesus’ declaration can be true for all His followers: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12, ESV). He furthermore told us to be lights for Him: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16, ESV). To be light is to wield positive influence. We speak of coming to the light of the truth. A single candle can banish the darkness in a room. Likewise, a Christian life, lived under the direction, influence and power of the Lord Jesus Christ can make an untold difference in lighting others to Him for salvation. This is every Christian’s calling: to come to the Light and to reflect His light.

Prayer. Lord, Christmas was filled with light. The star shone to lead Wise Men to Jesus at Bethlehem. “The glory of the Lord” that surrounded the shepherds as they heard the announcement by the angels of the Savior’s birth was accompanied by a great light. And Jesus, the Light of the world, tells us, “You are the light of the world!” Let us arise, shine, for our light is come!” In December in most of our churches, we have a double emphasis: remembering the coming of the Lord Christ to earth, and fulfilling his commission to “go, tell, share, bear light to others!” May we be faithful! Amen.

–Ethelene Dyer Jones 12.14.2014.

A New Covenant Established – A Messianic Prophecy

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more.’” –Jeremiah 31-31-34 (ESV).

The new covenant with God’s people will be written in the hearts of the people the prophet Jeremiah declared (Jeremiah 31:33). God had really intended that relationship all along, since His first covenant with Abraham. But His called-out people time and again had forfeited the intended relationship with God. They had spurned the knowledge of God and made mockery of His forgiveness. They had kept outward observances of the law, as circumcision for the males and sacrifices offered for sins. Even observances of festivals and seasons had failed to remind the people of their true allegiance to God. Their hearts continued in rebellion.

Deep questions troubled Jeremiah and other spiritual leaders. Was there any hope for a called-out people? Could there be any assurance that a covenant really could hold the people close to God and assure that their fellowship with Him would be permanent? “The days are coming declares the Lord when I will make a new covenant…”

Jeremiah foresaw the Messiah’s coming into the world and His sacrificial death as the “New Covenant.” When Jesus instituted the Lord’s supper, He told His disciples, “For this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28).

The new covenant carried with it permanence and complete sufficiency. “Once and for all” the Messiah’s sin offering would be the complete atonement required by God. Many times in the Old Testament are recorded instances of renewal of the covenant between God and His people. Moses renewed it before the nation entered the Promised Land. Joshua, before his death, (see Joshua 23-24) led the people in acknowledging and reaffirming the sacred covenant. Others led in reminding the people of God’s covenant and renewing it. Some outstanding covenant-renewers were Samuel, and Kings Hezekiah and Josiah. But the new covenant predicted by Jeremiah and fulfilled in Jesus Christ is not just a renewal of the old. The emphasis of the new covenant is personal—it will be written on tablets of the believer’s heart. Anyone who places his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His atoning work of salvation is a recipient of the new covenant. God revealed to Jeremiah that in time anyone could come to the fullness of His truth and write that truth on his heart. Through Jesus the requirements of the New Covenant were accomplished. Through the wooing of the Holy Spirit the New Covenant is made known to all who will accept and believe in the regeneration Jesus offers.

Prayer. Lord, it is astounding to see the revelation of Your covenant to all generations and all people. Thank you that today believers can stand secure in the covenant You provided. Amen.

Ethelene Dyer Jones 12.07.2014