J.A. Matteson
Your obedience to the LORD concerning His welfare for His people will impact them and not always be understood or appreciated. He has shared an intimacy with you foreign to them, and they do not understand the path you are following, especially in light of the increased difficulty they are experiencing as a result. "Then Moses returned to the LORD and said, 'O Lord, why have you brought harm to this people? Why did You ever send me?'" (Ex. 5:22). Opposition may cause you to question your assignment. To do so is to focus on the wrong subject. You have made the thing about yourself and those around you; it's not about you or them, but the glory of God. The whole of the matter is about His glory, not your present comfort. Obedience is antithetical to the course of the world and, therefore, usually counter intuitive. What Moses thought he knew about the LORD and His ways was tested to the limit. Yet he persisted in obedience when he did not understand and when opposed by the very people he intended to help. By the time he reached Mt. Sinai his knowledge of the LORD had increased dramatically. Growth comes through trial when everything in you reels under difficulty and all you have to hold on to is the promise of the LORD that a marvelous deliverance is coming, just keep moving forward and do not draw back. This lesson of faith is the pathway God has chosen for His people. The circumstances may be different, but His purpose of glorification through your sanctification is the same.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
A Greater Deliverance
J.A. Matteson
Child of God, where is the LORD in your suffering? You have cried out to Him in anguish, waves of sorrow have covered you, and your petition for relief appears to fall on deaf ears as your affliction continues. Does the LORD see? Is He aware of your plight? Does He regard your suffering? "The LORD said, 'I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings" (Ex. 3:7). The LORD is intimately acquainted with the circumstances of His people, engaging them according to the dictates of His covenant. The children of Israel had been oppressed for four hundred years (Gen. 15:13-14). Consider how many generations lived and died without seeing the promise of their deliverance from bondage? They prayed for deliverance and their suffering persisted for generations. The timeline for God's intervention was predicated by covenant, not specific daily circumstances. His glory was established through Israel's suffering and the climax of their final release. Certainly the living generation of the exodus witnessed the mighty arm of the LORD through His miraculous delivery. But what about prior generations who where born as slaves and died as slaves? Their lives were miserable and hard. Sometimes it is God's will that suffering continue, not because He is uncaring, but a greater deliverance is purposed ultimately. And like the Savior the people of God learn obedience through suffering. For to learn obedience is to grow in faith. And faith does not disappoint, but results in life eternal. We may glory in suffering knowing that it establishes and proves faith, that which is given by grace to His people.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Child of God, where is the LORD in your suffering? You have cried out to Him in anguish, waves of sorrow have covered you, and your petition for relief appears to fall on deaf ears as your affliction continues. Does the LORD see? Is He aware of your plight? Does He regard your suffering? "The LORD said, 'I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings" (Ex. 3:7). The LORD is intimately acquainted with the circumstances of His people, engaging them according to the dictates of His covenant. The children of Israel had been oppressed for four hundred years (Gen. 15:13-14). Consider how many generations lived and died without seeing the promise of their deliverance from bondage? They prayed for deliverance and their suffering persisted for generations. The timeline for God's intervention was predicated by covenant, not specific daily circumstances. His glory was established through Israel's suffering and the climax of their final release. Certainly the living generation of the exodus witnessed the mighty arm of the LORD through His miraculous delivery. But what about prior generations who where born as slaves and died as slaves? Their lives were miserable and hard. Sometimes it is God's will that suffering continue, not because He is uncaring, but a greater deliverance is purposed ultimately. And like the Savior the people of God learn obedience through suffering. For to learn obedience is to grow in faith. And faith does not disappoint, but results in life eternal. We may glory in suffering knowing that it establishes and proves faith, that which is given by grace to His people.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Friday, January 25, 2013
Highly Exalted
J.A. Matteson
The intersection of human responsibility and divine sovereignty is mysterious. "Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God" (Gen. 45:8). Joseph's brothers' sin in plotting evil toward him by selling him into slavery was their responsibility. At the same time God used their act of wickedness in His larger plan of redemption. That God utilizes secondary causes to bring about His good purposes is evident throughout Scripture. The days of a pilgrims sojourning represent an intricate tapestry of human choices and divine influences. And the LORD directs the will of people to perform that which is in accordance to His plan, both redeemed and reprobate. In all His dealings with His creatures He works in such a way as to preserve human autonomy and responsibility in the choices they make, whether good or evil. This truth is high and beyond human comprehension. Its reality serves to humble human arrogance and create a healthy fear and reverence before Almighty God who holds the breathe of life of all creatures in His hand. His ways are unknowable and beyond us, they are highly exalted and altogether just, righteous, and holy. And because of His majestic splendor the pilgrim of the LORD Most High may rest in the knowledge that He goes before and hedges behind His servant so that no ultimate harm will befall him. That which is painful in the moment is in fact an intricate piece of a larger good He is bring into fruition.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
The intersection of human responsibility and divine sovereignty is mysterious. "Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God" (Gen. 45:8). Joseph's brothers' sin in plotting evil toward him by selling him into slavery was their responsibility. At the same time God used their act of wickedness in His larger plan of redemption. That God utilizes secondary causes to bring about His good purposes is evident throughout Scripture. The days of a pilgrims sojourning represent an intricate tapestry of human choices and divine influences. And the LORD directs the will of people to perform that which is in accordance to His plan, both redeemed and reprobate. In all His dealings with His creatures He works in such a way as to preserve human autonomy and responsibility in the choices they make, whether good or evil. This truth is high and beyond human comprehension. Its reality serves to humble human arrogance and create a healthy fear and reverence before Almighty God who holds the breathe of life of all creatures in His hand. His ways are unknowable and beyond us, they are highly exalted and altogether just, righteous, and holy. And because of His majestic splendor the pilgrim of the LORD Most High may rest in the knowledge that He goes before and hedges behind His servant so that no ultimate harm will befall him. That which is painful in the moment is in fact an intricate piece of a larger good He is bring into fruition.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Hold Fast
J.A. Matteson
Hold fast the word spoken to you by the LORD, it will be tested by fire to prove the genuineness of your faith. "Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him" (Ps. 105:19). The LORD reveals His plans to His servants before they come to pass. A crisis of faith ensures due to the striking nature of the word. Be wise with whom you share the word received as you may be ridiculed and mocked. By sight the word appears as an improbable fantasy, even delusional, but the Spirit testifies to its reality. Be watchful, vigilant, lean into the promise in the midst of the refiners fire that will test the testimony of your lips. Endure season upon season when adverse providences appear to contradict the word, they are a gift from the LORD to purify your faith. The companion of the servant of the LORD is solitude, for he holds the word alone, it was spoken to him. And He who has spoken is faithful, in the fullness of time bringing to pass that which He has promised. Hold fast, therefore, to the promise, He will never leave nor forsake you. Worship the King immortal when the heat increases and the crowds flee. He is near, even at the door.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Hold fast the word spoken to you by the LORD, it will be tested by fire to prove the genuineness of your faith. "Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him" (Ps. 105:19). The LORD reveals His plans to His servants before they come to pass. A crisis of faith ensures due to the striking nature of the word. Be wise with whom you share the word received as you may be ridiculed and mocked. By sight the word appears as an improbable fantasy, even delusional, but the Spirit testifies to its reality. Be watchful, vigilant, lean into the promise in the midst of the refiners fire that will test the testimony of your lips. Endure season upon season when adverse providences appear to contradict the word, they are a gift from the LORD to purify your faith. The companion of the servant of the LORD is solitude, for he holds the word alone, it was spoken to him. And He who has spoken is faithful, in the fullness of time bringing to pass that which He has promised. Hold fast, therefore, to the promise, He will never leave nor forsake you. Worship the King immortal when the heat increases and the crowds flee. He is near, even at the door.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
We Can Trust Him
J.A. Matteson
Be careful not to allow your perception of difficulty to define reality. "...Jacob said...'All these things are against me'" (Gen. 42:36). All that Jacob thought he knew to be true was in fact wrong. Joseph was not dead, neither was Simeon, and Benjamin would not perish. Beware of assuming the hand of divine chastening is at work when difficulty comes; at times it is, but not always. Often times God works His greatest mercies in the lives of His servants in difficulty. And frequently that which we are convinced of as being true turns out to be incorrect. We assume the worst rather than the best when trials arrive. Certainly we are left to wonder what conversations took place between Jacob and Joseph regarding his position in Egypt, for Jacob understood him to be dead. Did Joseph inform his Father of the treachery of his brothers? Whatever was discussed was in light of God's plan and grace, for God had revealed to him their actions were in fulfilling His purposes to save a chosen people and great nation. It is likely that the grace extended to Joseph was in turn extended to his brothers. Difficulty was followed by restoration. In this life difficulty is assured. In Jacobs case restoration came in this life. For many pilgrims the answers and restoration will not come until heaven. In the meantime we can trust Him who loves us, knowing that He is engineering all things for our ultimate good.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Be careful not to allow your perception of difficulty to define reality. "...Jacob said...'All these things are against me'" (Gen. 42:36). All that Jacob thought he knew to be true was in fact wrong. Joseph was not dead, neither was Simeon, and Benjamin would not perish. Beware of assuming the hand of divine chastening is at work when difficulty comes; at times it is, but not always. Often times God works His greatest mercies in the lives of His servants in difficulty. And frequently that which we are convinced of as being true turns out to be incorrect. We assume the worst rather than the best when trials arrive. Certainly we are left to wonder what conversations took place between Jacob and Joseph regarding his position in Egypt, for Jacob understood him to be dead. Did Joseph inform his Father of the treachery of his brothers? Whatever was discussed was in light of God's plan and grace, for God had revealed to him their actions were in fulfilling His purposes to save a chosen people and great nation. It is likely that the grace extended to Joseph was in turn extended to his brothers. Difficulty was followed by restoration. In this life difficulty is assured. In Jacobs case restoration came in this life. For many pilgrims the answers and restoration will not come until heaven. In the meantime we can trust Him who loves us, knowing that He is engineering all things for our ultimate good.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Covenant of Life
J.A. Matteson
Living before the face of God the children of promise walk in time enroute to eternity with Him. "Abraham said to God, 'Oh that Ishmael might live before You!' But God said, 'No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him" (Gen. 17:18-19). It is God's prerogative to choose who will live before Him. As father of Ishmael, Abraham interceded for his son, unaware of the grand design of God's redemptive ways and plan. The birth of Isaac was miraculous, defying the normal pattern of procreation. That the covenant of life should be established through him bares witness as a type to the supernatural necessity of the new birth as a predicate for any to live before the LORD and call upon His name. The initiative for Isaac's existence resided with God, and no less is this true of those born of the Spirit. Those so born are passive recipients of grace and, as with Isaac, God foreknew and mercifully called them as His own possession in accordance to His covenant. It is good and right to intercede for all that they might live before the LORD. At that point the saints release their petitions to the eternal wisdom and redemptive plan of God, who alone is righteous and just and holy.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Living before the face of God the children of promise walk in time enroute to eternity with Him. "Abraham said to God, 'Oh that Ishmael might live before You!' But God said, 'No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him" (Gen. 17:18-19). It is God's prerogative to choose who will live before Him. As father of Ishmael, Abraham interceded for his son, unaware of the grand design of God's redemptive ways and plan. The birth of Isaac was miraculous, defying the normal pattern of procreation. That the covenant of life should be established through him bares witness as a type to the supernatural necessity of the new birth as a predicate for any to live before the LORD and call upon His name. The initiative for Isaac's existence resided with God, and no less is this true of those born of the Spirit. Those so born are passive recipients of grace and, as with Isaac, God foreknew and mercifully called them as His own possession in accordance to His covenant. It is good and right to intercede for all that they might live before the LORD. At that point the saints release their petitions to the eternal wisdom and redemptive plan of God, who alone is righteous and just and holy.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Instrument of Mercy
J.A. Matteson
Life tempers youthful idealism; and a man of sorrows has sympathy for the plight of those afflicted with suffering. "He who is at ease holds calamity in contempt, as prepared for those whose feet slip" (Job 12:5). Pride distorts perspective; and the absence of trials puffs up the heart. While we remain unscathed of hardship we are of little use as an instrument of mercy to the one in need. Our default assumption is that some secret sin is the cause of their calamity. While true at times, a universal application of presumed guilt denotes spiritual immaturity. Blessed is the man who sees the gracious hand of God in the suffering of others. The travail of soul in the righteous is His gift of sanctification, whereby the image of His Son may more fully be revealed. And until one experiences God's gift of suffering he remains callously suspicious of those under trial. The LORD calls us higher upon the mount. The way is difficult and the path uncrowded. Where along the journey the afflicted are is known only to God. As He works His grace in them we can be ready to encourage them to remain true to Him who calls, whose ways are often not in accordance to human reason. Have you suffered? Be on the watch for providences where God will use you as an instrument of mercy to those in need, who are suffering what you have suffered. God's presence through you will lighten the load and refresh the spirit of the one suffering.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Life tempers youthful idealism; and a man of sorrows has sympathy for the plight of those afflicted with suffering. "He who is at ease holds calamity in contempt, as prepared for those whose feet slip" (Job 12:5). Pride distorts perspective; and the absence of trials puffs up the heart. While we remain unscathed of hardship we are of little use as an instrument of mercy to the one in need. Our default assumption is that some secret sin is the cause of their calamity. While true at times, a universal application of presumed guilt denotes spiritual immaturity. Blessed is the man who sees the gracious hand of God in the suffering of others. The travail of soul in the righteous is His gift of sanctification, whereby the image of His Son may more fully be revealed. And until one experiences God's gift of suffering he remains callously suspicious of those under trial. The LORD calls us higher upon the mount. The way is difficult and the path uncrowded. Where along the journey the afflicted are is known only to God. As He works His grace in them we can be ready to encourage them to remain true to Him who calls, whose ways are often not in accordance to human reason. Have you suffered? Be on the watch for providences where God will use you as an instrument of mercy to those in need, who are suffering what you have suffered. God's presence through you will lighten the load and refresh the spirit of the one suffering.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Saturday, January 5, 2013
The Summary Statement
J.A. Matteson
The summary statement of our lives will be left for others to contemplate, and write. What conclusions will they draw? Will their summary be accurate or a distortion as seen through the clouded lens of personal bias? To distill down a vast tapestry of experiences lived out into a single memorable essence is daunting. "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil" (Job 1:1). All that God created in the beginning was "very good." The Fall tarnished everything. Redemption in Christ Jesus is intended for good works to characterize the lives of His people, and apart from Christ all efforts are seen by God as filth. The will of God does not fail, for as sovereign He is able to bring to pass what He purposes. The story of God's people is the same in essence, yet different in detail. Another chapter of our lives is now being written. The story of God's people is one of adversity and victory, pain and suffering, joy and elation, bondage and freedom. The life story of Job continues to speak to all generations for it captures the broader narrative of every pilgrim in Christ Jesus. In the final analysis God alone is able to precisely capture the essence of our lives, to get our story right, for He wrote it before one day of it was lived out. Yet in spite of our imperfections we can honor those now gone by being honest, diligent in our portrayal of the story which was their life. To the extent that we do this respectfully and, with reverence to God, we do a good work.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
The summary statement of our lives will be left for others to contemplate, and write. What conclusions will they draw? Will their summary be accurate or a distortion as seen through the clouded lens of personal bias? To distill down a vast tapestry of experiences lived out into a single memorable essence is daunting. "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil" (Job 1:1). All that God created in the beginning was "very good." The Fall tarnished everything. Redemption in Christ Jesus is intended for good works to characterize the lives of His people, and apart from Christ all efforts are seen by God as filth. The will of God does not fail, for as sovereign He is able to bring to pass what He purposes. The story of God's people is the same in essence, yet different in detail. Another chapter of our lives is now being written. The story of God's people is one of adversity and victory, pain and suffering, joy and elation, bondage and freedom. The life story of Job continues to speak to all generations for it captures the broader narrative of every pilgrim in Christ Jesus. In the final analysis God alone is able to precisely capture the essence of our lives, to get our story right, for He wrote it before one day of it was lived out. Yet in spite of our imperfections we can honor those now gone by being honest, diligent in our portrayal of the story which was their life. To the extent that we do this respectfully and, with reverence to God, we do a good work.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The Covering for Sin
J.A. Matteson
Fallen sinners go to extraordinary lengths in an effort to sooth their guilty conscience of sin. "...they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings" (Gen. 3:7). Rationalization is chosen as the preferred method to one, while denial fits the dictates of another. Justification appeals to still another, and acquiescence finds its place to others. Try as they may none of the manifold efforts of sinners can reestablish righteousness before God. All such striving is vanity. Confronted by their Maker over their sin the man and woman forgo their hopeless efforts of self-restoration before God and by faith accept His covering of their transgression through the substitutionary death of an innocent creature. Whereas the first Adam failed in righteousness the second Adam, Jesus Christ, perfectly fulfilled the Law of God on behalf of His people, covering their transgressions by the blood of His own body. The covering for sin offered by God in Christ is appropriated by faith. Blessed is the sinner who exchanges his fig leaf, in whatever form it may take, for the covering offered by God in Jesus Christ, who is our justification, righteousness and hope.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Fallen sinners go to extraordinary lengths in an effort to sooth their guilty conscience of sin. "...they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings" (Gen. 3:7). Rationalization is chosen as the preferred method to one, while denial fits the dictates of another. Justification appeals to still another, and acquiescence finds its place to others. Try as they may none of the manifold efforts of sinners can reestablish righteousness before God. All such striving is vanity. Confronted by their Maker over their sin the man and woman forgo their hopeless efforts of self-restoration before God and by faith accept His covering of their transgression through the substitutionary death of an innocent creature. Whereas the first Adam failed in righteousness the second Adam, Jesus Christ, perfectly fulfilled the Law of God on behalf of His people, covering their transgressions by the blood of His own body. The covering for sin offered by God in Christ is appropriated by faith. Blessed is the sinner who exchanges his fig leaf, in whatever form it may take, for the covering offered by God in Jesus Christ, who is our justification, righteousness and hope.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
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