faith

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms – 2

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A Devotional Through The Psalms – Psalm 2

The Sovereign King and Our Refuge

Psalm 2, a royal psalm, has long been cherished in Christian tradition as a powerful declaration of God’s sovereignty and the anointed reign of His Messiah. From the early church fathers to the Reformers, this psalm has been understood as a prophetic celebration of Christ’s kingship, a call to trust in God’s plan, and a source of hope amid a rebellious world. Let us reflect on its timeless message and find encouragement for our faith today.


The World’s Rebellion and God’s Response (vv. 1-3)
The psalm opens with a vivid picture of the nations raging and plotting against the Lord and His anointed king: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” These verses depict humanity’s futile rebellion against God’s authority. In the historical context, this likely referred to earthly kings opposing God’s chosen Davidic king in Jerusalem. Yet, early Christians, including the apostles (Acts 4:25-26), saw in these words a foreshadowing of the world’s rejection of Jesus, the ultimate Anointed One. From Herod and Pilate to the powers of this age, humanity has often sought to cast off God’s rule.
As believers, we may feel disheartened when we see opposition to God’s truth in our world—whether through cultural shifts, persecution, or skepticism. Yet, Psalm 2 reminds us that such rebellion is nothing new. The early church faced it, as did Christians through the ages, from Augustine to Luther. The comfort lies in God’s response: He laughs from heaven (v. 4). Not with cruelty, but with the serene confidence of a sovereign who knows that no human scheme can thwart His purposes. This is our first encouragement: God is not shaken by the chaos of the world, and neither should we be.


The Anointed King Established (vv. 4-9)
In verses 4-9, God declares His unshakable decree: He has set His King on Zion, His holy hill. The Son is given the nations as an inheritance and the ends of the earth as His possession. Historically, this pointed to God’s covenant with David (2 Samuel 7), promising an everlasting kingdom. For Christians, this finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The writer of Hebrews (1:5) applies verse 7—“You are my Son; today I have begotten you”—to Christ, affirming His divine sonship and authority.
The early church fathers, like Irenaeus and Tertullian, saw Psalm 2 as a bold proclamation of Christ’s universal reign, triumphing over sin, death, and Satan through His resurrection and ascension. The Reformers, such as Calvin, emphasized that Christ’s kingdom is both present and future—already established in the hearts of believers and yet to be fully revealed when He returns. This truth uplifts us: no matter how dark the days, Christ reigns. His authority is not diminished by the world’s resistance. As we navigate challenges, we can rest in the assurance that our King is sovereign, and His kingdom will prevail.


A Call to Wisdom and Refuge (vv. 10-12)
The psalm closes with a gracious invitation: “Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way” (vv. 10-12). Here, God extends mercy even to rebels, urging them to submit to His Son. The phrase “kiss the Son” speaks of homage and allegiance, a call to trust and worship the Messiah. The psalm ends with a promise: “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”
Throughout Christian history, this call has resonated deeply. Augustine saw it as an invitation to all nations to find salvation in Christ. The Puritans, facing political and religious turmoil, found comfort in taking refuge in the Son, trusting Him amid uncertainty. For us today, this is a personal and corporate encouragement. In a world that often feels unstable, we are invited to “kiss the Son”—to pledge our loyalty to Jesus, to find our security in Him, and to rejoice in His grace. The blessing promised is not merely temporal safety but the eternal joy of belonging to the King who reigns forever.


Application for Today
Psalm 2 lifts our eyes from the chaos of the world to the throne of God. As Christians, we are not immune to trials, but we are anchored by the truth that Christ, the Anointed One, reigns supreme. When we face opposition, whether personal struggles or societal pressures, we can trust that God’s plan is unfolding, just as it did through the cross and resurrection. Let us take refuge in Jesus, serving Him with reverent awe and joyful trembling. As the early church prayed Psalm 2 in the face of persecution (Acts 4:23-31), let us pray for boldness to proclaim Christ’s kingship and to live as citizens of His unshakable kingdom.


Prayer
Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your sovereign rule and for setting Your Son, Jesus, as King over all. In a world that rages against You, help us to trust in Your unshakable plan. Teach us to take refuge in Christ, to serve Him with joy, and to find our hope in His eternal reign. May we live boldly for Your glory, knowing that blessed are all who trust in Him. Amen.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms – 1

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A Devotional Through The Psalms- Psalm 1

The Blessed Path of the Righteous
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2, ESV)

Psalm 1, often called the “gateway” to the Psalter, has been a cornerstone of Christian devotion since the early church. Its vivid imagery and clear contrast between the righteous and the wicked resonated deeply with early Christians, who lived in a world often hostile to their faith. This psalm, rooted in Jewish wisdom literature, was cherished by figures like Augustine, who saw it as a call to anchor one’s life in God’s Word amidst the pressures of a fallen world.


The Blessed Life
The psalm opens with a beatitude: “Blessed is the man.” For early Christians, this blessing echoed Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, where true happiness is found in godliness, not worldly success. The righteous person, as the psalm describes, avoids three progressive sins: walking in wicked counsel, standing with sinners, and sitting with scoffers. Church fathers like Jerome interpreted this as a warning against the gradual drift into sin. The Christian, they taught, must be vigilant, choosing instead to delight in God’s law. For them, the “law” was not just the Torah but the entire revelation of God, fulfilled in Christ, the Living Word.


Meditating on God’s Word
The call to meditate “day and night” inspired monastic traditions, where believers like Benedict of Nursia structured their lives around Scripture and prayer. This wasn’t mere intellectual study but a heart-deep engagement with God’s truth. The early church saw this meditation as transformative, shaping the soul to reflect Christ’s character. As Origen noted, meditating on God’s Word is like chewing the cud—slowly, deliberately savoring divine truth until it nourishes every part of life.


The Fruitful Tree
The psalm’s imagery of a tree planted by streams of water (v. 3) was especially vivid for early Christians in arid regions. They saw it as a picture of the believer rooted in Christ, drawing life from the Holy Spirit. Gregory of Nyssa likened this to the Christian who, grounded in God’s grace, bears fruit even in adversity—love, joy, peace, and righteousness. Unlike the fleeting prosperity of the wicked, compared to chaff blown away by the wind (v. 4), the righteous endure, sustained by God’s presence.


The Two Ways
Psalm 1 presents a stark choice: the way of the righteous or the way of the wicked. Early Christians, facing persecution or the lure of pagan culture, found courage in this dichotomy. Athanasius, in his Life of Antony, pointed to this psalm to encourage believers to stand firm, trusting that God “knows the way of the righteous” (v. 6). The wicked, though they may seem to prosper, face ultimate judgment, while the righteous are secure in God’s covenant love.


Application for Today
Today, Psalm 1 calls us to examine our path. Are we delighting in God’s Word, letting it shape our thoughts and actions? In a world of competing voices—social media, cultural trends, personal ambitions—this psalm reminds us to root ourselves in Scripture. Like the early Christians, we can find joy and stability by meditating on God’s truth, trusting Him to make us fruitful even in difficult seasons.


Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom of Psalm 1, which guides us to Your path of blessing. Help us to delight in Your Word, to meditate on it day and night, and to be rooted in Your grace like a tree by streams of water. Keep us from the counsel of the wicked, and lead us in the way everlasting. Through Christ, our righteousness, we pray. Amen.


Reflection
Take a moment to reflect: What “counsel” or influences are shaping your decisions today? How can you make time to meditate on God’s Word, letting it guide your path? Let Psalm 1 inspire you to pursue the blessed life of righteousness, trusting God’s promise to sustain you.

A Promise Written In The Stars – Genesis 15

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Imagine you’re under a starlit desert sky, feeling the weight of unanswered prayers and unfulfilled dreams. That’s where we find Abram in Genesis 15, a man chosen by God but wrestling with doubts. For new Christians, this chapter is like a beacon, illuminating God’s unshakable promises, the power of faith, and the beauty of His grace.

Genesis 15 unfolds in the life of Abram faces big problems: he is old, his wife Sarai can’t have children, and the land God promised is filled with other tribes. It’s a moment of tension — God’s promises seem impossible. For many of us, this is relatable. Maybe you’ve been wondering if God will come through for you in a tough situation, like a broken relationship, a job loss, or a health struggle. Genesis 15 shows us how- God meets us in those moments.

The chapter begins with God’s voice cutting through Abram’s fears: “Do not be afraid Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”(v.1) Picture this like a coach pulling you aside before a big game, saying, “I’ve got your back, a great game plan and victory is already assured.” God is promising to protect and provide for Abram in ways far beyond material wealth.

But Abram’s heart is heavy. He blurts out, “What can You give me since I remain childless?” (vv.2-3) He is thinking practically — without a son, his legacy will pass to his servant Eliezar. It’s like you praying for a new job after months or years of rejections and wondering if God is really listening. Abram is saying “I’ve prayed for years for a son and I still don’t have a family of my own.”

God’s response is stunning. He takes Abram outside, points to the starry sky and says, “So shall your offspring be” (v.5) Imagine, in our example above, God saying to you, “That job? I’ve got something bigger planned. Your future is as vast as these stars.” Then comes the gamechanger, “Abram believed the Lord and He credited it to him as righteousness” (v.6) Abram trusts God’s wild promise and God declares him righteous — not because of good deeds, but because of faith.

Think of a new Christian, struggling with anxiety about their future. Maybe they are jobless and they feel as if God’s plans for the are stalled. By reading Genesis 15 we can become inspired by Abram’s faith. Instead of spiraling down into depression over circumstances, that person turns to God in their own “Abram moment”, praying to God saying: “I trust You even though I can’t see how You are going to turn this around.”

God reaffirms His promise to give Abram the land (v.7) and when Abram asks, “How can I know?” (v.8) God does not scold him. Instead, He instructs Abram to prepare a covenant ceremony with animals cut in half (vv.9-10) In ancient times, this was like signing a contract in blood, a serious commitment. In effect you were saying, may what happened to these animals happen to me if I break the covenant. God is saying, “I am putting my reputation on the line for you.” We can know God keeps His promises because Jesus paid our sin debt on the cross.

As night falls, Abram sleeps, a God reveals a sobering vision (vv.12-16) He predicts that Abrams descendants will be enslaved for 400 years (in Egypt) but will be freed and return to Canaan. God adds that the “sin of the Amorites” isn’t yet full, showing His patience before judging the Canaanites. This is like God showing you a movie trailer of your life. It includes tough scenes but promises a happy ending. It teaches that God’s plans unfold over time, often beyond our understanding. For Christians, its a reminder that hardships do not mean that God has forgotten you.

I a jaw-dropping moment, a smoking firepot and blazing torch, symbols of God’s presence, pass between the animal pieces (v.17) In ancient covenants, both parties walked through, vowing to keep the deal or die. Here, only God passes through, showing the promise depends on Him alone. He then details the land’s boundaries, a promise pointing to the ultimate inheritance in Christ.

It is like God signing a contract with His own blood, saying “This is on Me.” That is grace. God’s promises don’t depend on our perfection but on His faithfulness. We can find freedom in knowing our salvation rests on Jesus’ finished work on the cross not on our ability to be “good enough”. Just like with Abram, God walked through death alone to seal the covenant.

Abram’s story shows God keeping impossible promises. Whether you are praying for a healing, a restored relationship, guidance or something else seemingly impossible to come about, Genesis 15 tells us God’s promises are as sure as the stars.

The prophecy of Israels slavery shows that God orchestrates history. You struggle is not random. God is weaving it into the tapestry of your life into His perfect plan. The next time doubt creeps in, picture the stars and choose to believe God and trust that He is our shield and reward, and He alone can do the impossible. Like Israels 400 years in Egypt, trust God to be sure about His timing when you are going through a difficult season in life and seemingly, or literally, has gone on for years. He has not forgotten or abandoned you.

One of my favorite pieces of art is “The Starry Night” by van Gogh. It speaks to me of the wonder and majesty of God’s creation. Seemingly simple, the more one gazes at it the more mesmerizing it becomes. It moves me to contemplate just how great our God is and how much He loves us. Step out under your own “starry night” of faith. Trust God, believe His Word and watch how He writes your story for His glory.

Does God Really Delight In Us?

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The question of whether God delights in humanity is both profound and deeply personal, touching on the nature of Divine love, human worth, and the relationship between Creator and creation. Within Christianity, various theological traditions offer nuanced perspectives on God’s delight in us. Today, I would like to show how both conservative and reformed Christians answer the title question. By synthesizing their viewpoints, a cohesive understanding of God’s delight in us can be found.

Conservative Christians are often characterized by their high view of Scripture and an emphasis on a personal relationship with God. which leads them to affirm that God delights in His people. This perspective draws heavily from biblical passages that depict God’s love and affection for humanity. Zephaniah 3:7 states, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” This verse paints a vivid picture of a God who not only loves, but also rejoices over His people with emotional warmth.

Passages similar to the above are often cited as evidence of God’s personal and relational nature. They emphasize that God created humans in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), endowing them with inherent worth and dignity. Even after the Fall, God’s pursuit of humanity through the covenants, the giving of the Law, and ultimately the incarnation of Jesus Christ demonstrates His desire for relationship. The New Testament reinforces this with verses like John 3:16 which underscores God’s love as the motivation for sending His Son.

In the conservative Christian view, God’s delight is particularly evident in the redeemed — those who have accepted Christ’s atoning sacrifice. This view points to verses like Psalm 147:11, “The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.”, to argue that God takes pleasure in the faith and obedience of His followers. However, this delight is not based on human merit but on God’s gracious choice to love and redeem sinners. The conservative perspective thus balances God’s holiness with His relational affection, affirming that believers are cherished by a God who is both just and loving.

The Reformed tradition approaches the question of God’s delight through the lens of Divine sovereignty and election — God’s eternal decree to save a particular people for His glory. While the language of “delight” may be less emotive in the Reformed discussion, the concept is present, framed within the doctrine of God’s good pleasure.

In this view, God’s delight in humanity is primarily tied to His elect, those chosen before the foundation of the world for salvation (Ephesians 1:4-5). This delight is not based on human worthiness, as humanity is totally depraved and incapable of earning God’s favor (Romans 3:10-12). Instead, God’s delight flows from His sovereign will to glorify Himself through the redemption of sinners. As Ephesians 1:5-6 notes, God predestined believers “for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will – to the praise of His glorious grace.” Other passages such as Isaiah 62:4-5 are pointed at where God’s relationship with His people is likened to a bridegroom rejoicing over his bride, to affirm that God takes pleasure in His covenant people. However, this delight is understood within the context of God’s immutable nature. Unlike human emotions, which fluctuate, God’s delight is eternal and unchanging, rooted in His decision to love on His people (Deuteronomy 7:7-8) This viewpoint also underscores that God’s delight is ultimately Christ-centered. Believers are accepted “in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6) meaning God’s pleasure in His people is mediated through their union with Christ. Because Christ is the object of the Father’s supreme delight (Matthew 3:17) those who are in Christ share in this Divine favor. God’s delight, then, is not contingent on human performance, but on the finished work of Christ.

While these two viewpoints differ in emphasis, they converge on several key truths:

  1. God’s delight is rooted in His nature Both perspectives affirm that God’s delight flows from His character as a loving and gracious God. Conservatives emphasize the emotional and relational aspects of this delight while the Reformed highlight its sovereignty and eternal nature. Together these views present a God who is both deeply personal and supremely authoritative, delighting in His people because of who He is.
  2. Humanity’s worth is derived from God. Both traditions agree that human beings have no inherent merit to earn God’s delight. Conservatives stress the Imago Dei and God’s redemptive love while the Reformed underscore humanity’s total depravity and election. Together they show that God’s delight is an act of grace, not a response to human achievement.
  3. Christ is central to God’s delight. Both viewpoints center God’s delight in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Conservative highlight the relational restoration made possible through Christ’s sacrifice while Reformed theology emphasizes union with Christ as the basis for Divine favor. Together they show that God’s love is not a vague sentiment, but a concrete reality grounded in truth.
  4. God’s delight calls for response Both see God’s delight as transformative. Conservatives often frame this as a call to personal obedience and faith, encouraging believers to live in light of God’s love. Reformers emphasize the perseverance of the saints, viewing God’s delight as a motivator for holiness and worship. Together they inspire believers to respond with gratitude, trust, and devotion.

Some final notes. Conservative Christians run the risk of anthropomorphizing God when emphasizing His relational warmth. Reformed Christians run the opposite risk, downplaying the emotional richness of God’s love. A synthesis mitigates this by presenting a more balanced view of God, who is both sovereign and relational, eternal and intimate.

The question “Does God really delight in us?” finds a resounding YES in both traditions. Together, they proclaim a God who delights in His people not because of their worthiness but because of His gracious choice, manifested by the redeeming work of Christ. This truth is both humbling and exhilarating. It calls us to rest in God’s unchanging love, to live in gratitude for His grace, and to worship the One who rejoices over us with singing.

The Bond of Christ

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“For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers.” (Hebrews 2:11, ESV)

In the rich tapestry of Scripture, Hebrews 2:11 stands as a profound declaration of the intimate union between Christ and His people. This verse, nestled within the epistle’s exploration of Christ’s superiority and His role as the pioneer of salvation, offers a wellspring of encouragement for believers. From a conservative Christian perspective, rooted in the authority of Scripture and informed by the wisdom of the Church Fathers, Hebrews 2:11 reveals the transformative power of Christ’s work, the dignity of the redeemed, and the call to live as His brothers in holiness and hope.

The Shared Source: Unity in Christ

Hebrews 2:11 begins with a striking affirmation: both “he who sanctifies” (Christ) and “those who are sanctified” (believers) “all have one source.” The Greek term for “source” (ek henos) points to a shared origin, which many Christian scholars often interpret as God the Father or the divine plan of salvation. This unity underscores that Christ, though fully divine, took on human nature to become one with us. As the eternal Son, He humbled Himself, sharing in our humanity to redeem us from sin’s curse (Philippians 2:7-8).

The Church Fathers marveled at this mystery. St. Athanasius, in On the Incarnation, wrote, “He became man that we might become divine,” not in essence but through participation in His holiness. Christ’s incarnation bridges the chasm between God and humanity, making us partakers of His divine life through sanctification. For Christians, this truth is a cornerstone: our salvation is not merely a legal transaction but a transformative union with Christ, rooted in His redemptive work.

The Sanctifier and the Sanctified

The verse identifies Christ as “he who sanctifies,” emphasizing His active role in making us holy. Sanctification, in conservative theology, is both positional (our standing as holy before God through Christ’s atonement) and progressive (our growth in godliness through the Holy Spirit). This dual reality reflects the finished work of Christ on the cross and the ongoing work of the Spirit in believers’ lives.

St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies on Hebrews, highlights Christ’s sanctifying power: “He Himself became the sacrifice, and He Himself sanctifies… for by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” Chrysostom’s insight reminds us that Christ’s atonement is the foundation of our holiness. Christians hold fast to this truth, rejecting any notion that human effort apart from Christ’s grace can achieve righteousness. Our sanctification flows from His perfect sacrifice, applied to us by faith.

Yet, Hebrews 2:11 also calls us “those who are sanctified,” affirming that believers are set apart for God’s purposes. This identity is not earned but bestowed through Christ’s blood. As St. Cyril of Alexandria noted, “By uniting Himself to us, Christ makes us His own, purifying us through His own purity.” For the devout believer, this is a call to live in a manner worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1), pursuing holiness in a world marred by sin.

Brothers of Christ: A Dignity Unashamed

Perhaps the most astonishing part of Hebrews 2:11 is that Christ “is not ashamed to call them brothers.” Despite our sinfulness, Christ identifies with us as family, sharing in our humanity and securing our adoption as children of God (Galatians 4:4-5). This is no mere sentiment but a divine act of grace. The eternal Son, who reigns in glory, calls redeemed sinners His brothers, elevating us to a dignity we could never attain on our own.

St. Augustine reflects on this in his Sermons: “What a great honor it is that He deigned to call us brothers… He who is above all creation, the Only-Begotten Son, has made us co-heirs with Himself.” For Christians, this truth is both humbling and exhilarating. It reminds us that our worth is not rooted in worldly achievements but in Christ’s unmerited love. In a culture that often devalues human life or measures worth by fleeting standards, Hebrews 2:11 proclaims that believers are cherished by the King of kings.

This brotherly bond also carries a responsibility. As brothers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character. The Church Fathers consistently taught that union with Christ demands a life of virtue. St. Gregory of Nyssa urged believers to “imitate the example of our Elder Brother,” living in obedience and love. Christians see this as a mandate to uphold biblical values—truth, purity, and compassion—in a world increasingly hostile to God’s design.

Living as Christ’s Brothers Today

Hebrews 2:11 is not merely a theological statement; it is a call to action. For the Christian, this verse inspires a life of gratitude, holiness, and mission. Knowing that Christ is not ashamed of us, we are emboldened to stand firm in our faith, even amidst persecution or cultural pressure. As brothers of Christ, we are part of His family, the Church, and are called to love one another as He loves us (John 13:34-35).

Moreover, this verse fuels our hope. The Church Fathers often linked Christ’s brotherhood to the promise of glorification. St. Irenaeus wrote, “He became what we are, that He might make us what He is.” One day, we will fully reflect His glory, free from sin’s stain. This eschatological hope strengthens conservative believers to persevere, trusting that our sanctification will be complete when we see Him face to face (1 John 3:2).

In a world that often feels fragmented and lost, Hebrews 2:11 offers an anchor. It reminds us that we are united to Christ, sanctified by His grace, and called His brothers. Let us, then, live as those who belong to Him—proclaiming His truth, walking in His holiness, and resting in the unshakable love of our Elder Brother.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending Your Son to sanctify us and call us brothers. May we live worthy of this calling, reflecting Your holiness and love. Through the wisdom of Your Word and the guidance of Your Spirit, help us to honor Christ in all we do. Amen.

The Meaning of Union With Christ

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The concept of union with Christ lies at the heart of Christian theology and is a subject I have been delving deeply into this past year. Few groups have articulated its significance as vividly as the Marrow Men, a circle of 18th Century Scottish theologians, including Thomas Boston. They were influenced by Edward Fisher’s The Marrow of Modern Divinity and championed the free offer of grace and the believer’s intimate, transformative connection with Jesus. For the Marrow Men, union with Christ was not a dry doctrine, but the very essence of salvation and the Christian life. For a fuller treatment of the Marrow Men, a good resource is Sinclair Ferguson’s The Whole Christ.

To grasp union with Christ, we begin with a simple yet profound truth: believers are “in Christ.” This New Testament phrase – woven through Paul’s letters and Jesus’ teachings – describes a spiritual bond that redefines who we are. The Marrow Men leaned on this rich, biblical imagery to bring this reality to life.

+ The Vine and the Branches (John 15:5) Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, drawing our spiritual reality from Him. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.

+ The Head and the Body (Ephesians 4:15-16) Christ is the head, directing and sustaining the church as His body, with every part united under His care.

+ The Bridegroom and the Bride (Ephesians 5:25-32) This tender love between Christ and His church mirrors the closeness of this union.

These pictures reveal that union with Christ is no mere legal transaction. It is a living, breathing relationship — organic, intimate, and life-giving. Through faith we are joined to Jesus, and in this union, we receive every blessing of salvation.

This union with Christ is a golden thread running through the gospel. Indeed, it is the gospel, the good news. Here is how this union shapes key aspects of our redemption:

Justification – When we are united with Christ, His righteousness becomes ours. On the cross, He took our sins; in exchange, we receive His perfect standing before God. Our acceptance isn’t earned — it’s a gift rooted in connection with Him.

Adoption – Union with Christ brings us into God’s family. As Jesus is the Son, we become sons and daughters, sharing His inheritance. We can cry “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15) embraced by the same love that rests on Christ.

Sanctification – This union does not just declare us holy — it makes us holy. United to Christ’s resurrection life, we are empowered to die to sin and live for righteousness. The Marrow Men stressed that this growth in holiness flows naturally from our new identity, not from grit or guilt.

Union with Christ is the fountainhead of all spiritual blessing. It is the core of what it means to be saved.

The Marrow Men faced their share of critics back in the 18th Century and the same charges are laid against those who believe in salvation by grace alone today. They were charged with antinomianism – the notion that grace cancels out the need for obedience. After all, the critics said, if we are united with Christ and secure in His righteousness, why bother with God’s Law? The Marrow Men rightly answered their critics by insisting that union with Christ doesn’t erase the Law, it actually fulfills it.

Far from breeding lawlessness, this union with Christ ignites a desire to obey. When we taste Christ’s love and grace, we are changed from within. Obedience becomes a joyful response, not a grim duty or obligation. The Holy Spirit, working through our connection to Jesus, renews our hearts, aligning our wills with God’s will. This is the authentic path of holiness — not forced compliance but a life reshaped by love.

So, what does this mean practically? How does this truth help us live day to day. For one, it brings comfort in trials. Life can be brutal but union with Christ offers unshakable hope. If we are united to Him in His death, we will be united in His resurrection (Romans 6:5). No matter the storm, He is with us and we are secure in Him.

Secondly, it gives us assurance of salvation. Doubts may creep in, but union with Christ anchors our confidence. Our salvation rests on His finished work, not our shaky efforts. Because we are in Him, we can rest assured of God’s unchanging love.

Third, it gives us a motivation for holy living. Knowing we’re united to Christ stirs us to reflect His character. As we grasp our new identity — forgiven, adopted, empowered — we are driven to live for God’s glory, not out of fear but out of gratitude and joy.

Imagine a weary traveler, burdened by guilt and failure, suddenly finding themselves welcomed into a king’s family. That’s the daily reality of union with Christ – a truth that lifts us up and spurs us on.

As the Marrow Men rightly understood, union with Christ is the heartbeat of the gospel. It is the foundation of our salvation, the source of our growth and the comfort of our souls. This union invites us to marvel – that we, broken and unworthy, are bound to Jesus — forgiven in His death, alive in His life and destined for His glory. In a world of striving and doubt, this doctrine shines as a beacon of grace. To be in Christ is to be complete, secure and forever His. Let that truth sink in — and let it change everything.

Standing Firm

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In 1 Peter chapter 5 these words are written, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” Ephesians 6:11 tells us to “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” 

Notice that in both cases we are called to stand firm. In almost 35 years of ministry, I have encountered evil many times, in many forms. I have seen people controlled by evil spirits, paranormal activity and things that don’t seem to have an earthly explanation. Unlike other individuals who go around seeking out encounters with spirits or claiming to do exorcisms, my encounters always happened in the normal course of doing ministry.

Instead of rebuking the enemy or seeking a “power encounter”, I have learned simply to stand firm and in doing so, the enemy has to retreat. I call on my Heavenly Father to give me the strength to endure and to stand firm while also calling on my Lord and Master Jesus to deal with the evil in front of me. Could I rebuke the unclean spirits in my authority as a Child of God? Yes. But I can also appeal to my Lord who is always with me. Now, if He says, “I will let you del with this one”, so be it. Until then, I will resist the evil, pray to the Lord to overcome my enemy and continue to stand firm in the face of all dangers.

Simply having the strength to stand firm in the face of terrible evil is difficult. It is overpowering, full of depravity and uncleanness. It is emotionally taxing, especially for those of us who are empathetic in nature. It is frightening when facing non-mortal entities and experiencing some of their power. Standing firm takes a lot of spiritual strength.

Ephesians 6 goes on to say, “13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Three times here we are told to stand. We prepare by putting on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness and the gospel of peace. All this, just to stand firm. James 4:7 tells us to resist the devil and he will flee from us. We don’t have to attack him, we just have to resist, to stand firm, and like a strong seawall, his waves of attack will break against us and fail, leaving him no choice but to retreat.

We don’t roll over, freeze up or cower in fear – we stand. We also do not go seeking trouble, challenging what we don’t fully understand, but we stand firm in the truth. We stand firm in presenting the gospel, we stand firm in discipling the nations, we stand firm in advocating for morality, decency and peace. We don’t abdicate our responsibility. We keep our eyes on Jesus and stand in Him alone. He is our Shield and Defender. He is our Rock in whom we trust. Who shall we fear, knowing the Lord is for us.

Be encouraged, then, when the enemy reveals himself and you encounter evil. Stand firm in the strength of the Lord and watch the enemy retreat.

40 Days of Praise — Day 25

/ taethne

O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES by Charles Wesley

O for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace!

My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad The honors of Thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears, That bids our sorrows cease;
’Tis music in the sinner’s ears, ’Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean, His blood availed for me.

He speaks, and, listening to His voice, New life the dead receive,
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice, The humble poor believe.

Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb, Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come, And leap, ye lame, for joy.

In Christ your Head, you then shall know, Shall feel your sins forgiven;
Anticipate your heaven below, And own that love is heaven.

Glory to God, and praise and love Be ever, ever given,
By saints below and saints above, The church in earth and heaven.

On this glad day the glorious Sun Of Righteousness arose;
On my benighted soul He shone And filled it with repose.

Sudden expired the legal strife, ’Twas then I ceased to grieve;
My second, real, living life I then began to live.

Then with my heart I first believed, Believed with faith divine,
Power with the Holy Ghost received To call the Savior mine.

I felt my Lord’s atoning blood Close to my soul applied;
Me, me He loved, the Son of God, For me, for me He died!

I found and owned His promise true, Ascertained of my part,
My pardon passed in heaven I knew  When written on my heart.

Look unto Him, ye nations, own Your God, ye fallen race;
Look, and be saved through faith alone, Be justified by grace.

See all your sins on Jesus laid: The Lamb of God was slain,
His soul was once an offering made For every soul of man.

Awake from guilty nature’s sleep, And Christ shall give you light,
Cast all your sins into the deep, And wash the Æthiop white.

Harlots and publicans and thieves In holy triumph join!
Saved is the sinner that believes From crimes as great as mine.

Murderers and all ye hellish crew In holy triumph join!
Believe the Savior died for you; For me the Savior died.

With me, your chief, ye then shall know, Shall feel your sins forgiven;
Anticipate your heaven below, And own that love is heaven.

For this day, I have chosen to include all the verses that Charles Wesley wrote. This song was his celebration of the one year anniversary of his salvation, and what a great tribute to the Lord it is.

               I know that not all of us remember the date of our salvation, but why not make it a practice to designate one day a year (if you do remember the date, use it) to write a poem of thanks to the Lord for His great salvation?

               If  you cannot write a poem, maybe a prayer or a song or draw a picture of thanks would be possible. Take some time studying Wesley’s poem for inspiration.

               Since we don’t have a thousand tongues to sing with, why not use the one we have in a thousand ways? Join with brothers and sisters and together we can raise hundreds of thousands of tongues in harmony to praise the King of Kings.

               I particularly love the verse that talks about how Jesus’ blood makes even the foulest sinner clean, even me. When I reflect on my numerous sins, I am amazed that God would want to save me. I am so grateful that His mercy and grace was given to me, the most undeserving person I know. Wesley puts it so well toward the end of his poem – harlots, publicans, thieves – saved is the sinner that believes from crimes as great as mine. Their sins are no worse than mine, their punishment is the same, eternal damnation unless they, just like I, repent and throw ourselves on the mercy of Jesus. How wonderful to know He forgives sins and pardons the sinner.

Lord, help me to use the tongue I have to always praise Your name. Help me use it to witness for You, witness of You, and testify of Your great mercy and forgiveness. Help me to proclaim Your salvation to all.

40 Days of Praise — Day 5

/ taethne

DARE TO BE A DANIEL by Phillip Bliss

Standing by a purpose true, Heeding God’s command

Honor them the faithful few, All hail to Daniel’s band

Mighty men are lost, Daring not to stand

Who for God had been a host, By joining Daniel’s band

Many giants great and tall, Stalking through the land

Headlong to the earth would fall, If met by Daniel’s band

Held the Gospel banner high, On to victory grand

Satan and his hosts defy, And shout for Daniel’s band

REFRAIN

Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone

Dare to have a purpose firm, Dare to make it known.

Written by Phillip Bliss for his Sunday School class, this hymn has been a favorite of mine since I was a boy. Both inspiring and challenging, Bliss throws down a gauntlet in urging believers to stand firm for the truth and to be active in conquering evil. In a day when a false definition of tolerance is making its way though society, the words of this song encourage us to act like one of the heroes of the faith.

Like Daniel, we are encouraged to live faithful lives by standing firm in obedience to God’s commands, even when the rest of society is compromising. We are urged to be brave and not to shirk from our duty. Though others may fall away, though we alone may seem to be remaining faithful, we must stand firm for our beliefs as Daniel did.

I often wonder, as I read the book of Daniel, how many other captive Jews just blended into Babylonian society. Apparently he was the only one who took praying to God seriously. The rest, well, it wasn’t politically correct to be seen worshipping God. How many of us fall into the trap of being politically correct instead of obedient?

We can accomplish great things for God when we walk in the might of His power and share the gospel message. May we go before the Lord today and pray that we will have the courage to stand for our convictions as Daniel did.

Lord, grant me conviction of heart like Daniel. Help me to stay the course, to be true and faithful. May it start today, let me not shirk from sharing the gospel with one who needs to hear Your message.

A Heart Hungry To Worship

/ taethne

Years ago I published a book, A Heart Hungry to Worship, (available on Amazon) that focused on relating the stories of Biblical characters to people I have encountered in my ministry. For 2024 I would like to upload a chapter at a time to encourage people. Below is the introduction from the book.

 It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to men.[1]

Introduction

            God created each of us with an innate desire to worship Him. You would think, then, that it should come naturally to us. Yet millions have no knowledge of who God is, so worshipping Him is impossible. Millions more are confused as to how to find Him or how to approach Him when He is found. Still others are convinced that even if they met God He would not accept worship from them. They feel so unworthy they cannot believe He would want any kind of relationship with them.

You will meet some of these people in this book. These are people like you and I, struggling to make sense of this world, convinced there is something more than what we are experiencing. People hoping against hope that someday they will have a relationship with a God they desperately want to love them, a God they crave to worship. People like Maggie, Sheila, Dinah and Renaldo who could be your neighbor, co-worker or cousin; people who long for the closeness that salvation by grace brings.

            One of the neat things about the Bible is that it contains true stories of people like this – like us! People who are desperately seeking to be found by God but do not know where to start. They are people like the Ethiopian eunuch in the book of Acts or the Samaritan woman in John’s gospel. They are people who have a desire to worship God but are confused how that worship comes about.

            I tell their stories in the pages ahead. Stories about those who God is drawing into a relationship they desire but are scared to enter. Those who the Holy Spirit has begun drawing but have not quite arrived. Those whose hearts are hungry to worship the One True Living God.

[1] C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms