Calvary Hot Springs

Exalting Christ Through the Ministry of the Word

Poimen

The Remarkable is seen in the Unremarkable

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The Remarkable is seen in the Unremarkable

Thoughts on Luke 2

One of the remarkable features of Christ’s birth is that it is, for the most part, unremarkable. That is not to say that the incarnation was unremarkable, but the circumstances and the people involved most definitely were. It is safe to say that God’s divine providence is more often than not, carried out in the normal, unremarkable experiences of life.

For example, Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth describes the beauty of the incarnation in the midst of the chaos of displaced citizens returning home for governmental registration. God used a common man and a common woman, in a humble setting for an uncommon purpose (Luke 1-7). Or notice that the angel’s announcement of good news was made to common shepherds carrying out their normal duties with regular sheep in a regular field (8-21). Even Simeon and Anna, although noted to be devoted, faithful and reverent, were simple people living their lives in the final season of their lives (22-38).

Of course, this is not a foreign notion in the scheme of biblical revelation. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8), Abram was called out from among his own to be a people of God (Genesis 11:27-12:3), David was called from tending his sheep to be anoint king, each disciple of Jesus were called from common lives to follow Him and Paul confessed that he was humbled so that God’s strength might be made strong in weakness.

For His own glory, God’s divine providence is more often than not, carried out in the normal, unremarkable experiences of life. As God’s own, the pursuit of the Christian is to glorify Him in the normal, unremarkable experiences of life. The stay at home mom caring for her little ones, day after day, changing diapers, picking up toys, refereeing endless fights can glorify God in the midst of the fray. The working mom, waking early to get her kids going so she can get to the office on time can glorify God in the busyness of life. The laborer in a “dead-end” job can work “as unto the Lord” to add value to what he is doing. The Christian is to show forth the glory of God in every area of life even if it is, in and of itself, unremarkable.

Luke’s Christmas narrative (Luke 2) presents four factors to consider as you live in the normal, unremarkable world around you.

Practice living in the presence of God

There is no indication that Joseph or Mary realized Caesar’s required registration placed them exactly where they needed to be to fulfill Old Testament prophecy, but every circumstance they experienced was brought about by God’s providential hand (Galatians 4:4). The same might be said about the shepherds, Simeon and Anna.

The follower of Christ is to live in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God. The theologians call this Coram Deo. It is the understanding that whatever we are doing and wherever we are doing it, we are acting under the gaze of God.

R. C. Sproul explains that…

“Living under divine sovereignty involves more than a reluctant submission to sheer sovereignty that is motivated out of a fear of punishment. It involves recognizing that there is no higher goal than offering honor to God. Our lives are to be living sacrifices, oblations offered in a spirit of adoration and gratitude.”

Determine to align your life with God’s Word

A cursory reading of Luke 2 makes it clear that God’s Word alone took each character from the norm of everyday life to experience the wonder of the incarnation. Read it carefully and notice that, outside of what God chose to reveal, nothing was out of the ordinary.

In a very real way, God’s Word transforms His people into the likeness of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18) and illumines the eyes of his spirit to know truth (1 John 2:21, 26-27). God’s Word counters the conforming influence of the world and renews the mind of the believer (Romans 2:2). God’s Holy Spirit works exclusively through God’s Word in the life of His people and apart from it, the Christian will fail to walk in the presence of God.

Live with purposeful anticipation

The testimony of Simeon in Luke 2:25-35 bears witness to a life lived in anticipation of what was promised. For Simeon, the promise that he would not see death until he saw the Messiah was a promise that gave him purpose in waking each day. He responded to God’s Spirit in his life and stayed close to the Temple, waiting for the promised fulfillment.

The writer of Hebrews rehearses the hearts of Old Testament saints awaiting God’s promise to them. He writes…

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:13–16

Rather than settling in to the creature comforts of this transitory world, the New Testament saint lives in anticipation of God’s promised return and victorious reign over all creation. The New Testament saint lives with purpose as he anticipates Christ’s glorious return.

Give yourself to holy behavior

Not much is said about Anna except that she was “advanced in years”… and that she had devoted the whole of her life to serving the Lord. After seeing Jesus, she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to those awaiting Jerusalem’s redemption. The man of the world may see this as a  said, unfulfilled life. And yet, in the scope of eternity, Anna lived a full life with purpose, to be lived without regret. When Martha complained to Jesus that Mary should help in serving, Jesus argued that Mary’s worship of Him was of greater value (Luke 10:41). Jesus said, what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? (Mark 8:36). Life and labor is a part of life in this world and for most, they must be pursued, but it is holiness that sets life and labor on a different plane of eternity.

The glory of God’s divine providence in the life of His people is often carried out in the normal, unremarkable experiences of life. Thanks be to God and glory to His name. Soli Deo Gloria.

In View of the Resurrection, 2

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Isaiah 53:5, 7
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed… He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

With graphic detail, the Old Testament Prophet, Isaiah foretold the coming of the promised Messiah, not as a conquering king but rather, a suffering servant. With the upcoming celebration of Christ’s resurrection, we would do well to ponder the Scripture’s revelation of His earthly life and ministry that ended with Him laying His life down as a sacrifice for our sins.

it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief (53:10). The New Testament Apostle, Paul wrote, For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin. Jesus bore our sins on His body as one who was guilty and condemned, bearing God’s wrath that rightfully belong to us. He did this so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Notice again the above passage. Christ Jesus was not only pierced, He was pierced FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS. He was not merely crushed, He was crushed FOR OUR INIQUITIES. He was not only chastised, He was chastised TO BRING US PEACE. He was not merely wounded, He was wounded THAT WE MIGHT BE HEALED. And He did so willingly, not once opening his mouth to stop the abuse. Christ Jesus willingly and willfully walked through the sufferings that extended from the throne of our just and righteous God, and this He did so we might know God’s mercy and His grace.

The temporary nature of all things in this present world affirms the temporary nature of life itself. The Bible states that all are appointed to die, and after that comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27). That judgment determines ones eternal destiny. The beauty of Christ’s death and resurrection is that He has already borne the wrath of that judgment on our behalf and paid fully for our sin. And the glorious reality of this is that this “payment in full” is realized by faith for all who believe. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.

In View of the Resurrection, 1

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Philippians 2:5–8
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

With the celebration of Christ’s resurrection in sight, we would be enriched to rehearse particular aspects of His life, ministry, death and resurrection.

The above account, given by the Apostle Paul reminds us that the incarnation, that is, God the Son taking on human flesh, was a voluntary act of His divine will. Leaving the glories of heaven behind, where He is ever worshiped and where sin and its consequences has not penetrated, Jesus voluntarily emptied himself, stepped into time and space and took on the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Some describe the account of His crucifixion as “the murder of Jesus.” While that description is perfectly understandable from a horizontal perspective, the truth is, no man took His life from Him, but rather He laid it down willingly (John 10:18). He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

The significance of this truth is first, it reveals the nature and character of our creator. In His coming, God reveals His goodness and kindness. In His willing sacrifice on the cross He reveals His righteousness, justice, mercy and grace. Second, Christ’s willingness to come into this world reveals man’s nature, position and condition. The inherent sinful nature of mankind puts him in a position of condemnation before God making his condition hopeless and helpless. For mankind to ever be in right standing before God it required a righteous man to act on his behalf in life and in death. Jesus was that righteous man (the infinite God/man) who hung on the cross on our behalf, and He did so willingly.

When we look to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we must see it as more than just another holiday to celebrate or that time of year we do the “church” thing. When we look to the resurrection, we must see it as it really is, the willing offering of our God to provide the only means through which mankind might be delivered from his hopeless and helpless condition of condemnation and to be forgiven of his sin to be made new. The resurrection declares there is no other way for mankind to stand before God in right standing than through faith in Christ’s willing sacrifice for our sins. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)

March Suggested Book of the Month

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SUGGESTED BOOK OF THE MONTH

The Gospel-Centered Life

by Robert Thune and Will Walker

The Gospel-Centered Life is an interactive workbook that considers the practical affects of the gospel being the primary thrust of the Christians life. The authors argue that the gospel is not merely a gateway into heaven but the very means by which and through which the Christian life is to be lived. They then answer the question, “What does the gospel-centered life actually look like.

Throughout this workbook the authors answer three primary questions: First, “What is the gospel?,” Second, “What does the gospel do in us?,” and Third, “How does the gospel work through us?”

This is a wonderful resource for all believers, newly saved or seasoned saint; it is also a wonderful resource for those who are searching for the realties of the gospel and the difference it makes in your life.

A must read for all who are followers or seekers of Christ.

Here is the link to purchase through Christian Books, The Gospel-Centered Life

Reviewed by Matthew Lim

February Suggested Book of the Month

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SUGGESTED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Addictions, A Banquet in the Grave

by Edward Welch

Edward Welch’s book Addictions is a wonderful resource for those who are wrestling with addictions or are helping someone who is. Published by Resources for Changing Lives, this resource approaches the problem of addiction from a biblical perspective. Mr Welch does not dismiss the physical, emotional, social and environmental factors that come into play with a persons addictions, but he consistently addresses the matters of the heart. This is a book dominated by the hope of the gospel and provides biblical and practical counsel in the practical outworking of God’s divine power granting the believer all things that pertain to life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3-4)

The back cover of the book reads:

“Scripture reveals addicts’ true condition: like guests at a banquet thrown by ‘the woman Folly,’ they are already in the grave. (Prov. 9:13-18)

“Can we not escape our addictions? Following Jesus, we have ‘immense hope that can give power so that we are no long mastered by the addiction.’”

Here is the link to purchase through Amazon, Addictions, A Banquet in the Grave

Reviewed by Matthew Lim

January Suggested Book of the Month

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SUGGESTED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Stop Behaving: A Gospel-Centered Devotional for Men

by Jerrad Lopes

Jerrad Lopes is the founder of the ministry/podcast “Dad Tired”. Dad Tired is a gospel-centered outreach to husbands and fathers meant to encourage and challenge men to faithfully follow hard after Christ, in all of our short comings and failures.

Jerrad Lopes recently authored Stop Behaving, a daily devotional book that is split into four one-week sections. In this devotional, Jerrad practically applies the Gospel to everyday life on every page. He makes the point that, as men, so much seems to be focused on behavior management. We are told that we are to be This and be doing That in order to be a good husband or a good father. We are hounded by these pressures from just about every angle. Stop Behaving points out that scripturally, we as husbands and fathers don’t require changed behavior, but require a changed heart that only Jesus can provide. From there, we read how the Gospel changes the way that we serve and love our wife, the way that we relate to our children and view their behavior, and the way that we view our job and where we find our worth in an increasingly performance driven world.

This devotional has been a great encouragement and challenge to me, as I am reminded of my insufficiency and general unworthiness in my roles as a husband and father and am driven to the throne of grace in order that Christ be made known.

Here is the link to Jerrad Lopes website, Dad Tired where you can purchase the book and listen to his podcast. The above image was obtained from the Dad Tired website.

Reviewed by Matt Tramp

December Suggested Book of the Month

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SUGGESTED BOOK OF THE MONTH
I Am a Church Member
by Thom Rainer

This short, quick read of a book packs a lot truth for the body of Christ to consider. Thom Rainer’s book, “I Am a Church Member” challenges the church to consider what it means to be the church and to be committed to its life and ministry. In six short chapters Thom explains what it means to be a functioning, unifying, serving, praying, leading and treasuring church member.

This is book encourages you to examine your own life based upon the biblical principles of church membership and provides opportunity to make a personal commitment to being a healthy member of the local church. It is a MUST READ for all who are called saints… for all who are the church.

Reviewed by Matthew Lim

November Suggested Book of the Month

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SUGGESTED BOOK OF THE MONTH
The Attributes of God
by A. W. Pink

There are myriads of things we can pursue in our lives. Some things we might look back on as a waste of time and energy, other things we can look back at and see that our pursuit was worthwhile. For the Christian, our pursuit of God will never be wasted time. It is never a futile activity for us to seek to know God more. A.W. Pink in his book, The Attributes of God helps us grow in our knowledge and love of God.
Pink seeks helps us think more deeply about our God and his many and varied attributes. This however is not just an exercise of the mind, but is a spiritual exercise. Pink says in his preface that we need, “more than a theoretical knowledge of God…God is only truly known in the soul as we yield ourselves to him, submit to his authority, and regulate all the details of our lives by his holy precepts and commandments.”

This book is not just theoretical pontification about God, but the attributes the author highlights are rooted in scripture. We know God best as he has revealed himself in his Word, and this little book helps us see God more clearly as he has revealed himself in his Word. Some of the attributes we are helped to think through are, the solitariness of God, the supremacy of God, the power of God, the goodness of God, the wrath of God and the love of God.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Nothing will so enlarge the intellect, nothing so magnify the whole soul of man, as a devout, earnest, continued, investigation of the great subject of the Deity.” So, grow your mind and your heart and commit to study the greatness of our God.

We found a good price for this book here.

Reviewed by Graham Parker