Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Now the overseer is to be … faithful to his wife…
Summary: As Paul begins to outline the qualities of an overseer, the first one he turns to is the marriage relationship in a man’s life.
This passage is an excellent example of how the Bible defines itself.
So far, Paul has told us that being an overseer is a noble calling and that an overseer must be “above reproach.” Now he begins to tell us what “above reproach” means.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:2b – Faithfulness”
Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
Summary: Comparing the two names in this verse leads us to an interesting study of Paul’s companions.
Luke and Demas are an interesting pair. One we know well, the other is obscure.
Let’s begin with Luke.
Continue reading “Colossians 4:14 – Bookends”You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, …
Summary: Little is known about Epaphras, but Paul gives us enough clues to draw a revealing sketch of the man.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:7 – Two Servants”…the faithful in Christ Jesus
Summary: When it comes to the Scriptures, the meaning of words is important. Understanding what it means to be faithful in Christ Jesus is a foundational step to understanding our roles as Christians.
Continue reading “Ephesians 1:1 – The Challenge of Christianity”
… you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Summary: Peter helps us understand that being faithful to God while we serve him in this life leads to eternal favor.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:4 (b) — A Crown of Glory”
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—
Summary: Peter begins a passage dedicated to helping elders shepherd their flock. Why would he need to remind them of this? Shepherds are people, too.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:2 (a) — Shepherds I: Like David”
For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.
A good ambassador is one who is faithful to their mission. They speak only what they have been authorized to speak. They do not agree to anything that they have not received approval for.
This can be a tough job. Who doesn’t want to look good in front of people you are trying to impress? Life is so much easier if you can “grease the skids” a bit by agreeing to give up something to the people you are negotiating with. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. Probably no one will ever find out. Really, who is going to care?
The temptation is real enough. It is hard to hold the line you have been told to hold, especially if you do not understand why the line is there. Our Lord understood the Father’s mission for Him. He was faithful to His mission in every way. He did not succumb to temptation, or bend to pressure. Our Lord held fast during His time on earth. He sets the bar high and challenges us to do the same.
Continue reading “Ambassador Jesus – John 12: 49-50”