Category: Devotionals

July 4th Reflection: Have we strayed from the founding principles of our nation?

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Devotionals2 Comments

20110704-093303.jpg

As most families do on the fourth of July weekend, we had the opportunity to go out of town to visit family. This fourth of July weekend we found ourselves out on lake Tyler with my wife’s family. As I sat out on the dock each morning praying to God, I was assured that this world was not created by chance. I saw many different types of birds hovering over the water, while dragonflies zoomed, spiders crawled, fish jumped, and frogs croaked, all while we humans road behind boats wake surfing, wake boarding, water skiing, knee boarding, and tubing. Certainly, all this did not come about by chance.

As I thought about the creation of the world and the fourth of July holiday, I realized our country did not come about by chance either. 234 years ago Christians founded our country to escape persecution in Europe. Sadly, our country has moved away from its Christian roots in just two short centuries. Instead of protecting life, we are destroying it before it can even take its first breath. Instead of upholding the sanctity of marriage as outlined in Scripture, we are allowing states to define it. Instead of teaching Scripture in our schools, we have banned it. As a result, our nation is not the Christian nation it once was.

With those changes in mind, if we really want to honor our Founding Father’s on this Independence Day, we should pray for revival in our country, and seek a return to the Christian faith we once held so dear. A faith that caused men to drag their families across the Atlantic Ocean to a new and foreign land known as the United States of America.

Jesus is the True and Better

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Devotionals2 Comments

Jesus is the True and Better…

“Jesus is the true and better Adam who passed the test in the garden and whose obedience is imputed to us.

Jesus is the true and better Abel who, though innocently slain, has blood now that cries out, not for our condemnation, but for acquittal.

Jesus is the true and better Abraham who answered the call of God to leave all the comfortable and familiar and go out into the void not knowing wither he went to create a new people of God.

Jesus is the true and better Isaac who was not just offered up by his father on the mount but was truly sacrificed for us. And when God said to Abraham, “Now I know you love me because you did not withhold your son, your only son whom you love from me,” now we can look at God taking his son up the mountain and sacrificing him and say, “Now we know that you love us because you did not withhold your son, your only son, whom you love from us.”

Jesus is the true and better Jacob who wrestled and took the blow of justice we deserved, so we, like Jacob, only receive the wounds of grace to wake us up and discipline us.

Jesus is the true and better Joseph who, at the right hand of the king, forgives those who betrayed and sold him and uses his new power to save them.

Jesus is the true and better Moses who stands in the gap between the people and the Lord and who mediates a new covenant.

Jesus is the true and better Rock of Moses who, struck with the rod of God’s justice, now gives us water in the desert.

Jesus is the true and better Job, the truly innocent sufferer, who then intercedes for and saves his stupid friends.

Jesus is the true and better David whose victory becomes his people’s victory, though they never lifted a stone to accomplish it themselves.

Jesus is the true and better Esther who didn’t just risk leaving an earthly palace but lost the ultimate and heavenly one, who didn’t just risk his life, but gave his life to save his people.

Jesus is the true and better Jonah who was cast out into the storm so that we could be brought in.

Jesus is the real Rock of Moses, the real Passover Lamb, innocent, perfect, helpless, slain so the angel of death will pass over us. He’s the true temple, the true prophet, the true priest, the true king, the true sacrifice, the true lamb, the true light, the true bread.

The Bible’s really not about you—it’s about him.”

Resources

True & Better from Peter Artemenko on Vimeo.

You can view the images from this video by clicking here and here. Alternatively, you can download a pdf copy of the images by clicking here.

Tim Keller’s Gospel Centered Ministry talk he gave at The Gospel Coalition’s Conference in 2007 is the inspiration behind this video. You can download it by clicking here.

Thanks to Peter Artemenko for making this video available. You can check out his blog by clicking here.

Blessed are the Forgiven!!!

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Devotionals2 Comments

Are you happy as a Christian? Are you excited about your walk with the Lord? Do you understand the magnitude of your forgiveness?

I understand that you may not feel happy or excited everyday about everything, but when you reflect on the forgiveness God has granted you in Christ you should experience joy and happiness. David in Psalm 32 says the forgiven are blessed – they are happy, excited, joyful – because they understand the magnitude of their forgiveness.

The Magnitude of Our Forgiveness

God sent His Son to earth to die for the sins of mankind. Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph and lived a perfect life making Him the perfect sacrifice. He willingly went to the cross, obeying His Father’s will. In the hands of the executioners, He suffered an excruciating death. He was beaten, whipped, a crown of thorns driven into His head, He was then forced to carry His own cross, and subsequently nailed to it. He was lifted up along with two others who were common criminals. All the while people were hurling obscenities at Him. They were rejecting and cursing the one who came to save them.

In the midst of all that happened, God was redeeming mankind to Himself. Since man could not pay the price for their own sin, or mend their relationship with God, God did it for them in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Through His death we are forgiven and our relationship is made right with God. Through His death we are able to experience eternal life. Through His death we will one day experience a life free from suffering.

You see the magnitude of our forgiveness is almost incomprehensible. Why would a Holy God send His only Son to suffer and die for a people who are unholy and deserve nothing but death? Because He loves us (John 3:16).

Appeal

The next time you are feeling down, unhappy, or unexcited think about the magnitude of your forgiveness. It should cause you to cry out like David saying blessed are the forgiven!!!

Celebrate the Savior for He is Risen

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Devotionals11 Comments

Today is Easter. The day that Jesus rose from the grave and defeated the power of death for all who believe in Him as their Savior. Read what the Scripture has to say about the resurrection.

Jesus Has Risen Just As He Said

1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.

Matthew 28:1–9 (ESV)

Paul’s Exposition of the Resurrection

Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.

1 Corinthians 15:3b, 4, 14-15, 17 (ESV)

Reflect

20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:20–22 (ESV)

Reflect

54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:54–58 (ESV)

Response to the Resurrection

Our response to the resurrection should be to worship the risen Savior. A way to worship Christ is to tell others about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and what that accomplishes, namely, a restored relationship with God that will last for all eternity.

Application of the Resurrection

(1) Because Christ was raised from the dead we can be assured that our relationship with God has been mended.

God resurrecting Christ from the dead proves that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to satisfy His wrath and mend our relationship with God.

(2) We can face death with joy being assured of eternal life.

Jesus was not resurrected in order to die again like Lazarus or Jarius’ daughter; rather, He was resurrected and given a new body, in order that He might live and reign forever.

Because Christ defeated death in the resurrection, we too, if we believe in Jesus as our Savior, will defeat death, be resurrected and given a new body. One that will not grow old, experience pain, disease, or even death.[1] As a result of the resurrection, we can look death in the face knowing that we, those who are in Christ, will experience eternal life.

[1]1 Cor. 15:20-28; 2 Cor. 5:1-10; 1 John 3:1-3


The Crucifixion Story

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn DevotionalsLeave a comment

Last night, we had a Maundy Thursday service at our church. During the service, selected scripture was read that led us through the crucifixion of Jesus. Since today is Good Friday, the day Jesus was crucified, I wanted to provide you with an excerpt from our reading last night.

Betrayal and Trial

43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 53 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 61bAgain the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

Mark 14:43, 46, 53, 55, 61b-62 (ESV)

Reflection

63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.

Mark 14:63–65 (ESV)

Reflection

1 When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. 2 And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor. 15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”

Matthew 27:1–2, 15-17, 21-23 (ESV)

Reflection

26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. 27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. 28 And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.

Matthew 27:26–31 (ESV)

The Crucifixion

33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), 34 they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. 35 And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. 36 Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. 37 And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.

Matthew 27:33–44 (ESV)

The Death of Jesus

45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. 51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Matthew 27:45–54 (ESV)

Maundy Thursday

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Devotionals1 Comment

Today is Maundy Thursday. Have you ever wondered what that means? Or what is significant about this day?

What is Maundy Thursday?

Maundy Thursday occurs the Thursday before Easter and commemorates the Last Supper of our Lord. On the day before Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus and the Disciples met in the upper room to take the Last Supper, which occurred on the day of Unleavened Bread (Luke 22:7). The day when the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed (Luke 22:7).

The Passover

If you remember, the Passover was instituted during the Exodus event (Ex 12:14). Before God brought Israel out of Egypt, a final plague was delivered on the Egyptians. God declared that every firstborn in the land would be killed unless the blood of a lamb was smeared on the doorposts and lintel of their homes. As the Lord passed through the land, He would Passover the houses with the blood, while executing judgment on those who did not have the blood on the doorposts and lintel.

That night, at twilight, a lamb was to be slain and its blood spread on the doorposts and lintels, while its body was roasted to eat. As the Israelites waited, they were to eat the roasted lamb, with bitter herbs and unleavened bread with their belt fastened, sandals on their feet, and their staff in hand. In other words, they were to be ready to leave as they watched and waited on the deliverance of the Lord.

That night, the Lord passed through the land killing the firstborn of all who did not have the blood smeared on their doorposts and lintel. After which, the Exodus of Israel from Egypt occurred. At that time, the Israelites were delivered from the bondage and slavery of Egypt and set free to worship their God.

Jesus Re-institutes the Passover

In order to commemorate the Exodus, the feast of Unleavened Bread was instituted. It was this feast that the disciples and Jesus were celebrating. But something new was happening during the celebration. Jesus takes the wine and says that it represents His blood (Luke 22:20). He takes the bread and says it represents His body (Luke 22:19). At this time, Jesus was re-instituting the Passover Meal around Himself. In other words, He was telling the disciples that He would be the one to deliver His people from the slavery and bondage of sin, through a New Exodus (Eze 20:32-38; 37:15-28; Jer 16:14-15; Isa 40:1-13; 62:10-12). Thus, instituting a new covenant with His blood that would provide all who believed in Him with a new heart (Jer 31:31).

Taking the Lord’s Supper

When we take the Lord’s Supper tonight, in celebration of Maundy Thursday, we should take it in a state of celebration for Jesus’ work on the cross because it is His sacrifice that delivers us from the bondage of sin.

We also should take the Lord’s Supper with the same expectation and hope as the Israelites in Egypt. They were in a state of expectation, waiting and watching for the Lord’s deliverance as they ate their meal. We too, as we take the Supper, must wait in a state of expectation for our Lord’s return. We too must watch and be ready for Him to lead us in a final Exodus.