Verse of the Day 6/5

Through the Bible - 2 Chronicles 19-22, John 16:16-33

Good morning,
A friend pointed out that in yesterday's devotional I had left out an important point. It was not just power that was given to the disciples, there was also authority.
Ed Glasscock in his commentary on this verse says,

“Jesus passed on authority (exousia), not just power (dunamis). This implies that not only did they possess the force necessary to remove demons and heal physical illness, but they also had the right to do so. Hendricksen notes the major point of the commissioning: “The twelve are truly representing their Master, for they are doing what He Himself is doing and what they have been ordered to do. In the same manner Jesus Himself represents the Father (John 5:19).”

It's in the power and authority of Christ working in me that gives the strength and ability to do His will. We must be mindful of that and remain "plugged into" that power and authority.
It is possible for a church, group/ministry, or an individual to forget that and to go off on their own agenda thinking that God is behind it.
In reading in 1 Samuel yesterday I read about the Israelites marching off to battle carrying the Ark of the Covenant as sort of a good luck charm, thinking that as long as it was with them they would surely win the battles. They were soundly defeated. It was the Lord who had previously "gone before them", gone with them into battle.
Today's verse points to the sorrow of such a realization.
1 Sam 4:21 Then she named the child Ichabod, saying,"The glory has departed from Israel!" because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. NKJV

May we never fall into that but remain "plugged in" with the Lord going before us in our battles and struggles "for His glory".
“We may not hold a doctrine, or seek an experience, except in Christ. Many are willing to seek power in order to perform miracles, draw attention and adoration of the people to themselves, thus robbing Christ of His glory, and making a fair showing in the flesh.

Any work that exalts the Holy Ghost or ‘gifts’ above Jesus will finally end up in fanaticism. Whatever causes us to exalt and love Jesus is well and safe. The reverse will ruin all. The Holy Ghost is a great light, but focused on Jesus always for His revealing.

Where the Holy Ghost is actually in control, Jesus is proclaimed the Head—the Holy Ghost, His executive.

—Frank Bartleman


Do we treat our gifts like the Israelites treated the ark? Think about it.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net

1 Sam 4:12-5:1

Death of Eli

12 Then a man of Benjamin ran from the battle line the same day, and came to Shiloh with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. 13 Now when he came, there was Eli, sitting on a seat by the wayside watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city and told it, all the city cried out. 14 When Eli heard the noise of the outcry, he said, "What does the sound of this tumult mean?" And the man came quickly and told Eli. 15 Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his eyes were so dim that he could not see.

16 Then the man said to Eli, "I am he who came from the battle. And I fled today from the battle line."

And he said,"What happened, my son?"

17 So the messenger answered and said, "Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead; and the ark of God has been captured."

18 Then it happened, when he made mention of the ark of God, that Eli fell off the seat backward by the side of the gate; and his neck was broken and he died, for the man was old and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.

Ichabod

19 Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, due to be delivered; and when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and gave birth, for her labor pains came upon her. 20 And about the time of her death the women who stood by her said to her, "Do not fear, for you have borne a son." But she did not answer, nor did she regard it. 21 Then she named the child Ichabod, saying,"The glory has departed from Israel!" because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. 22 And she said, "The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured."