8/4/10- Mark 12:35-37 Son of God

35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, "Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? 36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet." ' 37 David himself calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?" The large crowd listened to him with delight.

(Angels and apostles bowing before Jesus- Nikolai Kharlamov)

Thoughts: Peter had already been blessed by Jesus for declaring "You are the messiah (Christ) [the Son of the Living God!]" Mt. 16:13; Mk. 8:29.  So when Jesus was talking about the Messiah, he was talking about himself.  Jesus was quoting from Psalm 110:1 in which David appeared to call the coming messiah "Lord."  Most prophets were called or called themselves "the Son of Man" which emphasizes their humanity.  Jesus, as a prophet called himself this.  Yet, here Jesus is staking a larger claim.  His ministry was climaxing with this claim that he was more than a man, but the lord of even King David, one of the most respected of all the people of God.  This is a reminder to us that human pride and human power pale in comparison to the messiah's power.  Our day lifts up human wealth, ability, and power- but it fades and is nothing.   In the end every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!  May as well confess Him now too!

Prayer: You are Lord.  I lay all my abilities, my strength, by crowns at your feet today.

John Calvin abridged:  Matthew and Luke are clearer that Jesus' words are in response to the scribes' error that the messiah was only of earthly origin.  Jesus did not attest directly to himself.  However, since the hour of his death was approaching he was bolder in making the claim of his divinity so that people would know they should rely on him.  Psalm 110 says that David acknowledges himself as part of his people and subject to the messiah as the sole King. The Christ is not a mere man taken out of the ranks of men, but is the supreme head of the whole Church possessing the majesty of God and ranks higher than angels. We need to remember this passage when the Church is oppressed.  Whatever the madness of people, they shall not destroy the kingdom of God which God has set up. 

3/16/10- Out of the Depths

3/16- Psalm 130


1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; 2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. 3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. 7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. 8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

(Jonah and whale- Jan Brueghel the Elder 1568- 1625)



Thoughts: The common image of someone going through trouble is of someone drowning, sinking down deeper and deeper. We may be in the “depths” of despair. Yet out of these depths we call to God, put our hope in Him, wait for Him. Here he encourages us to remember that God is our redeemer.






When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down.

When I was sinking down sinking down

When I was sinking down, beneath God’s awful frown,

Christ laid aside his crown

For my soul, for my soul. Christ laid aside his crown for my soul. (1857 American folk hymn)

Prayer: When I was being sucked down by the rip tide whirlpool of depression and hard times, you Lord, gave me hope. Help me to hope in you again, and find that hope fulfilled in your redemption.