Our Heavenly Destiny - God's Holy Royal Family

The King and His Gatekeepers

(1 Chronicles 26, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, April 22, 2018)

[1] As for the divisions of the gatekeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph. [2] And Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, [3] Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Eliehoenai the seventh. [4] And Obed-edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, [5] Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth, for God blessed him. [6] Also to his son Shemaiah were sons born who were rulers in their fathers' houses, for they were men of great ability. [7] The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed and Elzabad, whose brothers were able men, Elihu and Semachiah. [8] All these were of the sons of Obed-edom with their sons and brothers, able men qualified for the service; sixty-two of Obed-edom. [9] And Meshelemiah had sons and brothers, able men, eighteen. [10] And Hosah, of the sons of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief (for though he was not the firstborn, his father made him chief), [11] Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen.

[12] These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their chief men, had duties, just as their brothers did, ministering in the house of the LORD. [13] And they cast lots by fathers' houses, small and great alike, for their gates. [14] The lot for the east fell to Shelemiah. They cast lots also for his son Zechariah, a shrewd counselor, and his lot came out for the north. [15] Obed-edom's came out for the south, and to his sons was allotted the gatehouse. [16] For Shuppim and Hosah it came out for the west, at the gate of Shallecheth on the road that goes up. Watch corresponded to watch. [17] On the east there were six each day, on the north four each day, on the south four each day, as well as two and two at the gatehouse. [18] And for the colonnade on the west there were four at the road and two at the colonnade. [19] These were the divisions of the gatekeepers among the Korahites and the sons of Merari.

[20] And of the Levites, Ahijah had charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated gifts. [21] The sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the fathers' houses belonging to Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli.

[22] The sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and Joel his brother, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD. [23] Of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites—[24] and Shebuel the son of Gershom, son of Moses, was chief officer in charge of the treasuries. [25] His brothers: from Eliezer were his son Rehabiah, and his son Jeshaiah, and his son Joram, and his son Zichri, and his son Shelomoth. [26] This Shelomoth and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries of the dedicated gifts that David the king and the heads of the fathers' houses and the officers of the thousands and the hundreds and the commanders of the army had dedicated. [27] From spoil won in battles they dedicated gifts for the maintenance of the house of the LORD. [28] Also all that Samuel the seer and Saul the son of Kish and Abner the son of Ner and Joab the son of Zeruiah had dedicated—all dedicated gifts were in the care of Shelomoth and his brothers.

[29] Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were appointed to external duties for Israel, as officers and judges. [30] Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brothers, 1,700 men of ability, had the oversight of Israel westward of the Jordan for all the work of the LORD and for the service of the king. [31] Of the Hebronites, Jerijah was chief of the Hebronites of whatever genealogy or fathers' houses. (In the fortieth year of David's reign search was made and men of great ability among them were found at Jazer in Gilead.) [32] King David appointed him and his brothers, 2,700 men of ability, heads of fathers' houses, to have the oversight of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of the Manassites for everything pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king.

David and the Gatekeepers, Treasurers, and the Officers and Judges in Charge of External Duties

In First Chronicles 26 and 27 we read of the arrangements David made for the religious and civil order during his lifetime. This week in chapter 26 we will look at the Levites and consider the king and his gatekeepers with a view toward orderly administration in the kingdom of God. When we eventually get to chapter 27 we will hear the names of a second set of leaders for military and other administrative purposes, not from the Levites, but from the other tribes. That will allow us to consider David's care for life beyond the temple which we face now in our relationship with the world outside of the church. God surely cares about all of that too, and Christ is truly Lord of all, but today we look at the administration within the kingdom of God, using David's attention to necessary organization to lead us to similar topics in this life and beyond.

Chapter 26 speaks of gatekeepers and other Levitical officials that kept charge over property. A gatekeeper for the temple precincts of the Lord was a very important position of trust, greeting people who were permitted to be there, but also providing for the security of the temple by being guardians of holiness who were ready to keep out those who were not allowed in (2 Chronicles 23:29). Gatekeepers had the keys to the kingdom of God for that era of divine worship.

Others had their important callings. There would be much in the temple treasuries and among the dedicated gifts of the people of Israel that would have been desirable to thieves. Men were required to guard these valuable items to ensure that they were used for God's purposes and not to enrich corrupt and greedy people. Some of the wealth that had been dedicated to the worship of the God of Israel had come through the free gifts of Israel's leading men. Much was given to Israel through the defeat of her enemies. All of it required the careful oversight of honest men of ability. All these Levites served the king and the king's God.

Jesus, Elders, Shepherding, the Keys of the Kingdom, Deacons, and Everything Else

Jesus has given shepherds to the church. These pastors, teachers, and elders have a responsibility for the spiritual care of all those in the household of God and they guard the gospel and the house of God. The apostles and eventually the elders of the church have been given the “keys of the kingdom” to use in accord with the word of Jesus, the Son of David (Matthew 16:18-19, Matthew 18:15-20, John 20:22-23, Hebrews 13:17). The Lord also has given the church deacons and other trusted leaders who take charge of property, poverty relief, and every other matter by which the light of the kingdom of God shines in a dark world (Acts 6:1-7). The mission and ministry of the church is governed by the Word and Spirit of the King, with the happy consent of the worshipers.

Our Heavenly Destiny – Leaders and Servants in God's Holy Royal Family

Sermon Point: It is a great privilege to be welcomed into eternal glory. (John 1:12-13)

1. The church is not a business looking for customers, but a royal family far beyond our reach. We are saved only by the righteousness and grace of God (Matthew 22:1-14 and Romans 4:5-8). We have a great King over the house of God. Much of His work had to be done by Him alone. We did not help with His cross. We added nothing to the resurrection of Christ. Those saving events happened long before we were born. We are beneficiaries of much hard work that we receive today only as His gift. We are blessed!

2. What will our lives be like in glory? We will have spheres of responsibility and service in eternity (Luke 19:17, 1 Corinthians 6:1-11). Hard to fathom? Of course. How can we prepare? Be filled with the Spirit. Rejoice, give thanks, and serve (Ephesians 5:18-20).

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 54 – He has delivered me from every trouble

Gospel Reading—John 20:19-23 – A job for kingdom gatekeepers: The forgiveness of sins

Our Heavenly Destiny - God's Musicians

The King and His Musicians

(1 Chronicles 25, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, April 15, 2018)

[1] David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who prophesied with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals. The list of those who did the work and of their duties was: [2] Of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah, sons of Asaph, under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. [3] Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the lyre in thanksgiving and praise to the LORD. [4] Of Heman, the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, Mahazioth. [5] All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer, according to the promise of God to exalt him, for God had given Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. [6] They were all under the direction of their father in the music in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the order of the king. [7] The number of them along with their brothers, who were trained in singing to the LORD, all who were skillful, was 288. [8] And they cast lots for their duties, small and great, teacher and pupil alike.

[9] The first lot fell for Asaph to Joseph; the second to Gedaliah, to him and his brothers and his sons, twelve; [10] the third to Zaccur, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [11] the fourth to Izri, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [12] the fifth to Nethaniah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [13] the sixth to Bukkiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [14] the seventh to Jesharelah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [15] the eighth to Jeshaiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [16] the ninth to Mattaniah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [17] the tenth to Shimei, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [18] the eleventh to Azarel, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [19] the twelfth to Hashabiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [20] to the thirteenth, Shubael, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [21] to the fourteenth, Mattithiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [22] to the fifteenth, to Jeremoth, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [23] to the sixteenth, to Hananiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [24] to the seventeenth, to Joshbekashah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [25] to the eighteenth, to Hanani, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [26] to the nineteenth, to Mallothi, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [27] to the twentieth, to Eliathah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [28] to the twenty-first, to Hothir, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [29] to the twenty-second, to Giddalti, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [30] to the twenty-third, to Mahazioth, his sons and his brothers, twelve; [31] to the twenty-fourth, to Romamti-ezer, his sons and his brothers, twelve.

Learning from David's Preparation for Temple Music

The King's Passionate Priority: The king of Israel, David, was passionate about the worship of the Lord. God had given David a plan for temple life that would go beyond his days. Prior to departing he was putting everything in place so that Solomon could lead the nation well in this central function of humanity. One important part of this worship would be instrumental and choral music under the direction of three families, of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman, who composed 11 of our 150 psalms in the Bible.

A Ministry of Word and Spirit: We are surprised to learn from our passage that these musicians with their sons and brothers “prophesied,” which tells us that the singing of songs to God was a part of the prophetic ministry. This conclusion is reinforced in one important New Testament passage, Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” When worshipers sing rightly they do so as those who are filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-21).

[Here's another interesting Scriptural truth: Singing is an element of biblical spiritual warfare. Remember how David's music was used to make a harmful spirit depart from Saul? “Saul was refreshed and was well” (1 Samuel 16:23). When Jehoshaphat went out to battle, he sent the Levitical singers out first: “And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, 'Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever'” (2 Chronicles 20:21). The Word of God was spiritually powerful in the mouths of His servants as they thanked Him in life's most difficult moments.]

In 1 Chronicles 25 the playing of instruments was a part of the beautiful ministry set up by David, for the “sons” and “brothers” of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun “prophesied with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals.” The content of their songs was also noted, for they “prophesied with the lyre in thanksgiving and praise to the LORD.” Impressive.

An Orderly and Excellent Service to God: These “trained” and “skillful” musicians had a chain of command which began with God (note the casting of lots) and His anointed King and continued through the leadership structure of their clans. Everyone knew that they were “under the order of the king” and the Great I-AM who was the king's God.

Participating in New Testament Resurrection Worship

Why would God make music to be a part of His worship? What is the purpose of music in God's plan, and is it important for our service of Him both now and in eternity? We find the answer in God and in us as His image-bearers. It may help us to go back to creation, since God says in Job 38:7 that “the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God (angels) shouted for joy.” Among human beings we read of one “Jubal” in Genesis 4:21 who “was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.” When the Lord wanted Israel to remember essential truths, He gave them the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32. Even more amazing, God also sings. Will you hear His voice? (John 20:16, “Mary”) Zephaniah 3:17 says “He will exult over you with loud singing.”

We have 150 songs in the Bible (Psalms) that we still sing today, but we are not restricted to these since we see other Scriptural songs beyond those 150. In 1 Corinthians 14:15, 26, Paul writes about the composition and singing of new hymns, “I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also,” and a few verses later, “When you come together, each one has a hymn.” That kind of creativity and involvement was not despised, provided that all was done in a decent and orderly way, for God is not a God of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40).

Our worship now is a step forward from what David was organizing in 1 Chronicles 25. His was a picture of heavenly worship and ours a participation in glorious devotion. We have come “to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant” (Hebrews 12:22-24). Jesus, our Priest and King is preparing us for an eternal existence with perfect songs of praise and the most worthy musical endeavors (Revelation 5). Even more impressive.

The best thing that we can do to prepare for that new life is to be filled with the Spirit according to Ephesians 5:15-21. When the days feel “evil,” take a moment to be still and know that the Lord is God (Psalm 46:10). Then do what Paul says:

1. Rejoice in the presence of our heavenly family (even when we are alone),

2. Give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of Jesus, and

3. Humbly serve one another out of reverence for Christ.

Sing a new song to the Lord. Here's one I discovered yesterday:

Be Still, and Know

How can I stop the noise?

I hold my ears in pain.

The clashing sound of hate and fear

Soon covers me again.

“Be still, be still, and know that I am God.”

How can I stop the blare

Of ignorance and pride?

I hear them marching in the street.

There is no place to hide.

“Be still, be still, and know that I am God.”

How can I stop the blast

Of anger, vengeance bold

That fills each day with clashing words

Of hatred loudly told?

“Be still, be still, and know that I am God.”

Lord, help me be Your peace

With every word I speak

That they may hear your love and know

The promises You keep.

“Be still, be still, and know that I am God.”

And quietly we'll rest.

Your majesty will show

Within the noise we hear your voice,

“Be still, be still and know.

Be still, be still, and know that I am God.”

Sharon Fernie, 2018

Sing to MARION S.M.ref, ArthurH. Messiter, 1885, (Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart)

Our Heavenly Destiny - A Royal Priesthood Without Sin and Death

The King and His Priests

(1 Chronicles 24, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, April 8, 2018)

[1] The divisions of the sons of Aaron were these. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. [2] But Nadab and Abihu died before their father and had no children, so Eleazar and Ithamar became the priests. [3] With the help of Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, David organized them according to the appointed duties in their service. [4] Since more chief men were found among the sons of Eleazar than among the sons of Ithamar, they organized them under sixteen heads of fathers' houses of the sons of Eleazar, and eight of the sons of Ithamar. [5] They divided them by lot, all alike, for there were sacred officers and officers of God among both the sons of Eleazar and the sons of Ithamar. [6] And the scribe Shemaiah, the son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded them in the presence of the king and the princes and Zadok the priest and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar and the heads of the fathers' houses of the priests and of the Levites, one father's house being chosen for Eleazar and one chosen for Ithamar.

[7] The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, [8] the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, [9] the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin, [10] the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, [11] the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah, [12] the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim, [13] the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab, [14] the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer, [15] the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez, [16] the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel, [17] the twenty-first to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul, [18] the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. [19] These had as their appointed duty in their service to come into the house of the LORD according to the procedure established for them by Aaron their father, as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him.

[20] And of the rest of the sons of Levi: of the sons of Amram, Shubael; of the sons of Shubael, Jehdeiah. [21] Of Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah, Isshiah the chief. [22] Of the Izharites, Shelomoth; of the sons of Shelomoth, Jahath. [23] The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth. [24] The sons of Uzziel, Micah; of the sons of Micah, Shamir. [25] The brother of Micah, Isshiah; of the sons of Isshiah, Zechariah. [26] The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Jaaziah: Beno. [27] The sons of Merari: of Jaaziah, Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri. [28] Of Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons. [29] Of Kish, the sons of Kish: Jerahmeel. [30] The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites according to their fathers' houses. [31] These also, the head of each father's house and his younger brother alike, cast lots, just as their brothers the sons of Aaron, in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of fathers' houses of the priests and of the Levites.

The Sons of Aaron—The Priests, their Duties According to the Word of God, and the Support of Leading Chosen Levites – (Numbers 4:16, Luke 1:8-9)

Did the Jews need priests? It is clear from the Bible that they did, but what exactly was a priest back in those days? The priests came before the Lord (Leviticus 24:1-8) and offered up animal and grain sacrifices to God on behalf of the people for their sins (Hebrews 5:1) since the people had no ritual access to God without a priestly mediator.

What was the relationship between King David and the priests in 1000 BC? David knew that sacrifices were very important to the plan of God, so he organized the priests and their helpers, the Levites, in order to make sure that these special Israelites did their jobs. Using a system of casting lots, David made sure that there was a chief man from the priesthood leading all the priestly duties at his appointed times during the year.

What was the agenda of the Chronicler concerning any future king in the line of David and the priests and Levites 500-600 years later? The only change was that there was no king descended from David on the throne, which was a sad fact because they were all subjects of a foreign power. Aside from that, the Chronicler's definition of good order would have been just like David's. He wanted to get the entire Old Testament sacrificial system up and running again and in good order.

A New Resurrection Priesthood – The King/Priest and His Servants

What about us? Do we still need a priest today? Will we need a priest in heaven? The Bible tells us that Jesus is our priest “forever” according to God's solemn oath (Psalm 110:4, Psalm 141:1-2, Hebrews 5:7-10). Jesus became not only our priest but also our King through His resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father in heaven.

Let's first appreciate the contrast between the Old Testament kings and priests and Jesus. 1. In the time of David and for the next 1000 years, the kings and potential kings were multiple. So were the priests. They were all subject to death, and none of them rose from the grave, so there were plenty of them. 2. The priests offered up sacrifices to God that were unable to do away with sin. They had their purpose, preparing Israel and the world for a new era to come, but the fact that the system of sacrifices had to be repeated year after year told anyone paying attention that they could not take away sin. 3. Finally all the kings and potential kings were sinners. David had very serious sin and he was one of the best. All who sat on his throne in future centuries and all the priests who served in the temple had plenty of there own sin, and they ministered in the midst of a sinful people. In hope, the king and all Israel cried out in prayer.

What about Jesus and the New Testament system that He established? 1. Jesus is our singular priest and king forever. He is “a forerunner on our behalf” (Hebrews 6:20) and “always lives to make intercession for us” (Hebrews 7:25). 2. The sacrifice that Jesus made of Himself was effectual. There is no better proof of this than the resurrection, but we are also assured that His sacrifice worked because it would never have to be repeated. 3. Jesus was and is sinless. He is a secure hope for all who come to Him, for His Father was well-pleased with Him (Malachi 1:11).

What about our eternal heavenly existence? Do we have a priest even there? Since we are told that Jesus is our priest “forever” we have the continual assurance that comes from knowing that the One who is on our side now will be with us above. The big difference is that we will one day be entirely freed from sin and death ourselves. We talk a lot about sin and grace now, and so we should, but can you imagine what it will be like then in our heavenly home, when all our sin and death are gone forever and the loving plan of our Father in heaven is perfectly established. We “will be priests of God and of Christ, and ... will reign with him” (Revelation 1:6, 5:10, 20:6, 1 Peter 2:5, 9).

Sermon Point: Let us draw near to God and hold fast our confession of faith in Jesus as our royal priest (Hebrews 4:14, 10:21-25, 13:15, Ephesians 2:18, Romans 12:1).

We have someone before the throne of God who intercedes for us. He is like us in our humanity, but He has no sin. We could never find a more merciful, faithful, and holy mediator for our relationship with God than Jesus the Messiah (Hebrews 2:17). He is the secret to a life of worship and service.

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 52 – David, Doeg, and the Priests at Nob

Gospel Reading—John 20:1-10

[1] Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. [2] So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” [3] So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. [4] Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. [5] And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. [6] Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, [7] and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. [8] Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; [9] for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. [10] Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Resurrection is the Power of Love

Jesus “loved me and gave himself for me.”

(Galatians 2:20 – Part 4, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, March 25, 2018)

Love and Resurrection

What is the connection between the love of Jesus and His resurrection from the dead? We think more often about love and the cross, but what about love and the empty tomb?We know that biblical love is more than an emotion, so we have come to see the important link between suffering and love, but the cross, though the greatest display of love, is not the end of love, only the beginning of it. Cross love has no future without resurrection. So what exactly is the relationship between love and the resurrection? Resurrection is the power of God's love. It is what God's love accomplishes.

The Son of God Loved Paul

Let's begin with Saul/Paul of Tarsus. The Apostle Paul says in Galatians 2:20 that the Son of God loved Him. Why did God love this man Paul? Not because he was adorable. Nor because he was useful. God's love is deeper than that.

What does Paul himself say about why God chose him? Jesus' love of Paul was proof that salvation was not based on Paul deserving God's love. When Paul was first confronted by the resurrected Jesus, the Lord asked him this question, “Why are you persecuting Me?” Paul said, “Who are you, Lord?” And Jesus said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:4-6)

In 1 Corinthians 15:9 Paul wrote, “I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” Later in Ephesians 3:8 he wrote from prison, “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Finally in 1 Timothy 1:15, Paul told his younger friend, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”

Paul goes on in the very next verse to tell us what the benefit is of having a most unworthy man as one of the most effective ambassadors for the grace of God, “But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” If someone who had treated Jesus and His church so poorly could be saved, there is hope for all who will believe.

The Son of God Gave Himself for Paul

Not only did the Son of God have a complete heart of love for Paul, but God is no hypocrite. What He believes in His heart, He does with His life. He gave Himself for Paul. The word in Galatians 2:20 translated “gave” is used many times in the Bible to refer to someone being handed over to someone in power above them. In Matthew 27:26 Pilate released Barabbas the thief, and he “delivered” Jesus to the soldiers “to be crucified.” Prior to this it was the Jewish religious authorities that “delivered” Jesus to Pilate, but it was Judas who had “betrayed” (same underlying Greek word as delivered) Jesus to the chief priests, scribes, and elders. In Galatians 2:20 we learn that Jesus gave Himself up to the punishment Paul deserved. This was where God's love for Paul took the Son of God.

All this is much more raw than our first reading of the words “Jesus loved me and gave himself for me.” The Son of God loved Paul, who by his own admission was “a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent” of the Lord (1 Timothy 1:13). How did He live out His love for Paul: He handed Himself over to the kiss of a betrayer, then into the hands of religious enemies, then to the Roman governor, then to Roman soldiers who did what they did to Him, and finally to the cross, death, and the justice that Paul himself deserved for his own seriously bad sin.

More about Love and Resurrection

Of course this heart of electing love and Jesus' handing Himself over to die was not just for Paul. We have sin too, and the penalty that we deserve had to be taken away. God's justice had to be satisfied if He was to give grace to those He loves. The love of the cross needed to touch our lives too.

The empty tomb is the power of divine love that proceeded from the Father and the Son. Love gives sight to the blind, and makes the deaf hear. Love casts out demons and restores hope to people that have given up on life. Love wipes away tears, grief, and pain. It wins not just a battle, but the entire war against sin and death. That is why love not only dies on the cross for us, it rises from the dead.

At present we do not see all of this. We do not see the Galilean crowds longing for a new life who followed Jesus and were healed even by merely touching the hem of His garment. We do not see Lazarus come out of the tomb to be joined again to his sisters Mary and Martha. But we do see the resurrection of Jesus as the central fact of history, and we believe in the power of divine love to raise the dead at the last day.

Sermon point: The resurrection of Jesus is proof of the powerful love of God for the church and His ambassadorial love for the world (John 3:14-16). Look to Him and live.

The empty tomb moves us to confident action in a world that needs to see the power of love through the church. The world needs to know that the foremost of sinners can find forgiveness through the Son of God, who is more than able to create in you a clean heart. Without the power of the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, all that we have coming from us are the works of the flesh.

Paul writes in Galatians 5:19–21, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Because of the resurrection power of God we have a new life by the Spirit. In Galatians 5:22–24 we read, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” May God increasingly display the power of the resurrection through us! Amen.

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 51 – Create in me a clean heart

Gospel Reading—Matthew 28 – The Resurrection / The Report of the Guard / The Great Commission