Job Did Not Blame God (Job 1:13–22)

 

Job Did Not Blame God (Job 1:13–22)

God allowed Satan to strike everything Job had. This was not because God was randomly tormenting Job. God knew that Satan’s lies would be exposed as lies, and God also wanted to teach Job the mysteries of the heavenly kingdom.

However, not everyone receives suffering as severe as Job, and some even experience more severe suffering. But we believe that God trains each person with love and truth.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

In Job 1:13–22, Satan struck all of Job’s property and his children without mercy, but Job did not blame the LORD God. By this, Satan’s lies were exposed, and he suffered shame and defeat. From beginning to end, everything is accomplished according to God’s will.

The Sabeans seized the oxen and donkeys

13 “One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, ‘The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!’” (Job 1:13–15)

Satan’s merciless attack began. First, the Sabeans seized Job’s oxen and donkeys. At that time, Job’s children were eating food and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house. The people around Job were potential enemies who could attack at any time. But because God set a hedge of protection around him, they could not find even a small gap. However, the moment God removed that hedge, they attacked without mercy, killed the servants, and seized the oxen and donkeys.

Abraham received God’s promise and left his homeland, relatives, and his father’s household, and moved to the land of Canaan. The surrounding area was full of warlike Canaanite tribes. There is a saying, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” However, Abraham served the one true LORD God, while the Canaanites worshiped their gods. They were the overwhelming majority, and Abraham was alone.

But because God set a hedge around him, no one could dare harm him (Genesis 15:1). Also, with a small number of men, he defeated the large Canaanite coalition army and rescued his nephew Lot. This was because the LORD Almighty was his shield and protection. Therefore, Abraham continued to hold onto the promise of the Almighty God and kept his faith.

Fire fell from heaven

“While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, ‘The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!’” (Job 1:16)

This time, the fire of God from heaven came down and burned Job’s sheep and servants. This does not mean God sent fire to strike Job. Everything is created by God and belongs to Him. Therefore, it means that God allowed Satan to have authority to bring down fire. When the Israelites complained to the LORD in the wilderness, the LORD heard and became angry, and fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp (Numbers 11:1).

Every year, wildfires cause loss of life and property. Various missiles and artillery shells can turn a city into a sea of fire in an instant. And the destructive power of nuclear weapons is frightening. God judged the world with a flood in Noah’s time, but He gave a covenant that He would never again destroy it with water (Genesis 9:15). In the future, God will judge this world with fire.

“But the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.” (2 Peter 3:7)

The Chaldeans seized the camels and killed the servants with the sword

“While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, ‘The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!’” (Job 1:17)

This time, the Chaldeans formed three raiding groups, suddenly seized the camels, and killed the servants with the sword. Camels and servants were valuable possessions to Job. Satan’s aim makes no distinction between life or property when inflicting loss.

In ancient times clothing and livestock were wealth, but today most people have bank accounts. Through voice phishing and various forms of digital fraud, bank balances suddenly disappear. People invest in stocks or other things, then their balances disappear or they end up in debt. Banks can fail and cause financial loss. Unexpected accidents or disease can cause heavy expenses.

In this way, even banks that seem safe are full of danger. Even houses thought to be safe can be broken into by thieves. There is no safe place in this world. You might suddenly lose your job, or be falsely accused, or cancer might develop.

God blessed David and made him king of a united kingdom and established the nation strongly. But one day his son Absalom rebelled, drove out his father, and tried to be king himself. David fled barefoot from the sword of his son, weeping bitterly (2 Samuel 15:30). He had defeated all his enemies around him and no one dared oppose him, but he was struck in an unexpected way by his own son.

After the conquest of Canaan, through the period of the judges, and then the monarchy, Israel went down the path of corruption. The glory and amazing victories of the Passover, walking through the Red Sea on dry ground, and bringing down Jericho by trumpet and shouting, and the kingdom of David — these made Israel geopolitically unmatched in strength. But after Solomon, the nation was divided north and south, and it fell into idolatry.

Thus, the northern kingdom of Israel had already been destroyed by Assyria, and the southern kingdom of Judah also had fallen into a condition where it could collapse at any moment as the Babylonian Empire was rising. At that time, God sent the prophet Jeremiah and urged the king and the people to listen to the word of the LORD, repent, and obey. But they believed the lie that because the temple was in Jerusalem, they were “absolutely” safe in every situation.

“Do not trust in deceptive words and say, ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD!’” (Jeremiah 7:4)

Instead of turning their hearts back to God in repentance and obedience, they depended on the temple building standing on Mount Moriah. The prophet continued to warn them that if they held on to their false beliefs and did not repent and turn back, God would destroy that house.

“You have done all these things,” declares the LORD, “and I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. Therefore, what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears my Name, the temple you trust in, the place I gave to you and your ancestors.” (Jeremiah 7:13–14)

Shiloh, mentioned in Jeremiah 7:14, was the place where the ark of the covenant of the LORD once was — it was the center of worship until the united kingdom was established. Then, when the Philistine army came and attacked them, they brought the ark from Shiloh into the battlefield (1 Samuel 4:1–11), because they falsely believed that the ark of the covenant would protect them. In the end, they were defeated in battle, and the ark was captured by the Philistines. It is not the temple or the ark that protects — the LORD Almighty Himself protects.

Nothing in this world — even if it is called the temple or the ark — can secure safety. A bank account or a job also cannot guarantee security. Our safety is in the hand of the LORD alone and is in the kingdom of God. Things in this world are destroyed by moth and rust, and thieves steal them, but the hope in heaven cannot be harmed (Matthew 6:19–20).

A great wind strikes Job’s children

“While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, ‘Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!’” (Job 1:18–19)

This time, a great wind (like a tornado) came and collapsed the house where Job’s sons were celebrating, and they were killed. A hurricane can swallow ships, and a tornado can instantly swallow houses and lives. These disasters strike suddenly. Today, even though weather forecasting has advanced and we can prepare to some extent, people are powerless before overwhelming forces of nature.

Job’s children were eating and drinking wine when disaster struck. It is a human limitation that no one sees one step ahead. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. When Jesus ascended before His disciples, He said that just as they saw Him go into heaven, He would come back on the clouds (Acts 1:11). But the day when the Lord returns as Judge of all — no one knows (Matthew 24:36).

In Mark 4:35–41, Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee in a boat. Suddenly, a furious storm came up, fierce enough to swallow the boat. The disciples woke Jesus, who was sleeping, and pleaded, asking if He did not care that they were about to die. Jesus got up, rebuked the wind, and said, “Quiet! Be still!” and the wind died down completely and became calm. Jesus was rebuking the evil one — Satan — who was working behind it to frighten and overwhelm the disciples.

Job did not blame God

“At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.’ In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” (Job 1:20–22)

Job was devastated. In grief and pain, he tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell to the ground. Job had only one place to go — before the LORD God. He poured out the sorrow and pain of his heart before the LORD. He said that he came with nothing, and he returns with nothing. Birth and death are not in human control — they belong to the LORD.

He worshiped, saying that the LORD gave and the LORD has taken away — may the name of the LORD be praised. In this shocking and horrifying situation, Job did not blame or curse the LORD. This exposed Satan’s lie, and once again Satan was defeated.

But Satan does not easily retreat. Until his allotted time is over, he continues to deceive, threaten, and try to make people fall. Satan tempted Jesus three times in the wilderness. Each time, Jesus defeated the devil with the Word of God. He left for a time, but until he is destroyed, he never stops deceiving.

The devil does not stop his stubborn attacks even though he knows he cannot win. Even when Jesus was crucified, he mocked Him, saying, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” (Matthew 27:40). But Jesus rejected the voice of the devil and entrusted His spirit to God the Father. Jesus Christ obeyed the Father even unto death. Through the blood of the Son of God, He broke the chains of Satan’s lies, freed people, and gave eternal life. Amen.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen (Revelation 1:5b-6).

November 9, 2025

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2025, David Lee Ministries ©2025 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

God Tests Job (Job 1:8–12)

 

God Tests Job (Job 1:8–12)

Job was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. One day, Satan appeared before God among the angels. The reason God has not yet removed evil is that He desires to save those who have fallen into sin. However, God will surely judge evil. Satan’s days are not eternal; they are numbered.

In Job 1:8–12, Satan suggested deceitfully that if Job were struck, he would curse God. Then God permitted Satan to test Job but commanded, “Only do not lay a finger on his body.” Through today’s passage, we want to learn the motive and purpose for which God allowed Satan to strike Job.

God Knows Everything Each One Does

“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.’” (Job 1:8)

The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job?” God knew well what Satan was doing. The reason Satan observes those who fear and obey God is to look for an opportunity to deceive with lies or threaten them with violence to make them fall.

However, although Satan watches for a chance to strike, he cannot touch God’s children without God’s permission. Just as parents protect their children, God guards His people as the apple of His eye. Nothing can harm or stop the protective hand of God.

God declared that there was no one on earth like Job, blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. God acknowledged Job as a righteous man. Job regularly offered burnt offerings for each of his children, thinking that perhaps they had sinned and cursed God in their hearts (Job 1:5).

In the same way that God knew Job, He knows all people and everything they do. God knows what is in the hearts of men. Therefore, Jesus did not need anyone’s testimony about mankind.

“But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.” (John 2:24–25)

Satan Lies

“Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” (Job 1:9–11)

Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing?” He claimed that Job’s devotion was only because of the blessings he received, and that if those blessings were taken away, Job would no longer fear God. Job had many children, possessions, and wealth—all given by God. Up to this point, Satan’s statement contained some truth: everything, from life itself to home, clothing, and food, comes from God.

Humans can choose many things in life, such as a spouse or a career, but there are two things we cannot choose—birth and death. The beginning and end of life are not in our hands. This proves that everything comes from God.

God had placed a hedge around Job, his household, and all that he owned. This symbolizes God’s protection. When God allowed Satan to strike Job’s possessions, it was as though the hedge was removed. Without God’s protection, nothing can stand.

The fact that we have daily food, clothing, and shelter is not by accident, nor by our own strength or power. Many people in the world have no home. The difference between those who do and those who don’t is not as great as it seems. Without sunlight and rain, crops cannot grow. Without God’s grace and love, life cannot be sustained.

However, Satan boldly claimed that if God withdrew His blessings, Job would surely curse Him. That was a lie. Even when Jesus was forsaken by the Father, He entrusted Himself to Him. Many believers throughout history have not denied the Lord even in the face of martyrdom.

The things of this world may offer temporary convenience, but none can give eternal life. What belongs to this world perishes, fades, and decays; but the kingdom of God endures forever.

“…an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:4)

We have received eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was sent into the world to save us from what is perishable. What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen—the kingdom of heaven—is eternal.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18)

Satan rebelled against God by stepping beyond his appointed place. He desired to exalt himself above God and was therefore cursed. Now, through lies and violence, he seeks to draw people away from faith in God. Having been condemned for rebelling against his Creator, Satan is desperate to make God’s children fall as well.

The Lord Grants Satan What He Desires

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. (Job 1:12)

The Lord God permitted Satan to have what he wanted. He allowed him to strike everything that Job possessed. However, God placed a hedge of protection so that Satan could not touch Job’s body. Then Satan immediately went out from the presence of the Lord. His steps moved quickly toward Job to strike him.

Why did God allow Satan to do this?
First, because God knew that Satan’s words would be proven false. Satan can never overcome God, nor can he ever separate God’s children from His love.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39)

Satan, being cursed, will always be defeated, bearing disgrace and shame. Therefore, on those who plan and do evil, God’s wrath comes down from heaven, and trouble and distress never cease (Romans 2:6).

So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.” (Genesis 3:14)

Second, God had a lesson to teach Job. That lesson is revealed in the latter part of the Book of Job. It concerns the mystery of the kingdom of God—that God, who created heaven and earth, continues to govern them according to His plan and purpose. In this, God revealed the hidden mystery of evil that lies within humanity.

Job suffered greatly and sighed in anguish, not understanding why he had to endure unbearable pain. He did not know what was happening in heaven. He cried out to God and pleaded for answers, but his three friends could not give him any.

Finally, God spoke to Job out of the storm. Before the voice of God that thundered like lightning, Job could not answer a single word. (Job 40:4–5) Though he had insisted on his innocence and pleaded for a reply from God, now he could only remain silent.

Through the words of the Creator, Job saw and understood what he had never seen or thought before. He once believed that suffering came only upon those who did not fear God. But that was not true. Our Lord Jesus Christ, though He was without sin, suffered pain and affliction on our behalf.

Believers who are born again in Christ now come before the throne of grace, rejoicing in the glory of God. Yet, they also share in Christ’s suffering and tribulation.

“Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:2–4)

Job also did not realize that God restrains evil (2 Thessalonians 2:6). Because God holds back evil, the world still remains in order and peace. Yet a day is coming when He will remove that restraint—this will be the Great Tribulation (2 Thessalonians 2:8). That day will be a time of unparalleled disaster, unlike anything before or after (Matthew 24:21). But it is also the day when the risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ will return as King of kings and Lord of lords (Matthew 24:29-31).

We continue to grow in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10). Through the pain and hardship of life, God reveals His holiness. This is the holy discipline of His love. God knows us better than we know ourselves. He molds us to be the pure bride of Christ.

Yet God does not leave us as orphans. The mystery that was hidden for ages has now been revealed to the saints: Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). As we carry pain and suffering in this world, Jesus Himself helps us from within. He intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express (Romans 8:26).

Above all, God sets boundaries so that we are not tested beyond what we can bear. Satan may attack ruthlessly, but he cannot cross the line that God has established. God never gives us more than we can bear and handle.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Amen!

November 2, 2025

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2025, David Lee Ministries ©2025 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

Job Who Feared God (Job 1:1–7)

 

Job Who Feared God (Job 1:1–7)

God created the heavens and the earth and governs all things. Yet, God and His kingdom are invisible. But what is unseen is not nonexistent. In fact, what is unseen is everything. The universe operates in perfect order according to the will and purpose of God who made it. All creation fears and reveres Him, and therefore obeys Him. Even the flowing waters obey when God commands them to stop (Psalm 77:16).

However, humankind fell into sin and does not fear God. The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). Not knowing or fearing God is sin. Even so, God did not choose to condemn the world, but to save it by giving His Son without reservation.

In Job 1:1–7, we meet Job, a man who feared God with all his heart. We have heard his story since Sunday school. Through today’s passage, we will learn why we must fear God, and we will pray to fear and obey Him wholeheartedly.

Job Fears God

1 In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. 2 He had seven sons and three daughters, 3 and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East. (Job 1:1–3)

Job feared and revered God. His name means “hated.” He was blameless and upright, turning away from evil. His homeland was Uz (wooded), and most scholars place his time around 2500 B.C., likely before Abraham. He was prosperous, wealthy, and the most respected man of his generation.

He was called “the greatest man” because he feared God. Out of reverence for God, he turned away from evil and lived with integrity. He was generous toward the poor and those in need (Job 29:12–17; 31:16–21). He cared for the blind, widows, the disabled, the poor, and orphans. He also defended those who suffered injustice. Truly, Job was a man blameless in God’s sight.

Job Sacrificed Burnt Offering

4 His sons used to hold feasts in their homes on their birthdays, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom. (Job 1:4–5)

For example, whenever his children held feasts on their birthdays, Job would later call them together and purify them. He would offer a burnt offering for each one of them before God. He did this because he thought, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.”

A burnt offering was a sacrifice for atonement—a complete offering of an animal burned before God. The animal represented the person offering it. God accepted the sacrifice of the animal in place of the sinner and forgave sin.

This is clearly reflected later in the laws God gave to Moses regarding sacrifices. The fire on the altar of burnt offerings in the tabernacle or temple was never to go out, as it symbolized continual atonement before God (Leviticus 6:8–13). This reveals that forgiveness comes only through the blood of Jesus Christ. The sacrificed animal foreshadowed the coming sacrifice of Christ.

Today, we no longer offer animal sacrifices. Even the Jewish people ceased to do so after the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in A.D. 70. In the New Testament, Paul explains that the burnt offering is now fulfilled as we offer our own bodies as a living sacrifice to God—this is our true spiritual worship.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)

Jesus Christ offered His own body completely to God the Father. This was not only through His sacrifice on the cross but also through His ministry—healing the sick, driving out demons, and performing miracles. In all these, Jesus presented His body as a living sacrifice to fulfill God’s saving work. Ultimately, He offered His body unto death on the cross.

How then can we fear God?

In the prayer Jesus taught His disciples, He said, “Hallowed be Your name.” For God’s name to be hallowed means that His honor, majesty, glory, and power are made known and revealed. When God’s name was revealed on Mount Sinai, the people trembled with fear before His majesty, power, and glory (Exodus 19:16). In this way, God has impressed His majesty and honor in the hearts of His people.

God is the Creator, and He rules over all things He has made with love and justice. Who can dare oppose the Creator? No one. To recognize this truth in our daily lives and to live before Him with this awareness is to fear God. He is the Alpha and the Omega, omnipresent, all-knowing, and almighty. He reigns forever in glory, honor, and power. Amen.

What Happened in Heaven

6 One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” (Job 1:6–7)

This scene was invisible to Job. The heavenly realm is unseen, yet God reveals its mysteries little by little through His Word. The “sons of God” here refer to angels, and the scene resembles a heavenly council. It is astonishing to see that Satan was also among them, standing before the Lord.

Satan first appears in Genesis 3 as the cunning serpent who tempted the woman to sin and thus came under God’s curse (Genesis 3:14). Yet here, he is seen standing among God’s heavenly beings before the Lord.

This raises a difficult question: why did God allow Satan to approach in the garden? God, being omniscient and omnipotent, already knew that Adam would fall. The answer to this question is not easy. We cannot fully comprehend the mind of the Almighty.

Yet, based on Scripture, we can see that Satan is one of God’s created beings. His fall occurred before the creation of the world, when he rebelled against God, refusing to remain in the position appointed to him. He desired to ascend to the heavens and make himself like the Most High (Isaiah 14:13–14). Because of this rebellion, Satan was judged and will receive his due punishment.

If a heavenly being like Satan fell despite seeing the glory and majesty of God, how much more prone is humankind—who cannot see God—to turn away from Him? This gives us much to ponder. But when we enter heaven, all such mysteries will be revealed to us clearly, like tangled threads finally unraveled.

The second question is, why does God not remove the fallen Satan? This question may not be so difficult to answer. Because if God were to remove evil, there would not be a single person who could be saved. This is because all people are under sin in Adam. To be under sin means not to obey the Creator God. Disobeying and rebelling against God is what Satan does. Therefore, God has not yet removed evil in order to save people from sin and death.

However, even though Satan stands before the Lord among the sons of God, his days are not eternal. The number of his days is set (Revelation 13:5). The day is coming soon when he will be cast out of heaven and thrown down to the earth. In the Revelation written by the Apostle John, there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven (Revelation 12:7–8). John describes the scene as follows:

9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. 11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” (Revelation 12:9–12)

From this, one thing is clear: Satan, the devil, can do nothing except what God permits. God created, sustains, and governs everything according to His will and purpose. Nothing happens outside of God’s will. No matter how much the devil threatens or lies, like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour, he cannot harm us even a little. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have any trouble at all.

Therefore, God is eternally righteous and also love. We cannot fully understand everything about God. Yet through His Word, God has revealed His holiness, righteousness, and love. Because God hates evil, He will certainly judge it (Romans 2:6). There will be trouble and distress for everyone who does evil (Romans 2:9).

At the same time, because God is love, if one repents and turns back to Him, He will forgive sins and purify from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). He gives freedom and deliverance from hatred, jealousy, and resentment, and leads into rest and peace (Psalm 23:4). God delivers every believer from the snare of the enemy—from lies and threats—and gives living water flowing from the throne of grace in heaven. Amen!

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 1:24–25)

October 16, 2025

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2025, David Lee Ministries ©2025 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

In Your Strength, Lord, the King Rejoices (Psalm 21:1–13)

 

In Your Strength, Lord, the King Rejoices (Psalm 21:1–13)

Where does our joy and gladness come from? What is true joy and gladness? People seek joy and happiness, yet no one can escape pain and suffering. In fact, there is often more pain than pleasure. This world disappoints us, but the hope of heaven—the hope that will never put us to shame—is the true source of our joy and gladness. Amen!

In Psalm 21:1–13, King Jesus Christ rejoices in the Lord’s strength and is greatly glad in His salvation. It is because the Lord God raised Christ, who died and was buried, from the dead, breaking the power of death and giving eternal life to all who believe.

The King rejoices in your strength, Lord, and is greatly glad in your salvation

1 The king rejoices in your strength, Lord. How great is his joy in the victories you give! 2 You have granted him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. 3 You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. (Psalm 21:1–3)

Where does joy and gladness come from? The King, our Lord Jesus Christ, rejoices in the Lord’s strength and is greatly glad in His salvation. True joy and gladness come from the Lord God.

But what is this joy and gladness like? It is not something the world can give. People find joy in eating, seeing, sexual pleasure, gaining wealth, achieving success, marriage, and having children. The problem is, all these things are temporary. No matter how well you eat today, you must eat again tomorrow. You travel to enjoy the pleasure of seeing new things—but these joys fade. Such things are neither wrong nor useless; rather, they remind us of the truth that nothing in this world can truly satisfy the human heart.

Then how is the joy that comes from heaven different from what the world offers? God is the source of joy and gladness that the world cannot give. He gives salvation by His mighty power—the same power that raises the dead. The power of His resurrection can only be received by faith. Therefore, the joy and gladness that God gives can be experienced always, regardless of circumstances or place.

Jesus suffered on this earth, yet He was always filled with the joy and gladness that the Father gave Him. This is because the Lord granted His heart’s desire and did not withhold His prayer (Psalm 21:2). God heard Jesus’ plea, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” and gives eternal life to everyone who believes in Him (John 3:16).

Moreover, God welcomed Him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on His head (Psalm 21:3). The Father welcomed His Son who obeyed even unto death, setting Him on the highest throne and appointing Him as Judge over all creation. Though Jesus was rejected, persecuted, and despised by His people and by the world, the Father in heaven received Him with glorious blessings and crowned Him with gold.

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9–11)

Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty

4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—length of days, for ever and ever. 5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. 6 Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. 7 For the king trusts in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken. (Psalm 21:4–7)

Jesus Christ died so that we might have life. God accepted His sacrificial death and gave eternal life to all who believe. This shows that the way of the cross is the way of life. Here, “life” means eternal life—not merely long life or quantity, but quality. Some may be breathing and appear alive, yet without eternal life they are spiritually dead.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

The way of the cross that Jesus walked is the path that leads to life. Through His blood shed on the cross, we are reconciled to God (Colossians 1:20). To fulfill this promise, Jesus became flesh, took up the cross, and died a redeeming death.

God saved Jesus Christ from the grave and raised Him from the dead. He made Him the firstfruits of the resurrection, greatly glorifying Him and clothing Him with honor and majesty (Psalm 21:5). He made Him King of kings and Lord of lords, so that every knee should bow before Him.

However, as the prophet Isaiah prophesied, Jesus was despised and rejected by people, and there was nothing beautiful or desirable about Him.

2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. (Isaiah 53:2–3)

But the Lord Almighty exalted His Son who suffered, poured out endless blessings on Him, and filled Him with joy and gladness (Psalm 21:6). Jesus received that joy and delight only from God the Father. This is because Jesus fully trusted His Father, and through the unfailing love of the Most High, He was never shaken (Psalm 21:7). In the same way, those who trust and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will never be put to shame or be shaken because of God’s unfailing love.

As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11)

We do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved (Hebrews 10:39).

Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies

Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes. When you appear for battle, you will burn them up as in a blazing furnace. The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath, and his fire will consume them. You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind. (Psalm 21:8–10)

The king’s enemies refer to Satan, the devil, and those who follow him. The devil does not submit to God or His word but opposes Him. Without reason, he hates God, resists Him, and disobeys. Like a roaring lion, he prowls around looking for someone to devour. He disguises himself as an angel of light to deceive and cause people to fall. The devil is the one who led Judas Iscariot and countless others into deception, destruction, and ruin.

The devil deceives people through the allure of money and success, because no one is free from desiring them. The enemy is cunning, skillfully wrapping lies in the appearance of truth. Human sexual desire, too, is powerful and strong. Throughout history, even many clergy have fallen through sexual immorality.

But King Jesus Christ will expose every hidden enemy who deceives from behind the scenes and will execute righteous judgment on them. The piercing eyes of the Lord are like flames of fire—no one, not even Satan, can hide from them. For instance, when a person does wrong, they cannot escape the pangs of conscience. On the last day, the wrath of God will come, and His enemies will be swallowed up and consumed like fire in a furnace. The prophet Isaiah foretold what would happen to the fallen enemy who receives God’s judgment:

But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit. Those who see you stare at you, they ponder your fate: “Is this the man who shook the earth and made kingdoms tremble, the man who made the world a wilderness, who overthrew its cities and would not let his captives go home?” (Isaiah 14:15–17)

The devil and all who follow him will face God’s judgment and be cut off from among the living. Those who resist God and refuse to obey Him will have no place in heaven or on earth. For them, there is only hell prepared. God opposes the proud who stand against Him, and His wrath will bring their final destruction.

Be exalted in your strength

Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed. You will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow. Be exalted in your strength, Lord; we will sing and praise your might. (Psalm 21:11–13)

God blesses those who obey Him, but He punishes those who rebel and oppose Him. The world plotted to harm the King, Christ, and crucified Him, but God raised Him from the dead. The schemes of this world will come to nothing, for God Himself opposes His enemies.

Therefore, all the hosts of heaven and earth sing: “Be exalted in your strength, Lord; we will sing and praise your might.” This is our song and our prayer. As we follow the way of the cross and our flesh is crucified with Him, the glory and majesty of God are revealed. Then the love, joy, and peace of God flow in our hearts like a river. Amen.

October 19, 2025

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2025, David Lee Ministries ©2025 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

The LORD God Is Your Keeper (Psalm 121:1-8)

 

The LORD God Is Your Keeper (Psalm 121:1-8)

We always need help. God, who created and formed us, knows our needs and the best way to help us better than anyone else. He does not leave us to stand alone but desires that we always depend on Him and come to Him for help. Jesus promised His disciples, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7-8). That is why we pray without ceasing.

As 2024 comes to a close and the new year approaches, we are grateful for one thing above all else: our Lord God has shown us His grace of salvation daily through His Son, Jesus Christ. We cannot live without the love, joy, and peace that God the Father pours out in Christ each day. God delights in opening the heavens and generously giving to His children whenever and wherever they call upon Him. Amen! Happy New Year!

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth

A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2).

This psalm is a song of ascents. The psalmist lifted his eyes to the mountains, referring to the mountain where the temple in Jerusalem stood, and proclaimed that his help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Where does our help come from? Our help also comes from God, who created heaven and earth by His Word.

Life is filled with challenges and pressures from birth to death. We cannot live without help – sunshine and rain. Yet, our help is not found in the wealth, success, status, fame, or power of this world—not even in health. These are necessary but cannot be our ultimate help. Above all, we desperately need the grace of forgiveness because without it, there is no life. Wealth, status, fame, or power cannot bring forgiveness of sins. Without forgiveness, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven which is eternal, imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. Only those who believe in Jesus Christ, the Son sent by God, can enter.

Therefore, our help comes only from the LORD God. It is a heavenly and spiritual help that descends from above. Jesus, though born on earth, came from heaven by God’s mighty power. He reigns in glory, authority, power, and majesty. His kingdom and authority are eternal, holy, perfect, just, and overflowing with peace and righteousness.

In contrast, this world, ruled by Satan, is corrupt, evil, and rebellious. Satan, the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44), rejected God’s help, rebelled, and fell under a curse. Deceived by his cunning lies, the world has fallen into sin. Humanity, in Adam, remains trapped in darkness, ignorance, and confusion. Satan falsely promises all the kingdoms of the world to those who follow him, disguising lies as truth. He prowls like a roaring lion, seeking to devour.

Satan took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me” (Matthew 4:8-9).

However, Satan’s help is deceptive and leads to destruction. He incites vengeance under the guise of justice, but it only brings turmoil and distress, not peace (Romans 2:9).

It was right that Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, had to judge this sinful and rebellious world. Yet instead of condemning it, He bore its sin on the cross and gave His life. Despite Satan’s temptation to save Himself, Jesus became the Passover Lamb to save the world from sin and death. Only the blood of Christ, shed to forgive and cleanse us, is our true help.

The LORD who keeps you will not slumber

He will not let your foot slip—He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:3-4).

Our true help, the Lord God, keeps us from stumbling and neither slumbers nor sleeps. Because the Lord God watches over us, we are safest in His care. Our enemy, the devil, seeks to harm and devour us whenever and wherever he can. But the Lord Almighty, with His eyes like blazing fire, protects and watches over us (Revelation 1:14).

God visited Abraham, who was burdened and struggling, and repeatedly assured him that He would keep and protect him, just as He had promised.

"After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.'" (Genesis 15:1)

When Isaac dug wells in Beersheba, water was always found. However, Abimelek’s army came and claimed the wells as theirs, filling them in. In response, Isaac moved to another place and dug new wells. Once again, his adversaries came, quarreled, and seized the wells. Isaac yielded and moved to yet another location, digging more wells. Eventually, Abimelek, recognizing God’s power, authority, and glory in protecting Isaac, approached him with a desire for peace.

"28 They answered, 'We saw clearly that the Lord was with you; so we said, "There ought to be a sworn agreement between us—between us and you. Let us make a treaty with you 29 that you will do us no harm, just as we did not harm you but always treated you well and sent you away peacefully. And now you are blessed by the Lord."'" (Genesis 26:28-29)

The Lord God, who watches over Israel, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to save it from sin at the appointed time, through the Virgin Mary. For 400 years after the prophet Malachi, no word came from God. Yet, God neither slumbers nor sleeps. He sent an angel to Mary in the town of Nazareth in Galilee to announce the birth of the Savior.

"'31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.'" (Luke 1:31-33)

Nearly 2,000 years have passed since Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. Some mockingly ask, "Where is this 'coming' he promised?" (2 Peter 3:3-4). But Jesus is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The Bible warns that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When that day comes, it will be irreversible.

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare." (2 Peter 3:10)

The LORD is your shade at your right hand.

The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night (Psalm 121:5-6).

How does the Lord God protect Israel? God becomes their shade at their right hand. In the desert, shade is incredibly important. God protected and guarded Israel by appearing as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The desert is hot during the day and cold at night. During Israel’s forty years of wandering in the wilderness, God provided manna from heaven, brought water out of the rock, and ensured their clothing and sandals did not wear out. He protected them from surrounding enemies, allowing them to pass in peace, and defeated those who refused to open the way.

Abraham, with a small number of men in his household, defeated the powerful coalition of Kedorlaomer and his allies to rescue his nephew Lot. After his victory, God sent Melchizedek to bless Abraham and revealed the secret of how he had overcome his enemies and rescued Lot.

“And he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything” (Genesis 14:19-20).

God watched over and protected Abraham, who had obeyed His promise and lived as a sojourner in Canaan. Though Abraham did not receive the promised inheritance during his lifetime (Hebrews 11:39), God surrounded him with His grace and love, keeping him safe in His hands. Thus, Abraham looked forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God—the heavenly kingdom. While living as a stranger on this earth, Abraham worshiped the Lord God alone.

The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in

The LORD will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore (Psalm 121:7-8).

We face trials and tribulations in this world, but we are safe because God protects us. Even Jesus, who was without sin, came to this earth and suffered trials and afflictions. He had committed no crime deserving punishment, let alone crucifixion. Yet He endured it all in obedience to fulfill the redemptive will of His Father, God. At that time, God raised Jesus from the cold tomb and exalted Him to the highest place in heaven, making Him the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Jesus called His disciples and revealed that He was the Christ sent by the God of their ancestors. He demonstrated this through His teachings about the kingdom of heaven, miracles, signs, healings, and the casting out of demons. Furthermore, Jesus bore the sins of the world, shed His blood, died on the cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day as proof of His victory. Thus, Jesus became the atoning sacrifice that brings peace between God and humanity. Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and is cleansed by His blood is reconciled with God and becomes an heir of all the riches of heaven.

Jesus said to His disciples:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

The Lord Almighty, our God, is the One who watches over us as we go out and come in. He protects us not only during our life on earth but for all eternity. This promise is like an anchor for our souls. When we face trials and suffering, our heavenly Father does not abandon us like orphans but guards and protects us.

Even in this world, there are limits to how much our closest family members can protect us. However, our heavenly Father is all-knowing and all-powerful, fully capable of meeting all our needs without lacking anything. Amen!

December 29, 2024
Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2024, David Lee Ministries ©2024 – All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are from New International Version (NIV).

 

This Mystery Is Christ in You, the Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:24–29)

 

This Mystery Is Christ in You, the Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:24–29)

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight (Ephesians 1:4). But to save those who were lost in sin, Jesus Christ shed his blood and died. In Christ, through the grace of forgiveness of sins and salvation, we were restored to be holy, without blemish, and free from accusation before God (Colossians 1:22).

But this does not happen automatically. To continue to stand with confidence before the throne of God’s grace, we must remain in faith, stand firm on the foundation of Christ’s blood, and not be moved from the hope held out in the gospel. The hope of the gospel is living by the power of the resurrection. This means continually remaining in the grace of Christ’s blood. Whoever abides in grace denies himself and depends wholly on God. At that time, God continues to give heavenly rewards—love, joy, and peace—without holding anything back.

In Colossians 1:23b–29, Paul speaks about participating in the sufferings of Christ and about the glorious mystery that was hidden for ages but is now revealed to the Lord’s people. That mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Amen!

“This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. 24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” (Colossians 1:23b–29)

Paul, a Servant of the Gospel

“This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” (Colossians 1:23b)

This gospel proclaimed to all creation is the gospel of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. It is good news of great joy, bringing salvation to all humanity. This was the message of blessing from heaven’s angel to the shepherds in the town of Bethlehem at night (Luke 2:10). This gospel is salvation through the forgiveness of sins by the blood of Christ.

Paul persecuted Christ, but on the road to Damascus he was converted and called to be a servant of the gospel. In particular, Paul was sent as the apostle to the Gentiles, and he proclaimed this gospel in Asia, Macedonia, Achaia, and even to Rome. From the first century until today, the gospel of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, has been proclaimed to the whole world.

I Fill up in my Flesh What is still Lacking in Christ’s Afflictions

“Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” (Colossians 1:24)

This letter is a prison letter. Paul, imprisoned for the testimony of Christ, writes to the believers in Colossae to proclaim the gospel. From a worldly point of view, it was an unjust situation, yet Paul considered suffering a joy. Endurance and patience with joy are fruits of the power of the Holy Spirit. Enduring suffering with joy is possible because God strengthens us with all power according to his glorious might (Colossians 1:11). This is God the Father’s will. To know his will, we need the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.

When facing suffering and pain, it is not natural to rejoice. But through the benefit gained from suffering—that is, through God’s glorious grace—we can rejoice. God’s glorious grace is received by participating in Christ’s afflictions. The apostle Peter exhorts us to rejoice in participating in the sufferings of Christ:

“12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:12–16).

Christ’s afflictions lacking in Paul’s flesh do not mean there was anything insufficient about Christ’s death on the cross. Jesus offered himself once for all, making atonement for our sins and making us holy (Hebrews 10:10). What remains of Christ’s afflictions are the sufferings we endure for the name and testimony of Jesus Christ. Jesus told his disciples in advance that the world would hate and persecute them (John 15:19).

Undeserved suffering and pain are bitter, painful, distressing, and shameful. Yet in Christ Jesus we not only enjoy spiritual blessings from heaven but also rejoice in suffering together with the Lord:

“2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:2–5).

This mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory

“I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:25–27)

God chose Paul before the creation of the world and called him to be an apostle to testify to the gospel of Christ. God entrusted him with the task of building up the church of Christ and used him to fully reveal and make known the mystery of Christ. In the same way, we have each received different gifts in Christ. These gifts are a grace, given for the building up of the body of Christ, the church.

What is this mystery? This mystery is Christ in us, the hope of glory. This mystery was hidden through the ages and generations. In the beginning, when God created man in his image and likeness, male and female, this was his purpose. From the beginning, God made man to be his dwelling place, his royal residence.

God’s purpose for man from the beginning is revealed in Ephesians 4:13: “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” God’s purpose for the complete person is to attain the fullness of Christ, to be conformed to him.

This mystery has now been revealed to the saints through Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection. What was hidden was seen only dimly by the patriarchs like Abraham. But now in Christ, the riches of this mystery among the Gentiles have been revealed.

The Gentiles were originally far from God’s grace. “Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12). In the Old Testament, there were cases of Gentiles who received salvation, such as the widow of Zarephath, Naaman the leper, and Rahab of Jericho.

But now, in Christ, the door of salvation has been opened wide to all Gentiles. One of the first Gentile churches was planted in Antioch, and from there Paul and Barnabas were sent by the Holy Spirit to testify to the gospel of Christ among the Gentiles. Paul, together with Timothy, Silas, Mark, Barnabas, Luke, and others, testified to the gospel of Christ Jesus throughout Asia, Macedonia, Achaia, and even Rome in the first century.

How is Christ in us the hope of glory?

Christ in us means that the Holy Spirit, according to God’s promise, comes to dwell in those who believe. At the Last Supper in the upper room, Jesus promised his disciples that when he left (referring to his death, resurrection, and ascension), the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, would come to be with them.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:16-18).

When we were young, how much comfort we felt when our mother or father was beside us, and how anxious we were when they were not. There is a saying about being lonely in the middle of a crowd. The pain of rejection is deep. When our hearts are heavy, we can feel as though we are abandoned at sea. And beyond this, every one of us will one day stand alone before our Creator God to give account. When God descended on Mount Sinai, the Israelites trembled with fear and pleaded not to hear God speak directly but through Moses (Exod. 20:19).

But Jesus comforted his disciples, saying he would not leave them as orphans but would come to them. Indeed, after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to them several times to instill faith and comfort them. Ten days after his ascension, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came in power upon the 120 gathered in the temple (Acts 2:1-4).

In the flesh, Jesus was limited by time and space. But the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, is always with the disciples wherever they are. Christ in us is with us forever, guiding us into all truth, protecting us from evil, and keeping us safe. Even if we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for our Lord Jesus Christ is with us (Ps. 23:4). Therefore, Christ in us is surely the hope of glory for all who believe.

Whenever we get something new or receive a gift, it feels good. A promotion or an award is delightful. But compared to Christ in us, these are nothing. They cannot compare. The Son of God, Christ, who made and upholds all things, dwells in us. There is no greater gift of grace than this. Christ Jesus in us is unseen, but we see him with eyes of faith.

To present everyone fully mature in Christ

“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” (Col. 1:28-29)

Paul proclaimed and taught the truth of the gospel, whether in person or by letter, to present everyone fully mature in Christ. This is a process—from being born again in Christ and beginning the life of faith, to progressing toward maturity. Just as hope for heaven sprouts and grows, so also our spiritual lives grow step by step. As people pass from infancy to childhood, adolescence, youth, and adulthood, so believers move gradually from the beginning stages toward maturity.

For a child to grow, food and exercise are essential. Growth cannot happen without growing pains. For us to continue to grow in Christ, we need the nourishment of God’s Word and the obedience of faith. Jesus obeyed the Father, even to death. That is true obedience. Paul, too, strove with all his strength, following Christ Jesus, who worked powerfully within him. Amen!

September 28, 2025

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2025, David Lee Ministries ©2025 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.