“Behold, I Send The Promise Of My Father Upon You, But Tarry In The City Of Jerusalem Until You Are Endued With Power From On High.”

Empowered

Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:44-49 NKJV).

Setting the Scene

What Jesus did for two disciples on the road to Emmaus, He did again for the disciples gathered in Jerusalem. He assured them they could count on His teaching to come true. He showed them how all that God had already revealed in His Word had been fulfilled or would be fulfilled in Him. Then He “opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” He made it possible for them to see for themselves what had always been there in God’s Word but was hidden by distortion or unbelief. What Jesus did for His disciples He continues to do today. Our need to comprehend the Scriptures is the same as theirs. Much of the authority of the New Testament writings can be traced to understanding the Old Covenant Jesus gave His disciples in preparation for recording the New Covenant. The new understanding will not only help us recognize Jesus throughout Scripture but also remind us of God’s offer of salvation to the world: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations.”

Jesus confirmed His promise of indwelling power that would soon arrive and become the energizing life of His church—the Holy Spirit. The task of spreading the gospel to all the nations would begin in Jerusalem, so He commanded them to stay there until they were “endued with power from on high.” They waited attentively and were empowered. Today, all who ask the Holy Spirit to empower them find that same outpouring.

Getting Personal

To what degree would you say your life is steeped in God’s Word?

As you have experienced these applied devotions on the life of Jesus, how has your view of God’s Word been affected?

How are you experiencing the Holy Spirit’s power in your life?

What Jesus described and promised for the disciples was not any easier for them to accept or understand than it is for us today. The challenge of genuine discipleship continues to be as real, dangerous, and thrilling as it has ever been.

Talking to God

Come to the Lord with a spirit of expectation, looking attentively for the Spirit to provide direction and empowering. Be ready to set aside your preconceived ideas about what your obedience might look like in order to receive whatever guidance the Lord has for you today.

Veerman, D. R.  (2011-08-25). Life Application Study Bible Devotional.

“Behold, I Send The Promise Of My Father Upon You, But Tarry In The City Of Jerusalem Until You Are Endued With Power From On High.”

How are you experiencing the Holy Spirit’s power in your life?

Come to the Lord with a spirit of expectation, looking attentively for the Spirit to provide direction and empowering.

https://modesofinfluence.blogspot.com/2025/02/behold-i-send-promise-of-my-father-upon.html 

Consider How The Truth About Christ’s Resurrection And The Good News Of Salvation Have Traveled Through So Many Generations To Reach Your Own.

To the Ends of the Earth

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:16-20 NIV)

“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well” (Mark 16:15-18 NIV)

Setting the Scene

Forty days after the Resurrection, Jesus called a meeting in Galilee. The time had come to leave, as He had told His disciples repeatedly. He would still be with them, but not in the same way He had been for the last three years.

Matthew wrote, “Some doubted.” All of us struggle with doubt sometimes. The struggles of the early disciples reach across the centuries and provoke us to pay attention. Our assumption that given the exact undeniable proofs of Jesus’ resurrection and identity, we would be unflinchingly faithful is wishful thinking. God does not ever have to do more to prove Himself to us.

Jesus stated His supreme authority and then exercised that authority by telling His disciples to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. They were to reproduce themselves—disciples making disciples, who in turn make more disciples. The target audience, “all nations,” confirms God’s eternal purpose is reaching the world with a message for all people (Genesis 12:3; Luke 2:10). In both Matthew’s and Mark’s accounts, baptism is the symbolic aspect of discipleship while belief and obedience are the required signs of authentic discipleship.

Because of His previous promise of the Holy Spirit, Jesus could say, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” That presence of Jesus is what still marks the lives of authentic believers today.

Getting Personal

In what ways are you taking Jesus’ commission seriously?

Who made you a disciple, and how have you passed on the gift to others?

Why is Jesus’ promise of His continual presence important to you?

Jesus’ final command was not for a chosen few designated to be missionaries but for all those who claim to follow Jesus. The point of Jesus’ promise to be with us is not primarily for personal well-being and companionship but to accomplish the ongoing purpose to evangelize and disciple the world.

Talking to God

Consider how the truth about Christ’s resurrection and the good news of salvation have traveled through so many generations to reach your own. Thank God for the priceless gift of these precious truths, and ask Him to make you a generous steward of the Good News.

Consider How The Truth About Christ’s Resurrection And The Good News Of Salvation Have Traveled Through So Many Generations To Reach Your Own.

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

In what ways are you taking Jesus’ commission seriously?

Who made you a disciple, and how have you passed on the gift to others?

Veerman, D. R.  (2011-08-25). Life Application Study Bible Devotional.

Our Task Is Not To Figure Out What God Wants Others To Do But To Be Sure We Are Doing What He Wants Us To Do.

Keeping On

“Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me.” Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written” (John 21:20-25 NIV).

Setting the Scene

No sooner was Peter on his feet faith-wise than he was back to his impulsive ways. John was following the two and must have been a little surprised when Peter pointed toward him and asked Jesus, “What about him?” Peter may simply have wanted to include John in the conversation, but it’s likely he was practicing the time-honored tactic of shifting weight. Lord, I’m feeling a lot of responsibility right now with the “Feed my sheep” command. So what’s John going to have to do?

Jesus basically told Peter that His plans for John were none of Peter’s business. The underlying point is that we get distracted from our purpose when we compare others’ assignments with ours. Our task is not to figure out what God wants others to do but to be sure we are doing what He wants us to do.

Next, Jesus echoed one of the very first statements He ever said to Peter: “Follow me.” This is an unchanging word from Jesus to each of us: Follow Me. It takes belief and gives it the action of trust. Jesus isn’t looking for a nod of agreement from us; He’s looking for a life of obedience and learning. If we’re not following, we may not be trusting either.

John must have chuckled as he noted that a rumor had spread because of Jesus’ words that he would be alive at Christ’s return, which John gently deflected. John would have been quick to make the same point Peter had needed to hear: “Follow Jesus!”

Getting Personal

What is the evidence from your life that you are following Jesus?

Why should you keep your relationship with Jesus current rather than think of it as a decision made sometime in the past?

If Jesus were to come back today, what things about your life would he find pleasing?

We are not to waste our time comparing what God has called us to do with what God has called others to do. Our task is simple: Follow.

Talking to God

Explore Christ’s command, “Follow me,” today. Ask the Lord to make you aware of the next steps that you should be taking. Affirm your willingness to submit to God’s leadership.

Ref: Veerman, D. R.  (2011-08-25). Life Application Study Bible Devotional.

Our Task Is Not To Figure Out What God Wants Others To Do But To Be Sure We Are Doing What He Wants Us To Do.

What is the evidence from your life that you are following Jesus?

We are not to waste our time comparing what God has called us to do with what God has called others to do. Our task is simple: Follow.

Don’t Hold Back From Coming To The Lord, Even If You Feel Burdened By Regrets Or Remorse.

Restoration

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed My lambs.” Again, Jesus said, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of My sheep.” The third time, He said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Feed My sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you dressed yourself and went where you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then He said to him, “Follow me!” (John 21:15-19 NIV).

Setting the Scene

It’s helpful to pause and imagine John as an old man recording these memories after a lifetime of experiences. By the time he wrote about these events, Peter and the other disciples were probably all dead. John knew he had to include this crucial moment in the life of the brash disciple who had been so confident during the Last Supper that nothing could keep him from being faithful to Christ. Then, he discovered that a little servant girl’s question was enough to cause him to deny Christ.

So on this morning, Jesus pulled Peter aside for a probing question posed three times: “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Simon had denied Jesus three times; the Lord gave him three opportunities to declare his love. Peter’s answers were not the boisterous affirmations he might have voiced earlier. There was a painful humility in the fisherman’s responses: “Yes, Lord, you know that I love You.” By the third time, Peter was wondering what was up. John suggests he was hurt by the repetitions. His third answer was a slightly revised version of the previous ones: “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Peter was helplessly saying, “Look, I’m only trying to tell You what You already know, Lord.”

Each time, Jesus told Peter, “Feed My sheep.” He was restoring the disciple’s role as someone who could serve Him. He was assuring Peter he had work to do with others. 

Getting Personal

How would you answer Jesus’ question, “Do you love Me?” Why?

If Jesus said to you, “Feed My sheep,” what relationships and responsibilities might He be directing?

If you have been avoiding restoration in your relationship with Jesus because of pain or shame, what keeps you from coming to Him right now?

Despite Peter’s shocking failure, Jesus wasn’t done with him. Peter becomes our prime example of how grace overcomes failure and sin. It’s not the gravity of the sin that matters but the willingness of a sinner to be restored by the only one Who can restore him, Jesus. 

Talking to God

Don’t hold back from coming to the Lord, even if you feel burdened by regrets or remorse. Bring all your weaknesses and failures to Jesus, the Great Restorer. Ask Him to redeem your wrong choices and help you to walk with Him.

Don’t Hold Back From Coming To The Lord, Even If You Feel Burdened By Regrets Or Remorse.

Veerman, D. R.  (2011-08-25). Life Application Study Bible Devotional.

COME TO HIM TODAY WITHOUT AN AGENDA WITH AN OPENNESS TO ENJOYING BEING IN HIS PRESENCE AND HOPING TO KNOW HIM BETTER.

Jesus Gives Final Instructions

The days following Jesus’ Resurrection must have been indescribable. We are not told much about how the disciples felt or what they thought. The four Gospels focus on what Jesus told His followers before He departed. Some of the same confusion His friends felt before His death now came back to haunt those who couldn’t stop talking about His Resurrection. If He had conquered death, why did He have to leave? Jesus let them know that the Resurrection had been a great gift of assurance for believers, but Jesus still needed to depart from this place so the Holy Spirit could do His job among believers and around the world. 

Shore Lunch

“Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night, they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore, yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Therefore, that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now, when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it) and plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught” (John 21:3-10 NKJV). 

Setting the Scene

At the beginning of the book of Acts, Luke tells us that Jesus “presented Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3 NIV). The disciples were in a daze of joy and confusion, still shaken by Jesus’ death and the way His final hours had revealed how weak they were. They were also overwhelmed by the reality of His Resurrection.

With Jesus intent on leaving, the disciples were somewhat at a loss about what to do. So, some of them went back to what was familiar. Peter decided to go fishing. Six other disciples joined him. The results of the trip weren’t much of an indication that Peter should resume his old career. After a night on the water, the fishermen came up with nothing.

The setting may have reminded Peter of one of his first encounters with Jesus (Luke 5:1-11 NLT). The boats were hauled up on shore after a fruitless night of fishing, and Simon Peter and the others had been listening to Jesus teach as they cleaned their nets. Jesus had asked Simon if He could use his boat as a teaching platform and they pushed out a little from shore. After the teaching, Jesus suggested some fishing. Simon said, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets” (Luke 5:5 NIV). After a wasted night, what would another cast of the nets hurt? Their catch burdened their equipment, and they had to call for help.

Now Peter was back on the same water, experiencing the same lack of success. He was about to call it quits when a voice called from shore to suggest tossing the nets over the right side of the boat. Peter must have found himself thinking again, “One more cast. What could it hurt?” Again, the net came alive with fish. All hands struggled to control the catch. At that point, John turned to Peter and said, “It’s the Lord!” (John 21:7 NLT). Peter jumped overboard and rushed to the beach. Jesus was busy at the fire, arranging the bread and fish he already had there. The other six got the boat and the bulging net to shore.

Jesus broke the ice with a simple invitation, “Come and have breakfast” (John 21:12 NIV). Suddenly it was back to the routine of the last three years, Jesus passing out the bread and fish, and the men enjoying easy company around a simple meal.

John notes this was their third encounter with Jesus following the Resurrection. The disciples were tongue-tied, unsure what to say or ask. They were simply enjoying Jesus’ presence. They were rediscovering what believers eventually must discover about the Lord—that Jesus longs for us to apply ourselves to Him, giving ourselves attentively to Him, seeking to know Him more and more. 

Getting Personal

Why do you think Peter’s decision to go fishing was a good idea?

When in your life has Jesus provided an interruption that changed everything and brought results you never expected?

What have been your best moments of simple fellowship with Christ?

We don’t know if Peter’s original reason for going fishing was his intention to resume his work as a fisherman or whether he found it hard to wait in inactivity. By fishing, he stayed in motion, and he wasn’t being disobedient. Those are attitudes God loves to work with. Fishing is not a bad way to wait on the Lord. 

Talking to God

Take a cue from this breakfast picnic and spend some simple time with the Savior. Try to come to Him without a big agenda today but with an openness to enjoying being in His presence and hoping to know Him better. 

Veerman, D. R.  (2011-08-25). Life Application Study Bible Devotional.

"Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people."

The righteous are guided by their integrity. The wicked are destroyed by their dishonesty. 

People who are upright—who lead lives that are in harmony with what God says is right—have a high level of integrity. They are faithful to God’s commands—as opposed to transgressors, who are unfaithful. Integrity is a powerful word, and those who are guided by it are powerful witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who lack it are a detriment to the gospel; in fact, no one does more damage to the cause of Christ than professing believers who lack integrity. 

People with integrity base their lives upon the truth. As a result, they are blameless before the world. 

Furthermore, the upright are guided by God’s truth; they are not guided by …

• emotions or feelings

• what is most pleasurable

• what is most profitable

• what is most popular

• what is most pleasing to other people

People with integrity make their decisions and chart their lives according to what God says is right. They do the right thing even if it is difficult or painful. They do the right thing even if it creates or provokes enemies. They do the right thing even if it costs them promotions or jobs. 

They also do the right thing when it costs them money, which is the background for verse three. Solomon is still speaking about being honest in all dealings with others. Transgressors (bagad) refers to those who act treacherously or deceitfully; it means to be unfaithful to or to violate God’s law. People who are unfaithful to God’s law in their business dealings—who are deceitful and dishonest—will be destroyed. They may prosper for a while, but the day will come when they will be caught in their crookedness. They will be found out, and when they are, they will possibly face the loss of their businesses, prosecution, or even worse.

Leadership Ministries Worldwide. 2012. Proverbs. The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible. Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide. 

God Has Promised Peace To Those Who Fix Their Thoughts On Him

Experiencing Peace

“And within the hour, they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There, they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” Then, the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road and how they had recognized Him as He was breaking the bread. And just as they were talking about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” He said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost” Luke 24:33-37 (NLT).

“That Sunday evening, the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” He said. As He spoke, He showed them the wounds in His hands and His side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again, He said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you” John 20:19-21 (NLT). 

Setting the Scene

The disciples, still confused and afraid, were gathered “behind locked doors.” They probably were discussing the reports of the women, Peter and John, and Mary’s claim that she had seen Jesus. More news arrived with the two men from Emmaus, who breathlessly told the rest of the group they had met Jesus on the road and had spent the day with Him.

Luke wrote that this was when Jesus made His first appearance to His gathered disciples (although Thomas was missing from the group). Suddenly, Jesus stood among them. His first words to His group of followers and disciples, all of whom had deserted Him in His time of greatest need, were, “Peace be with you.” This was a standard Hebrew greeting, but Jesus repeated it for emphasis and with profound meaning: Jesus’ presence brought deep and lasting Peace to their troubled hearts. 

Getting Personal

At what times in life have you felt that your life was in chaos? 

What recent events and concerns threaten to steal your Peace of mind and heart? 

Isaiah wrote, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!” (Isaiah 26:3, NLT). How can you access that Peace today?  

Imagine the chaos of Jerusalem during those recent days—Passover pilgrims, an angry mob, soldiers, crucifixions, darkness at noon, earthquake, and disillusioned and terrified followers of Jesus huddled in fear. But Jesus came and brought Peace. Jesus had told His disciples, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27, NLT).

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He brought Peace with God. And through His presence by the Holy Spirit, He brings the Peace of God—the confident assurance that all is well because He is in control and because He loves us and is with us (Romans 8:1-39 NLT).

Talking to God

God has promised Peace to those who fix their thoughts on Him. Prayer focuses on the Lord and who He is. As you focus on Him today, reaffirm your trust in Him and ask for the blessing of His Peace, which comes from being in His presence.

God Has Promised Peace To Those Who Fix Their Thoughts On Him

Veerman, D. R.  (2011-08-25). Life Application Study Bible Devotional.

What Bible Promises or Teachings Do You Have Difficulty Believing?

Believing the Word

“That same day, Sunday, two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles out of Jerusalem. As they walked along, they were talking of Jesus’ death when suddenly Jesus himself came along and joined them and began walking beside them. But they didn’t recognize Him, for God kept them from it.

“You seem to be in a deep discussion about something,” He said. “What are you so concerned about?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. And one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about the terrible things that happened there last week.”

“What things?” Jesus asked.

“The things that happened to Jesus, the Man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a Prophet who did incredible miracles and was a mighty Teacher, highly regarded by both God and man. But the chief priests and our religious leaders arrested Him and handed Him over to the Roman government to be condemned to death, and they crucified Him. We had thought He was the glorious Messiah and that He had come to rescue Israel.

“And now, besides all this—which happened three days ago—some women from our group of His followers were at His tomb early this morning and came back with an amazing report that His body was missing and that they had seen some angels there who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, Jesus’ body was gone, just as the women had said.”

Then Jesus said to them, “You are such foolish, foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures! Wasn’t it clearly predicted by the prophets that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering His time of glory?”

Then Jesus quoted them passage after passage from the writings of the prophets, beginning with the book of Genesis and going right on through the Scriptures, explaining what the passages meant and what they said about Himself.¹ Luke 24:13–27 (The Living Bible, Paraphrased). 

Setting the Scene

Jesus called these two disciples “foolish” because they hadn’t been able to believe what had been predicted in the Scriptures: that “the Messiah would have to suffer . . . before entering His glory.” Evidently, these men, like most of Jesus’ followers, had been caught off guard by the Crucifixion and then probably had expected God to rescue Jesus from the cross. They hadn’t expected the Messiah to suffer the way Jesus had.

So, Jesus reintroduced these disciples to the teachings of Scripture about Himself, no doubt beginning with the promised offspring in Genesis 3:15 and going through the suffering Servant in Isaiah 53:1-12, the pierced one in Zechariah 12:10, the messenger of the covenant in Malachi 3:1, and other passages in between.

The Jewish religious leaders had spent their lives studying Scripture but had ignored or disregarded the idea of a suffering Servant. Jesus showed the men how the recent events in Jerusalem had fulfilled every prophecy regarding the Messiah. Jesus may have taken the two followers through Old Testament history, pointing out the problem of sin and how it would have to be solved through the sacrificial death of God’s own Son. 

Getting Personal

• What biblical principle gleaned from a sermon, small group, class, or personal Bible study, have you been recently trying to apply in your life? 
• What Bible promises or teachings do you have difficulty believing?

Jesus told the two men they were “foolish” for not believing what the Bible clearly teaches. Today, we have an amazing array of Bible translations, study tools, commentaries, and devotionals. We certainly have no excuse for not reading, studying, and understanding Scripture. Our greater struggle is truly believing and applying what we read.

The two men leaving Jerusalem behind were so focused on their plight and what they perceived as catastrophic events that they failed to believe what they had read in Scripture—no wonder they couldn’t believe the women’s report of an empty tomb. What Scripture had predicted they had seen fulfilled, and they should have been eagerly expecting God’s next move. 

Talking to God

Actions speak louder than words, so ask your heavenly Father to help you live according to the truths you are learning from the example and teachings of Jesus. Ask Him to help your belief in the value of His Word lead to a transformed life.² 

^[1] Taylor, Kenneth Nathaniel. 1997. The Living Bible, Paraphrased. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House.

^[2] Veerman, D. R. Life Application Study Bible Devotional.

Another Perilous Way in Which We Deny The Providence Of God

Turning to Sin to Have Our Way

We deny God’s providence when we try to circumvent the will of God and use dishonest means to gain wealth or honor. 

This is to leave God and seek relief at hell’s gates, preferring the devil’s providence above God’s. When God does not answer immediately, like Saul we go to the medium of En-dor to have our way by hell if heaven refuses us (1 Sam. 28:5–8). This is striking a bargain with hell.

Surely no one will argue that when they make covenants with the Father of Lies, as witches and conjurors are reported to do, the devil follows through and delivers knowledge, wealth, or honor. But those who make such covenants acknowledge the devil to be the god of this world, because they seek to have Satan confer on them things that are only in the absolute power of God to promise or bestow.

When a person commits sin as a way to gain his ambitions and desires, he implicitly covenants with the devil, the head of sinners. He sets up his sin in the place of God, because he hopes to attain by sinful means things that are only in the hands of God, the only one we can depend on. This is the devil’s design out of an enmity to providence. He tempted Christ to go his own way in distrust of his Father’s care—“If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread,” Satan says in Matthew 4:3, as though God would not provide for his Son. Our Savior’s answer exposes the devil’s design.

To turn to sin is to prostitute providence to sate our own desires, pulling it down from its heights of governing the world to make it a lackey to our sinful pleasure. To use means that God prohibits is to set up hell to govern us since God will not govern our affairs in answer to our greedy desires. It is to endeavor to gain by God’s curse that which we should only expect to receive by God’s blessing. God has forbidden—even severely threatened—sinful ways, yet many would rather believe that God’s curse will further us more than his blessing. This is to disparage his blessing and prefer his curse, to slight his wisdom and adore our folly.

When we depart from God’s way, we depart from God’s protection. We have no recourse for the blessing of providence without this condition: “Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness” (Ps. 37:3). To do evil, then, is not to trust in God or regard his providential care.

Charnock, Stephen. 2022. Pg. 99. Divine Providence: A Classic Work for Modern Readers. Edited by Carolyn B. Whiting. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing. 

The Perilous Ways in Which People Deny Providence

Walking Contrary to the Checks of Providence

When we walk in a way contrary to the checks of providence, when we run against the will of God that is manifested in his providence, or when we deny his government and refuse to be subject to him, we are abusing or denying providence.¹

Omitting to Pray

When we do not pray, we deny providence. The fool denies God’s government of the world, and the proof is that he does not call on the Lord. ²

Looking to Other People Rather than God

We deny providence when we make every effort to gain the favorable assistance of men and women concerning our plans but never ask God for his direction or blessing.³

  

Giving Glory to Others Instead of God

We deny providence when we receive something good and then attribute our grateful acknowledgment to the instrument God has used rather than to its principal author. It is as if God were not involved in bestowing the blessing, and the instrument he has used is operating on its own. Men and women are guilty of this when they ascribe their wealth to their own wit and fortune, their health to their own regimen or a physician’s skill, their learning to their hard work and intellect, or their prosperity to their accomplishments or friends. When people give thanks to second causes and ascribe to them what is due to God, they are giving the glory of his providence to a miserable creature. Thus was the foolish boasting of the Assyrian: “By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I have understanding; I remove the boundaries of peoples” (Isa. 10:13).

In the book of Daniel, we read of Belshazzar’s offense: “You have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored” (Dan. 5:23). The foolish king credited material things and man-made idols as the authors of his greatness and not God his Creator.

Similarly, we read in Habakkuk, “Therefore [the wicked foe] sacrifices to his net and makes offerings to his dragnet; for by them he lives in luxury, and his food is rich” (Hab. 1:16). The prophet is referring to those who worship their warlike weapons, and the tools they use to obtain their wealth, instead of worshiping God.⁴ This is such a sinful, base use of God—to ransack him of all his glory and bestow it on the most unworthy instruments: inanimate creatures! To do so is idolatry as great as that of the heathens, inasmuch as it strips God of the glory of his providential care, even though the object to which we direct our acknowledgment is flesh and not stone.

A person is violated just as much whether his goods are taken from him and given to a beggar or taken from him and given to a prince. It is still depriving a person of his right. Yet it is common for a person to ascribe more to the physician who saves his eye from being lost than to God, who has given him both the eye and the physician, not to mention the ability to enjoy the light of the sun. Yes, we ascribe more to medicine than to God, although the existence of every drug is a witness to his deity. It is as if the kindness a king has shown to his subjects were attributed to a worker in his kitchen rather than to the king. This is to belie God: “They have spoken falsely of the Lord and have said, ‘He will do nothing; no disaster will come upon us’ ” (Jer. 5:12). This applies to God’s mercies as well as his afflictions and judgments.

To falsely accuse providence or hold it in contempt is a sin that grows greater in degree according to the degree of mercy we have received by God’s providence: “She did not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the wine, and the oil, and who lavished on her silver and gold, which they used for Baal” (Hos. 2:8). Israel had every reason to know and acknowledge her provider because she had enjoyed so much! She knew from experience that by a strong and mighty hand, the Lord had brought her out of Egypt into the land of promise. Yet she denied that God had given her the good things that she then turned around and prepared for Baal.

Those who lavish the good things they enjoy on their lusts deny the providential goodness of God as the way they came to possess them. They distort God’s goodness for their own sinful pleasures as though their own lusts had made them. Also, their instruments are showered with flattery and recognition for their achievements. They are much like Herod, who was pleased with himself when his people praised him and said that his voice was the voice of God and not of a man (Acts 12:22).⁵

^{1, 2, 3} Charnock, Stephen. 2022. Pgs. 97-98. Divine Providence: A Classic Work for Modern Readers. Edited by Carolyn B. Whiting. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing.

⁴ John Doughtie, Analecta sacra, sive Excursus Philologici (London: Guil. Godbid, 1658), 182.

⁵ Charnock, Stephen. 2022. Pgs. 97-98. Divine Providence: A Classic Work for Modern Readers. Edited by Carolyn B. Whiting. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing.