March 30

Leviticus 1; John 20; Proverbs 17; Philippians 4

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 60: WHAT IS REQUIRED IN THE THIRD COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The third commandment requires the holy and reverent use of God’s name, titles, attributes, ordinances, words, and works.
Scripture: Psalm 29:2; 111:9; 138:2; Deuteronomy 32:1-4; 28:58- 59; Matthew 6:9; Ecclesiastes 5:1; Job 36:24; Revelation 4:8; 15:3, 4.

Leviticus 1

In this book Moses lays out further revelation from God that he receives in the tent of meeting concerning the sacrificial system of offerings and worship, the priesthood, ceremonial cleanness, the Day of Atonement, feasts and holy days, and the Year of Jubilee.  

“1 The LORD called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying,” (Leviticus 1:1, ESV)

John 20

Who am I seeking?  Am I looking ahead to the coming of the meek and mild Jesus who lays down his life or am I looking ahead to the coming of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah who conquered and reigns and brings the wrath of God upon the earth?  Do we take Jesus to be other than he is?

“15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”” (John 20:15, ESV)

What is our only hope in evangelism?  That the Holy Spirit will do his work of convincing people of their need for a savior and of the person and all-sufficient work of Christ.

“21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21–22, ESV)

“29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”” (John 20:29, ESV)

“31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31, ESV)

Proverbs 17

“3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts.” (Proverbs 17:3, ESV)

“15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the LORD.” (Proverbs 17:15, ESV)

Compare proverbs 17:15 to Romans 4:5

“5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,” (Romans 4:5, ESV) 

“17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17, ESV)

Philippians 4

Under what circumstances should I rejoice in the Lord and why?

“4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;” (Philippians 4:4–5, ESV)

“12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12–13, ESV)

But how?

“6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7, ESV)

And after praying, walk as with wisdom looking and expecting to be upheld...

“8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8–9, ESV)

Soli Deo Gloria! 

March 28

Exodus 39; John 18; Proverbs 15; Philippians 2

Daily Catechism

QUESTION 59: WHICH IS THE THIRD COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The third commandment is, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
Scripture: Exodus 20:7.

Exodus 39

The ESVSB gives a good illustration of the priestly garments.  The representation of the priest for the nation cannot be missed in the stones of remembrance on the shoulders and the individual stones on the breastpiece.

Proverbs 15

“14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.” (Proverbs 15:14, ESV)


“25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow’s boundaries.” (Proverbs 15:25, ESV)


“29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29, ESV)


“33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (Proverbs 15:33, ESV)

 John 18

“3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.”” (John 18:3–8, ESV)

This passage in John is very intriguing.  They come to Jesus with the human perspective of "Nazareth" no doubt because they are knowing that the true Messiah comes from Bethlehem.  By looking for Jesus of Nazareth they could be labeling him as a mere man...Jesus corrects this misunderstanding in the answer.  The ESV footnote clarifies that the Greek phrase translated as "I am he" is the phrase "I am".  Of course we recognize this as the way God identifies himself to Moses at the burning bush and when Jesus announces this the gang of armed men coming for Jesus fall to the ground.  As they get back up he asks again, "Who are you looking for?".  I take it that they are being instructed that they misunderstand who it is that they are actually seeking.  The one they have come for cannot be taken by force with weapons but only willingly.

Philippians 2

“2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2, ESV)


“4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4, ESV)


“8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8, ESV)


“12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12–13, ESV)

“18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.” (Philippians 2:18, ESV)

Paul lays out and argument of joy for joy.  He wants joy in seeing us rejoice with him.  He wants the Philippians to humbly rely on God to do the saving work and the sanctification in them.  He wants them to be in awe of the power that God wields in their lives to save them and to change their drives and motives and desires.  He wants them to know not the pride of self accomplishment, but the amazement and joy and humility of seeing God's work. 

Soli Deo Gloria!