July 23^rd 2023

9:30 am ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -- The Passover Lamb – Exodus 12

10:00 am ------------------------ Why Weepest Thou? Whom Seekest Thou? – John 20:15

Mary Came Early

“The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.” – John 20:1

Mary came early, while it was yet dark. Note, Those who would seek Christ so as to find Him must seek Him early. “Those that seek me early shall find me” (Prov.8:17). To seek Him early is to seek Him with such a care as even breaks the sleep; be up early for fear of missing Him. We must deny ourselves and our own repose in pursuit of Christ. We must seek Him early in our days (youth), early every day ; My voice shalt thou hear in the morning. That day is in a fair way to be well ended that is thus begun. Those that diligently enquire after Christ while it is yet dark shall have such light given them concerning him as shall shine more and more.

She found the stone taken away.” Surprising comforts are the frequent encouragements of early seekers. Those that are most constant in their adherence to Christ, and most diligent in their enquiries after him, have commonly the first and sweetest notices of the divine grace. Mary Magdalene, who followed Christ to the last in his humiliation, met him with the first in his exaltation.’ – Matthew Henry’s commentary

God’s Wondrous Word

O the wonder, the glory and beauty of God’s Word. It’s beyond our ability to fully understand and appreciate it. But we marvel at what we do understand. God uses many things to describe His Word; everyday, ordinary, yet wonderful and necessary things. He likens His Word to things such as: Light, Bread, Milk, Honey, Meat, Fire, Water, Hammer, Sword, Plough, Seed, Rain, Dew, Treasure, Gold, Net, Mirror. . . a Kiss! All this and more, is God’s Word for His people.

“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”– Proverbs 11:2

Whoever becomes lifted up with pride, for whatever reason, you can count on it, they will be brought down. God hates pride more than anything, for what do we have that we have not received? All talent, beauty, knowledge and strength is given from above. That one who takes credit for what was given them will most assuredly be put to shame. The proud, beautiful woman will grow old and ugly. That proud, strong man will be someday be without the strength to stand. That proud, wise man will soon forget his own name. “But with the lowly is wisdom.” That one who, by God’s grace, understands that by the grace of God he is what he is; that one who knows that he knows nothing, has nothing, is nothing in himself . . . and humbles himself and is lowly before God; with that man is wisdom. And that man will never be put to shame.

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”– Proverbs 15:1

When the Lord Himself was reviled, He reviled not again. We need to learn this well. When someone lashes out at you, don’t lash back. It never accomplishes anything and only worsens the situation. In the heat of conflict much is said that is not meant and is later regretted. If only we could bite our tongues. Someone once said: “If you are offended by someone, wait an hour before you respond; if really important, sleep on it.” And if by God’s grace, we could only respond with a soft answer. Scripture teaches and experience will show that a kind and reasonable answer will often diffuse someone’s anger.

“Ask and ye shall receive” . . . “Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it”