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Search TAG: Nearer to God daily devotional

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Daily devotional

December 28 - The twelve-year-old Jesus: The God who knows
Daily devotional

December 27 - Skeletons in the genealogical closet
Daily devotional

December 26 - The newborn King fulfills prophecy

“And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”” -...
Daily devotional

December 25 - Wise gentiles worship the King of the Jews
The Rest
Daily devotional

December 24 - Elderly Anna’s urban witness

“And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” - Luke 2:38  Scripture reading: Luke 2:36-38 They would have called her “Hannah.” Her Hebrew name meant “grace.” By God’s grace, elderly Hannah was a pious believer. She was among a remnant saved from the tribe of Asher. The so-called “lost tribes” were not completely lost, even though most Jews from the ten tribes probably never returned from captivity in Assyria. Hannah was an elderly widow. Some commentators have thought that she was a widow for 84 years. It is more probable that she was 84 years old. She had outlived most of her contemporaries. She never remarried. As a widow she was dependent and needy. This aged widow devoted herself to God and the worship of Him. Day and night she worshipped in the Temple. When the gates were open, she was there. She fasted and prayed for the covenant people and for the coming of the kingdom of God. In the providence of God, Hannah encountered the newborn Saviour. Joseph and Mary came to carry out the sacrifices connected with redeeming a firstborn child. The aged Simeon had just publicly celebrated the arrival of the promised Saviour. Hannah’s response to meeting the baby Jesus was twofold. First, she gave thanks to God. Second, she was an urban witness. She witnessed about the birth of the king “to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” Electrified by the discovery of the promised Messiah, Hannah went around the city, sharing the good news. Elderly saints don’t retire from celebrating the birth of the king. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would continue to be a witness to the Saviour even in old age. Pray that God would give you the joy and courage to witness about the birth of the king to your neighbours who live in darkness. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 23 - God’s Christmas gift

“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” - 2 Corinthians 9:15 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 Jesus was a gift from God. If this gift had Christmas wrapping, it was only swaddling clothes. This gift did not come with impressive or fancy wrappings, yet Jesus is more precious than any gift that has ever been unwrapped. Only one gift can satisfy our deepest desires and needs. Any Christmas present that we receive this year can only bring a moment of elation or a little ongoing fun. The gift of Jesus results in everlasting joy and unending happiness. In this life we have only a small beginning of the joy and rest that we will experience in the new world. Christ is the unspeakable gift. You cannot fully explain or describe the greatness of this gift with limited, human language. We can’t put into words what Jesus means to us. Christ is an inexpressible gift. You can’t express how precious and great a gift the Saviour is. Jesus was the perfect gift. Earthly presents and earthly joys do not last. The gift of Jesus brings joy amidst all the trials of life. The Apostle Paul teaches us that the appropriate response to the gift of Christ is to express thanksgiving: “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” You might receive Christmas presents for which you do not feel thankful. Maybe you didn’t need the gift. Some gifts disappoint; it is even hard to smile and say a meaningful ‘thank-you’. But we sinful sons and daughters of Adam and Eve know that we do need the gift of Christ. We better be thankful. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the gift of Jesus. In your prayer try to express why you appreciate the gift of Jesus. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 22 - Mary ponders the incarnation

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” - Luke 2:19 Scripture reading: Luke 2:8-21 Even though Mary was young and might be expected to be immature, she shows a spiritual maturity beyond her years. She pondered the incarnation of the Son of God. She was a meditative young lady. Dr. Luke presents a contrast between her response to the wonder of Christmas and that of the shepherds and the people of Bethlehem. The adversative “but” communicates the contrast: “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” The shepherds were excited and noisy. But Mary is quiet. She reflects. The people of Bethlehem had their ears tickled by the incredible story that the shepherds told. We are not told that any of the other citizens of Bethlehem searched out the cattle stall. But Mary mulled over what the Angel Gabriel told her, what the shepherds said about the appearance of glorious angels, and the marvel that she, a virgin, had given birth to the Son of the Highest. Mary needed to ponder these matters because she lacked understanding. Her situation was one of faith seeking understanding. She believed what God had revealed about her baby boy, but she still lacked full comprehension. Therefore, Mary guarded her memories like precious treasures. John Calvin says that Dr. Luke recorded Mary’s pondering “to afford to all the godly an example for imitation. For, if we are wise, it will be the chief employment, and the great object of our life.” As we ponder, we too can gain fresh insights into the mystery of salvation. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would love to meditate on what the gospel accounts reveal about Jesus Christ. Ask God to give you a thirst for His Word so that you would meditate on it day and night. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional, Uncategorised

December 21 - Jesus’ birth announced to the shepherds

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:12  Scripture reading: Luke 2:8-14 The first people to receive a birth announcement about the messianic king are shepherds on the outskirts of Bethlehem. They alone received an announcement for two reasons. First, God is reminding us that David, the ancestor of Jesus, was a shepherd in Bethlehem. Second, the shepherds had a low status in society, and God is reminding us that He often chooses to save the weak and the lowly. With a bright flash, an angel appears to the shepherds. Perhaps this was Gabriel. But this was also a theophany, an appearance of the glory of God. We are told that “the glory of the Lord shone around” the shepherds. This glory is a visible token of the presence of God. The shepherds, who are sinners, are frightened by this dazzling splendour. The angel tells the shepherds: “Fear not” (vs. 10). He came with joyful news. The Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord, has been born in town. Once the angel makes his announcement, an entire angel army descends: “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God” (vs. 13). A myriad of angels stretch across the night sky. R. Kent Hughes wrote: “I like to imagine that they radiated golds, pinks, electric blue, hyacinth, and ultraviolet—maybe some were even sparkling.” Such is the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ that His birth was announced in person by mighty angels. Then the angels left. The glory faded. The constellations reappeared. And the shepherds ran to find the baby. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would believe that God sends angels to protect us from our enemies. Pray that you would have the necessary spiritual insight so that you would acknowledge the threat that Satan and his demons pose to you. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 20 - Born into poverty

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” - 2 Corinthians 8:9 Scripture reading: Luke 9:57-62 Mary and Joseph did not have the money or prestige to find a decent place for the baby to be born. Jesus’ birth is symbolic of the poverty into which He came. Mary’s baby is born in a stable. The scene in Bethlehem’s stable speaks of the poverty and humiliation of Jesus Christ. Mary lacks a bed on which to give birth. When the baby is born, they lack a cradle. The room was not sanitary. Jesus was not clothed in expensive baby clothes. Poverty defined Jesus’ life. He later spoke about how He did not have a home. He said that the foxes have holes and birds have nests, but He had no place to lay His head. The Apostle Paul provided a commentary of sorts on the Christmas story when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 8:9 that Christ became poor for our sakes. He states that through Jesus’ poverty it is possible for us to be rich. The grace of the Son of God towards us is evident in that He willingly gave up the glory that He enjoyed with the Father prior to the incarnation. The Son of God voluntarily became a poor man. Jesus became poor by taking over the debt we incurred by our sins. Jesus was born into poverty to free us from the debt of our sins and to merit the riches of grace that are found in Him and the wealth to be enjoyed in the New World. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would not be caught up with the love of money. Pray that you would comprehend the riches that you possess in Jesus Christ and that you will enjoy those riches in the new world. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 19 - No room in the inn

Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Scripture reading: Luke 2:1-7 Joseph talked to the innkeeper. The innkeeper claimed that there were no open rooms in the inn in Bethlehem. Can the innkeeper be charged with cruelty? Maybe Roman officials and guests were in town and had filled the inn to overflowing. Joseph was desperate. He has no relatives in town who can show hospitality to him and his very pregnant wife. And there is no room in the inn. There is no room for Christ in the hearts of fallen men. It was predicted that the Messiah would be rejected by men. Joseph leads his pregnant wife to a cave that is a stable on the edge of town. In such unsanitary conditions, Mary begins to give birth to the Desire of the nations. Are animals present? If so, in addition to the sound of animals, there is soon also the shrill voice of a crying baby boy. The new mother smiles weakly at her healthy baby boy. Attempts are made to romanticize the stable. But it is all shameful. This is the first step in the Messiah’s state of humiliation. He is in the legal state of being guilty for the sins of His people. The first step in His state of humiliation is that He endures the shame of being born in a crude stable. Jesus will be the suffering Servant of the Lord. It is fitting that at the two extremes of Jesus’ life are a stable and a cross. He was born in a barn and would die on an accursed tree. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would be willing to identify with and suffer with a Saviour Who is despised by the cultured elite. Celebrate that God has made room for us in Paradise. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 18 - His name is ‘Jesus’

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21 Scripture reading: Matthew 1:18-25 The names and titles of Jesus Christ are significant: they are revelatory of His person, natures, and work. God the Father told Joseph what to name Mary’s child. What a beautiful name the Saviour was given: the name of ‘Jesus’. Charles Spurgeon said: “So inexpressibly fragrant is the name of Jesus that it imparts a delicious perfume to everything which comes in connection with it.” Why is it such a beautiful and fragrant name? The name of Jesus is a beautiful name because it reveals that the Messiah is Jehovah God incarnate. The first part of this name is a shortened form of Jehovah or Yahweh. It is revelatory of the fact that God is the I AM WHO I AM. He shows an unchanging covenant faithfulness to His people. Jesus, in controversy with His Jewish opponents, would say: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” The unbelieving Jews must have thought that the ground shook under their feet, when a young, bearded, Jewish man of around 30 years of age said: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” The name “Jesus” is beautiful because it reveals that the Saviour is divine. And only God can save. The second part of Jesus’ name is beautiful because it reveals that He is Saviour. In the Old Testament, Joshua had the same name. The name meant “Jehovah salvation” or “Jehovah saves.” Therefore, Jesus’ name reveals that He is the One Who will save His people from the guilt of their sin and the power of the Devil. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would have a deep sense of the truth that you can do nothing to save yourself and that Jesus is the only and complete Saviour of sinners. Pray that your children and grandchildren would trust in Jesus alone for deliverance from sin and Satan. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 17 - Magnifying the Lord with your soul

“And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.”” - Luke 1:46  Scripture reading: Luke 1:46-56 Mary’s prayer is often called the “Magnificat”. The title comes from the first word of this prayer in the Latin Vulgate. Our English versions translate the same word as “magnifies”. The Virgin Mary states that her “soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46). Mary sang this song when she arrived at the home of Elizabeth. By the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth recognizes Mary as the mother of her Lord. The teenaged Mary responds by magnifying God. She models how worship, as to its inner essence, is the magnification of God and His Christ. To magnify something is to enlarge it or to make it great. You look through a magnifying glass to make something look larger. When God is magnified, He appears larger. The events in Mary’s life are like a magnifying glass that enables her to see something of the greatness of God. The Virgin Mary has larger and grander thoughts of God than ever before. These grander thoughts also cause her to rejoice: “and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” (Luke 1:47). The greater her perception of the greatness of God, the greater her joy. Firsthand, she realizes the omnipotence of God: He can cause a virgin to conceive. She also sees the greatness of God’s grace evident in Him choosing her, a youthful and poor girl, to be the mother of the Messiah. She also celebrates the greatness of God’s covenant faithfulness. God has kept His ancient promise to provide the Seed of the Woman as the Saviour. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would engage in genuine worship by actively magnifying God’s name. Pray that you would help others to see the magnificence and greatness of the triune God. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 16 - The sign of Immanuel’s virgin mother

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” - Isaiah 7:14 Scripture reading: Isaiah 7:1-14 The unbelief of Ahaz, king of Judah, stands in sharp contrast to the faith of the Virgin Mary. King Ahaz’s lack of faith in God was evident in how he responded to a crisis when King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel joined in an alliance to attack the kingdom of Judah. Ahaz did not seek direction or help from the LORD. God sent Isaiah to meet with the king as Ahaz was inspecting the water reserves. The Lord commanded Ahaz to choose a sign, like a demonstration in the heavens. But Ahaz hypocritically refused to ask for a sign, claiming that he didn’t want to tempt God. In response, the Lord Himself gives a sign to Judah. A virgin would give birth to a child who would be named “Immanuel.” Many commentators have thought that this prophecy had a double fulfillment. They think that a virgin who was a contemporary of King Ahaz got married and then had a child. I think that the reference is solely to the Virgin Mary who, 700 years later, would become pregnant. Both the Hebrew and Greek words for “virgin” refer to a young lady of marriageable age who had never engaged in the act of marriage. In fulfillment of this prophecy, Mary gave birth to the Saviour, Who was the Son of the Highest. The name “Immanuel” reveals that God will dwell with His people. God dwelt with us becoming incarnate in the womb of the Virgin Mary. He continues to indwell us by His Spirit. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would have a deep sense of how Jesus is with you by His Spirit. Pray that you would not grieve the Holy Spirit by how you use your bodily members. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 15 - Mary’s cheerful self-surrender

“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” - Luke 1:38 Scripture reading: Luke 1:26-38 The account of the Virgin Mary’s cheerful self-surrender to the will of God is so piercing and powerful because it is historical. It is not just a story. Even though Mary is a young, unmarried girl, she immediately believes God’s Word. It is true that her faith seeks understanding. How can she get pregnant without a man? But she believes Gabriel when he tells her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35a). It dawns on the Virgin Mary that God’s angel is telling her that she will become pregnant, have a child who is the Son of God, and that her child will be the promised Messiah. Mary gladly surrenders to God’s will. She happily submits even though people will assume that she is pregnant out of wedlock. She surrenders to God’s will even though Joseph, her betrothed, will not initially understand. She places her wedding in jeopardy. Yet Mary submits to the Lord’s will. Her response is beautiful: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). And God uses her so that she becomes, as the Creed of Chalcedon states, “the mother of God, according to the manhood.” Mary is a model for how we should respond to Christ and the claims that He makes on His disciples. When Christ calls us to follow Him, we must submit even though it means that we must take up our crosses. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would surrender to God’s wise, fatherly will, when He makes His will known to you. Pray that you would be willing to follow Christ, even when He calls you to sacrificial suffering. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 14 - God raising up a horn of salvation

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David." - Luke 1:68-69 Scripture reading: Luke 1:67-80 Zechariah’s prophecy has traditionally been called the “Benedictus” because of the opening expression: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel” (Luke 1:68). This was rendered in the Latin Vulgate as “Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel.” The title “Benedictus” is fitting because it captures the sense of this prophecy: it is a song in which Zechariah blesses God for raising up a Horn of Salvation. The aged priest was unable to speak for the nine months in which he waited for the birth of the forerunner. When his tongue was loosed, it is striking that Zechariah does not first speak of his son. Before he mentions that his son “will go before the Lord to prepare his ways” (Luke 1:76b), he speaks about One far greater than John the Baptist. He blesses God for raising “up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David” (Luke 1:69). He calls the Messiah “the horn of salvation.” This is not a reference to John the Baptist. John was from the tribe of Levi. Jesus came from the house of David. Jesus as a “horn” is an exciting metaphor. A horn is the deadly weapon of the wild ox. An animal horn became symbolic of royal power and strength. By destroying His enemies, Christ saves His people. Therefore, He is a “horn of salvation.” Jesus is a horn of salvation because He is a deadly weapon which destroys death and the kingdom of the Devil. He will powerfully deliver His church from the Antichrist. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would comprehend the power that Jesus Christ is able to wield in the world and in your life. Pray that Christ would empower you by His Spirit to fight against your besetting sins. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 13 - A childless couple produces the forerunner

“But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.”” - Luke 1:13  Scripture reading: Luke 1:5-25 It was a tragic situation: Zechariah and Elizabeth were childless. Years ago, a woman wrote in a Reformed magazine: “I am a barren woman. A barren woman nearly past the age where I must forever give up the hope of bringing forth God’s covenant seed and the joy of ever holding in my arms my very own baby. Barren—a word full of emptiness. Empty arms, empty home, empty heart. Barren—a lonely word, full of longing for what can never be.” The gospel of Luke begins with the message that God has remembered His people. The end-time Elijah will be born. John the Baptist will be a zealous prophet, who in the spirit of Elijah, will call Israel to repentance. The Holy Spirit inspired Dr. Luke to record the personal story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were a righteous couple who prayed for a child. God intervenes to answer their prayers—years after the last prayer for a baby was uttered. The couple has grown old. The Angel Gabriel shocks and surprises Zechariah in the temple. The priest is laying incense on the hot coals in the Holy Place. He recoils in fear from the glorious angel. Gabriel announces that the aged couple will have a son. They must name him “John.” Even though he is an aged priest, Zechariah does not believe the message. But he will. And when his tongue is loosed, he will bless God. He will celebrate that his child “will go before the Lord to prepare his ways” (Luke 1:76b). Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would live a daily repentant life, because the king has come. Pray for any childless couples who wish to have children. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 12 - Christ: the refiner of the sons of Levi

“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD.” - Malachi 3:3  Scripture reading: Malachi 3:1-5 In the Chronicles of Narnia, a boy confronts the lion, Aslan, for the first time. The child is terrified by the great lion. About Aslan it is said: “He is not a tame lion.” At Christmas the world acts like Jesus is impotent and safe; they do not perceive that He is like a refiner’s fire. Unrepentant sinners have reason to fear the Lion of the tribe of Judah. In Malachi, it was predicted that Christ’s coming would be a dreadful and fearsome thing. He would destroy the wicked and purify His people. In Malachi’s day the covenant people needed refining. Men had divorced their covenant wives to marry pagan women. Even the priests of God had become corrupt; they offered blind, lame and sick animals. The sons of Levi needed to be purified. Christ is like the hot, burning fire of a refiner. He is also like a refiner who heats metals to separate the dross and impurities from precious metals. Malachi warns that when Christ comes, He will apply heat to His covenant people. He will burn up the proud and self-righteous. He will purify the poor in spirit. The unbelieving Jews could not abide the day of Christ’s coming. Jesus judged the covenant people in A.D. 70 when the third temple was destroyed. Nevertheless, Jesus redeemed and purified an elect remnant. Since New Testament Christians need to be a holy priesthood, the Saviour also needs to purify us so that we would worship Him in spirit and in truth. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would use trials to purify you. Pray that the Lord would apply sufficient heat during afflictions and chastisements so that your pet sins, which so closely adhere to you, might be burned away. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 11 - The ruler from Bethlehem

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.” - Micah 5:2  Scripture reading: Micah 5:1-6 Most of us are a bit unfamiliar with the prophecy of Micah. This minor prophecy is a little-known portion of God’s Word. Although Micah is little known, our text is not. This is the one famous passage in this small book. Micah predicted that the Messiah would be born in the little town of Bethlehem. We are familiar with Micah 5:2 from the Christmas story. When the Magi came to Jerusalem seeking the king of the Jews, King Herod asked the high priests and scribes where the Christ was to be born. They answered by quoting Micah 5:2. The Messiah would come forth from a little town. Bethlehem is a symbol of God’s sovereign, selecting love. God chooses a little town so that no big town might boast that the Messiah was born in her. The great ruler will come from a little town where the youngest son of Jesse was born and raised. God often elects the lowly and common so that no man should glory in His presence. David was the youngest son. Bethlehem was “little”. God loves to save the lowly and weak, so that no one will boast in His presence. God uses youngest sons, slingshots, and little towns in His infinite wisdom so that we would not boast in ourselves, but in God alone. In contrast to the lowliness of Bethlehem is the grandeur and majesty of the Ruler who came from there. Although born in a little town, Jesus now reigns over the universe. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would recognize King Jesus’ rule in your daily life. Pray that you would submit to His royal law. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 10 - A man of sorrows

“He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” - Isaiah 53:3  Scripture reading: Isaiah 53:1-12 Jesus was despised by men. He would experience painful rejection in His hometown. The congregation in Nazareth became furious when Jesus told them that He was the promised Messiah and that God was sovereign in showing mercy to whomever He willed. Jesus mentioned God’s sovereignty in showing mercy to a Gentile widow in Sidon during the ministry of Elijah the prophet. He also mentioned how God only chose to show mercy to one leper during the ministry of Elisha the prophet, and the healed leper was a Syrian (Naaman). Dr. Luke records how the people in Nazareth rejected Jesus: “And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff” (Luke 4:29). Jesus was a man of sorrows, as if sorrows were part of His nature. He was not just sorrowful, but the king of those who sorrow. He had a double portion of grief. The cup that He drank was bitter. His baptism was deeper than any baptism that His disciples would experience. The word “sorrows” is in the plural. Jesus had numerous sorrows. The crowning sorrow of Jesus’ life was His cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we are told that Jesus was “exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death.” He suffered all His life long, with increasing vehemence. His greatest grief came as He hung on the cross and was forsaken by God the Father. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would appreciate Christ as a Man of sorrows. Thank God that you do not need to suffer the sorrows of Hell or have the grief of being forsaken by God the Father. Thank the Lord Jesus for suffering such grief on your behalf. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 9 - The servant offering himself to the smiters and spitters

“I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.” - Isaiah 50:6 Scripture reading: Isaiah 50:1-11 In the third servant song, which is found in Isaiah chapter 50, the Servant of Jehovah speaks of the fury of His enemies and the spite directed towards Him. In Isaiah 50:6 the Servant of the LORD predicts that He would offer His back to smiters and His face to spitters. In this prophecy, the Saviour predicts that He would willingly present His back to strikers. He would not be compelled. He would willingly offer His back. During His ministry, Jesus emphasized His willing sacrifice: “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord” (John 10:18a). It is the voluntary nature of Jesus’ passive obedience that makes His redemptive work so meritorious and precious. He freely and willingly suffered pain and shame in our place. Jesus willingly gave His back to the Roman soldiers so that they could whip Him. The good news is that “with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5b). It is remarkable that wicked men dared to spit in the face of the Son of God. In the New World, it will take faith to believe that rebellious creatures ever dared to profane the face of such a glorious king with spittle. At His Jewish trials, “some began to spit on him” (Mark 14:65). Jesus offered His face to the Roman soldiers: “And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him” (Mark 15:19). They were able to spit at Him because Jesus gave His face to the spitters. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would be willing to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. Pray that you would celebrate Christ as your substitute. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 8 - The gentle Redeemer of elect Jew and Gentile

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.” - Isaiah 42:3  Scripture reading: Isaiah 42:1-9 Matthew, the gospel writer, tells us that the prophecy found in Isaiah 42 was fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus. He describes how Jesus was healing the crowds and telling them not to publicize his miracles: “And many followed him, and he healed them all and ordered them not to make him known” (Matthew 12:15-16). Then Matthew states that Jesus was fulfilling what was prophesied by Isaiah in Isaiah 42 and quotes from it. Jesus is tender with His sheep and lambs. Isaiah predicted this: “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young” (Isaiah 40:11). Jesus will not break a bruised reed. A damaged reed can be in danger of getting knocked over. When a member of Christ’s flock feels weak and at a breaking point, the Good Shepherd will be patient and kind. He gently rebukes us. He redirects us without beating us senseless. When we are fragile, He is our strength. He graciously upholds and strengthens us because He knows our frame. Sometimes, our faith is like an ember, like the glowing orange on the wick of a candle after you have blown it out. We can despair of trusting in God. When our faith is weak because of trials and tribulations, Christ does not send greater troubles that snuff out our faith. He protects the ember. He restores our faith. He fans it into flame again. Such is our tender Saviour. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would strengthen the faith of each one of your family members and give them a rich assurance of their salvation. Ask God to strengthen your faith now so that when trials come, your faith can burn brightly. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 7 - Isaiah’s prophecy of the lame leaping

“Then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.” - Isaiah 35:6  Scripture reading: Isaiah 35:1-10 Joy pervades a prophecy about the coming of the Messiah in Isaiah 35. Isaiah has been called the gospel account of the Old Testament because it speaks so prophetically of the ministry of Jesus. When the Messiah comes there will be a radical change. This change is pictured in two ways. First, this radical change is pictured as the land of Israel being transformed from a desert into an oasis. Christ will bring about a complete, all-embracing change. He will produce shalom. The desert will flower. What was formerly desert will be as beautiful and green as Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon. Isaiah speaks of a raised causeway, a highway, on which the redeemed can travel back to the City of God. Second, this radical change is pictured by the healing of disabled persons. The lame man who needed to shuffle along suddenly leaps like a deer for joy. The mute man does not merely begin to speak, he shouts aloud with joy. The prophecy about the covenant people traveling through the desert on this holy highway was fulfilled typically when the Jews returned from Babylon. It is fulfilled as elect Gentiles come to faith in the Messiah. It is fulfilled repeatedly as individual elect sinners turn to God and as pilgrims hike towards the Celestial City. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy in His ministry of healing. He understood it as referring to His miracles. When John the Baptist had doubts about Jesus’ identity, the Saviour pointed John’s disciples to this prophecy (Matthew 11:4-5). Suggestions for prayer Ask God, in the name of Jesus, to grant healing mercies for any of your loved ones who are sick. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 6 - The nations rallying to the root of Jesse

“In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.” - Isaiah 11:10 Scripture reading: Isaiah 11:1-11 Jesus was called both the root of Jesse and the shoot from the stump of Jesse. Isaiah predicted: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him” (Isaiah 11:1-2a). In these different ways, God predicted that a descendant of Jesse (and King David) would be the future messianic king. Even though it might seem that the Davidic throne had fallen vacant, a future king would sit on it. God predicted in Isaiah 11:10 that the nations would rally to the Messiah. The ESV translation speaks of the nations “inquiring” about Jesus. The NKJV has the nations “seeking” Him. The NIV reads that “the nations will rally to him.” Gentiles would inquire about Jesus and wish to meet Him. This prophecy was already fulfilled during Jesus’ ministry. Gentile Greeks sought out the Saviour, saying: “Sir, we wish to see Jesus” (John 12:21). In John’s gospel account, we also have the wonderful story about how many gentile Samaritans rallied to Jesus. The Samaritan woman (whom Jesus met at Jacob’s well) witnessed to her friends in the city. Afterwards, the Samaritans “asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed there two days. Many more believed because of His word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world” (John 4:40b-42). Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would be excited about rallying others to Jesus. Ask God to give you grace so that you want to seek Jesus by listening to and meditating on His teachings in the gospel accounts. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 5 - The wonderful counselor

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6  Scripture reading: Isaiah 9:1-7 All these titles of the future Messiah have connotations of deity. In the book of Judges, we find Samson’s father, Manoah, asking the Angel of Jehovah what His name is. The Angel of the LORD responds that his name “is wonderful” (Judges 13:18). That Jesus is the ‘Counsellor’ implies that He has no need for a cabinet to give advice because He is the Wisdom of God. The title “Mighty God” contains the widely used name for God which is “Elohim”, a name that points to His mighty power. Christ uses His power to fight for His people. It is remarkable that the second person of the holy Trinity is called the “Everlasting Father”. This title communicates that He is the divine creator of all creatures. Even the final title, “Prince of Peace,” has connotations of deity. The word “prince” is the same word used back in Joshua 5:14 when Joshua meets a man standing with a drawn sword by Jericho. Joshua asks: “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” (Joshua 5:13b). The person responds: “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD” (Joshua 5:14a). Joshua then worshipped the commander. The word for “commander” is the same as the word for “prince” in Isaiah 9:6. So all these titles point to the deity and majesty of the coming Saviour. A very human child would be born. But this child would have such high titles because He would be God in human flesh. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would meditate on the various titles of Christ during the Christmas season to appreciate the greatness of Christ and the variety of His works. Ask for grace to worship Jesus, just like Joshua fell on the ground before the pre-incarnate Son of God. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 4 - The lady who saved Christmas

“But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were being put to death, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Thus they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not put to death.” - 2 Kings 11:2  Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 11:1-25 Jehosheba is not a household name. But she is the lady who saved Christmas. God used her hiding of her nephew, Joash, to preserve the royal line of King David. Jesus’ adoptive father Joseph was a descendent of this rescued boy. Jehosheba was a princess, a daughter of wicked King Jehoram. When Jehu seized power in the northern kingdom of Israel, he killed King Ahaziah of Judah. The dead king’s mother, Athaliah, seized power in Judah. She was the daughter of wicked King Ahab. King Jehoshaphat never should have arranged a marriage between his son, Jehoram, and Ahab’s daughter. This sweet grandmother decides that she will kill all her grandsons so that no one will challenge her right to rule. Queen Athaliah’s soldiers search the palace and murder her grandchildren. Aunt Jehosheba rescues her nephew, Joash. With her husband, Jehoiada, she hides the boy for six years. Then Jehoiada arranges for the seven-year-old boy to be crowned king. And Athaliah is executed. Thus, the royal line of David continued. Hundreds of years later Jesus would have a right to the throne of David through His adoptive father, Joseph. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for protecting the royal line of David. Praise God for raising up Jesus as the King of kings. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

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