Jonathan Edwards – Iain H. Murray
Each year I like to read some biographies. This year my focus is Jonathan Edwards. Murray gives a mostly readable look at Edward’s life. He includes interaction with many of Edwards writings published during his life (which slows the pace a bit, but helps you better understand the man and his times). Murray concludes by considering his legacy. At 500 pages, it requires some dedication, but is worth the effort.
The Cross-Centered Life – C. J. Mahaney
I recently reread this book, and have included a few quotes in some past posts. It is a short book, but it has an important message. We simply can’t lose sight of the cross, or even more – it must be central to our lives. He shows how the cross destroys legalism and removes guilt. And he gives practical suggestions for living with the cross at the center of our lives. Much worth reading…and rereading.
Continuing our thoughts on humility, consider these words from Charles Spurgeon:
“One way in which the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ is this – He gives us more and more debasing views of our own selves. There are two Gods, as it were – one the true, the other the false. Self first mounts the throne in our hearts; the higher the throne of self is exalted, the lower must Christ go. Much of self, little of the Savior. With exalted views of self, self-power, or self-righteousness, then there are sure to be low views of Christ, but when self goes down, then Christ at once rises. It may be said of self, as John the Baptist once said of Christ and himself, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
“If you have had shallow views of your own natural depravity, then you have had very shallow thoughts of Christ. If you think sin to be delightful, if Gethsemane and Golgotha and Calvary seem to you to be names without weight or meaning, if you have never groaned under your sin, I do not wonder that you think little of Christ’s groans and griefs and bloody sweat.
“But when you come to know yourself as verily lost and undone, then you will prize your Deliverer. When the dread word lost has seemed to fall like a death knell upon your ear, then the tidings that the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost will be sweet to you as the Christmas carol of the angels when they sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). If you feel the disease, you will value the Physician; if you know your own emptiness, you will prize Christ’s fullness. But if you reject the teaching of the Holy Spirit, which shows you your utter helplessness and worthlessness, in so doing you have rejected Christ and put far from you that Savior who alone came to save sinners.
“It is, then, a most precious thing when we begin to sink lower and lower in our own estimation. At the commencement of spiritual life, we believe that we are nothing; as we advance, we find that we are less than nothing. May the Holy Spirit so work in you!”
(From his sermon, The Spirit’s Office Toward Disciples)
This Momentary Marriage – John Piper
I’ve already mentioned in past posts how helpful this book was in helping me think through what it means to have a gospel shaped marriage. Christ’s passion for us should affect our marriages. The book also tackles being single and the issue of divorce. Recommended.
Click here for other posts about the family.
Counterfeit Gods – Timothy Keller
I’ve read some other books on the issue of idolatry, so there was a lot familiar territory here. Nonetheless, I needed to hear the truths about idolatry again, for it is a real issue in my life and indeed in all of our lives. Other things quietly seek to steal our passion for God. Keller’s focus on four common idols – love, money, success, and power – was very helpful. He nailed me good on one of them. If you haven’t thought through how idolatry affects your life recently, you should read this book.
Click here for other posts on fighting idolatry.
Last week I reposted daily Passion Week reflections from last year. For daily resurrection reflections from last year, see below:
Sunday – Rejoice: Celebrate His Resurrection
Monday – Received – Embrace the Gospel
Tuesday – Raised: Live Your New Life
Wednesday – Reigns: Submit to Your King
Thursday – Resurrected: Victory Over Death
Friday – Returning – With the Lord
Saturday – Reborn – Hope in Your Inheritance
Sunday – Ransomed: Praise to the Lamb
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” – I Corinthians 15:3-4
Of first importance is that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead. That he was raised is what we celebrate today. As the angels told the women:
“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” – Luke 24:5-6
Why does this announcement fill us with such joy? Why do we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus?
Because he was raised, we too have been raised to a new life in Christ (Romans 6:1-4). Through faith in Jesus, we have become new creations. No longer enslaved to sin, we are now free to serve the living God.
Because he was raised, he is coming back for us some day (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). He will not abandon us. One day he is coming for us! Even so, come Lord Jesus!
Because he was raised, we too will one day be raised (I Corinthians 15:20-23, 50-58). Death is not the end! Like Christ we will be raised with perfect bodies that will never suffer again.
Because he was raised, we have a glorious inheritance (I Peter 1:3-4). Who can begin to fathom the glory that awaits us!
Because he was raised, we will praise him forever for saving us and making us his people (Revelation 5:6-14). What a glorious day it will be when we all gather before the throne and proclaim, Worthy is the Lamb!”
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
Saturday: Pain of Loss and Failure – Struggling Without Hope
Read Luke 22:31-34, 22:54-62, 23:50-56
Prayer: Father, I cannot imagine this day for Peter. What was it like for him to lose Jesus and fail him all in one day? To struggle without hope? And Father, if Jesus had remained in the grave, I too would be without hope. All would be lost. Help me today to remember how hopeless life would be without the glorious news that tomorrow brings. Amen.
Reflect/Discuss: What would your life be like if Jesus had stayed in the grave?
Praise: No singing today. Wait with anticipation for tomorrow.
Morning: Plot – The Plans of God and Men
Read Luke 22:1-6, 22:47-53, 22:63-23:16
Prayer: Father, how shamefully they treated your Son. Judas plotted against him and betrayed his friend. The religious leaders plotted against him and made a mockery of justice to have their own way. And yet all their plots were part of your bigger plot to save me. Thank you for my Savior. Amen.
Noon: Pardon – In My Place
Read Luke 23:16-25
Prayer: Father, Barabbas should have died that day, but Jesus died in his place. The cross should have been mine, but Jesus died in my place. He died for my sins, for my rebellion. He who was perfect paid the penalty for my sins that I might go free. Jesus, thank you for taking my place. Amen.
Evening: Passion – Remember the Cross
Read Luke 23:26-49
Prayer: Father, words are so cheap, but thank you for the cross. Thank you for forgiveness. Thank you for the hope of paradise. Thank you for Jesus. Amen.
Reflect/Discuss: How does reflecting on Christ’s passion fuel your love for him?
Praise: Spend some time singing songs about the cross.
