The essential thing about a priest is that he mediates. He speaks to God on behalf of men and to men on behalf of God. Believers are assigned this responsible task by their God. They are to pray to God for the world. And they are to witness to the world of what God has done.
– Leon Morris on Revelation 1:6 in The Revelation of St. John (TNTC)
Behold Father, Spirit, and Son; Jesus our Faithful Witness
Over the grave He has now won, Reigns as King let all confess
Come for His grace, Come for His peace, Come before our Triune God
Behold our great Savior loves us, By His blood He set us free
A kingdom and priests He made us, He’s coming for all to see
Glory in Him, Submit to Him, Hope in Christ our Coming King
Alpha and Omega is He; Who is, was, and is to come
With all power the Almighty, In Him victory is won
Look to our God, Look to our God, Come to our Almighty King
(To the tune of “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending”)
Are you living like you belong to the kingdom of Jesus? Does your life attest that dominion belongs to Jesus? Do you live like he is your Lord? Is he Lord over your Internet usage? Is he Lord over your money? Is he Lord over your ambitions for your children? Is he Lord over your conversations?
– James Hamilton on Revelation 1:6 in Revelation (PTW)
Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today? Use those words to talk to the Lord.
In spite of the persecution and suffering that the saints are enduring, John wants them to know that they already inhabit a high position with Christ before God. The world is now in seeming control, but Christ has already entered the world and as a result of his “love” has “freed” them from the burdens of their sins and made them part of his kingdom, in which they are both royalty and priests.
– Grant Osborne on Revelation 1:5-6 in Revelation (BECNT)
Here are some interesting posts related to the Psalms:
The Amazing Truth at the Heart of the Psalms – Dane Ortlund (Crossway)
4 Things to Remember When Thinking about the Curses in the Psalms – Justin Taylor
Can Christians Pray the Imprecations of Psalm 69? – W. Robert Godfrey (Ligonier)
Death is the tyrant that threatens all creation with irreplaceable loss and ultimate meaninglessness. But the One who brings this prophecy has dealt with death and rendered death helpless by becoming the firstborn from the dead.
– Paige Patterson on Revelation 1:5 in Revelation (NAC)
Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today? Use those words to talk to the Lord.
(142-143) Read 142:3a. When your spirit is faint, how does it help to remember that God knows our way?
How does 142:3 relate to 143:8?
Why is it important to hear in the morning of God’s steadfast love?
What can we do to remind us of his love each morning?
(145-147) Read these psalms noticing who God is and all the many things that he does.
Which verse especially speaks to you and why?
(142-143, 145-150) As we consider how our God is for us, how should we respond to the Lord according to the following verses? Why?
142:1, 143:1 –
143:6 –
145-150 (main idea) –
Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:
God Desires To Bless You Infinitely More Than You Can Imagine – Mark Altrogge (TBC)
God Will Hold You Through Your Habits – David Mathis (DG)
Ten Questions Christians Should Ask of Their Entertainment – Kevin Halloran
The Worst Consequence of Skipping Church – Tim Challies
Hope you have a great Lord’s Day with your local church!
Brian J. Mikul 