Introduction:
Tonight's study explores the rich narratives and theological themes within Psalm 21:8- 13, Matthew 28, and Exodus 15-16. Psalm 21 reveals the praise and trust in God's deliverance, Matthew 28 captures the resurrection and Great Commission, while Exodus 15-16 delves into the Israelites' journey, emphasizing God's provision and faithfulness. Analyzing these passages offers a holistic understanding of divine intervention, redemption, and the call to share the Good News.
Psalm 21:8-13 in the NKJV describes God's judgment on the enemies of the psalmist. It emphasizes divine intervention, highlighting the destruction that awaits those who oppose God. The theological theme revolves around the righteousness of God's judgments and the ultimate triumph of the righteous.
Through watchful observation, we see Biblical parallels
found in passages like Psalm 2, which also discusses God's authority and the
consequences for those who rebel against Him. Additionally, the imagery of
God's judgment is echoed in Revelation, particularly in chapters depicting the
the final decision and the victory of the Lamb over evil forces.
Verses 22-13 stood out because the psalmist expresses
confidence in God's power to defeat enemies. The imagery of turning their back
and readying arrows signifies God's ability to overcome opposition. The
psalmist then concludes with a call for the Lord to be exalted and a commitment
to sing and praise God's power. It's a declaration of trust in God's strength
and a celebration of His victorious nature.
Matthew 28:1-20 in the NKJV recounts the resurrection of
Jesus Christ. The passage begins with the Mary Magdalene discovering the tomb
empty. An angel appears, announcing Jesus' resurrection and instructing them to
tell the disciples. Jesus meets them, confirms His resurrection, and
commissions them to spread the news.
Spiritually, this passage signifies the pivotal moment in
Christianity—the triumphant resurrection of Jesus. The women play a significant
role as the first witnesses, emphasizing their crucial role in proclaiming the
Gospel.
A biblical parallel is found in Mark 16, which also
narrates the disciples' resurrection and commissioning. Both accounts align in
emphasizing the women's role in conveying the resurrection message.
The theological theme centers on the victory of Christ
over death, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecies and the call for
disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations. It underscores the foundational
Christian belief in the resurrection is a cornerstone of faith.
In Matthew 28:5-10 (NKJV), the passage narrates the
discovery of Jesus' empty tomb by Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. It
emphasizes the crucial role of women as the first witnesses to the
resurrection. Mary is significant in the context of biblical parallels, where
women play pivotal roles in pivotal moments:
1. Mary Magdalene at the Empty Tomb (John 20:1-18): Mary
Magdalene is another account of a woman being the first to see the resurrected
Jesus. Jesus chooses her to be the first witness and even becomes the messenger
to the disciples.
2. Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42): Jesus
revealed His identity as the Messiah to a Samaritan woman. She then becomes a
witness, leading many Samaritans to believe in Jesus. The Samaritan woman
highlights the transformative power of women in spreading the message.
3. Deborah in Judges 4-5: Deborah served as a judge and
prophetess in Israel. Deborah played a crucial role in leading the Israelites
to victory, demonstrating that God can use women in leadership positions.
These instances highlight the biblical precedent of women
chosen as messengers and witnesses in critical moments. In the case of the
resurrection, the women at the tomb were entrusted with the monumental task of
proclaiming the risen Lord, emphasizing the equality and importance of both men
and women in sharing the Good News.
Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) is often called the Great
Commission, where Jesus gives a crucial mandate to His disciples before
ascending to heaven. Let's break it down:
Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV):
"18 And Jesus
came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven
and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching
them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you
always, even to the end of the age.' Amen."
Importance:
1. Authority: Jesus begins by asserting His authority
over all realms. This establishes the foundation for the disciples' mission –
they are sent out with divine authority.
2. Global Mission: The disciples are instructed to go and
make disciples of all nations. This emphasizes the universal nature of the
Gospel is meant for people from every part of the world.
3. Trinitarian Baptism: The mention of baptizing in the
name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit underscores the concept of the
Trinity, highlighting the foundational Christian belief in the triune nature of
God.
4. Teaching and Observance: Discipleship involves
conversion, ongoing teaching, and adherence to Christ's commands. This stresses
the importance of continual spiritual growth and obedience.
5. Divine Presence: The assurance that Jesus will be with
them always provide comfort and confidence, indicating that the disciples are
not undertaking this mission alone.
Understanding:
This passage encapsulates the core mission of the
Christian faith. It involves spreading the Gospel globally, initiating people
into the Christian community through Baptism, and nurturing their spiritual
growth through teaching and obedience to Christ's commands. The Trinitarian
formula reinforces the foundational beliefs of Christianity.
Application:
The Great Commission is not solely for the disciples of
that time but extends to all believers. It emphasizes active involvement in
sharing the Gospel, making disciples, and facilitating spiritual growth. The
promise of Jesus' perpetual presence strengthens and motivates believers
throughout generations to carry out this mission faithfully.
Exodus 15:1-16:36 in the NKJV covers the Israelites'
journey through the Red Sea, the Song of Moses, and the provision of manna and
quail in the wilderness. Spiritually, this passage reflects God's deliverance,
faithfulness, and the need for trust even in challenging circumstances.
The theological theme revolves around God's sovereignty
and commitment to His chosen people. The Song of Moses in Exodus 15 expresses
gratitude for God's triumph over enemies, illustrating the importance of
praising God in times of victory.
A biblical parallel can be found in Psalm 78, which
recounts Israel's history, including the Exodus and God's miraculous
provisions. Both passages emphasize the significance of remembering God's
actions and trusting in His guidance despite difficulties.
Exodus 16:1 (NKJV) refers to the Israelites' journey in
the wilderness after leaving Egypt. The "wilderness of Sin" mentioned
in this verse is a geographical location, not a reference to sinful behavior.
It's an area the Israelites passed through during their wilderness journey, and
its exact location has yet to be definitively known. In this context, the term
"Sin" is believed to be derived from a Hebrew word that refers to the
moon, possibly indicating a region with a moon-shaped topography. The wilderness
of Sin becomes significant as it's the setting for events such as God's
provision of manna and quail to sustain the Israelites.
In Exodus 15:23 (NKJV), the term "Marah" is not
a name but a descriptive term. Marah means "bitter" in Hebrew. In
this verse, it is used to describe the water at a location where the Israelites
camped after crossing the Red Sea. The water at Marah was bitter and
undrinkable, causing distress among the people. This incident is part of the
narrative of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, emphasizing their
dependence on God for provision and guidance. The bitter water at Marah becomes
a symbol in the biblical narrative, illustrating the challenges and testing of
faith the Israelites faced in their journey.
Overall, Exodus 15:1-16:36 showcases God's power,
provision, and the importance of faithfulness for believers amid trials.
In Christ, love Jared Link to more notes that weren't mentioned tonight"s study: #bible #faith #jesus #love #devotional #spiritual #peace #christian #spirituality
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