Category Archives: Expository

Christ’s Earnest Desire

March 22, 2012 By in Expository, Gospel

In Luke 22:15 we read “And he said, I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you…” Jesus is telling his disciples, and us by his Word, I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you. The language our Lord uses is strong “How I have longed to eat this Passover with you…” or as other translators put it “with fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you.” The Son of God desires, longs, is passionate for this — not only to “eat this Passover,” but to do so “with you.”

The language of these words of Christ, in their setting at the last supper, brings John 13:1 to mind: “Jesus, knowing that His hour had come that He should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own, He loved them to the end.” Continue reading →

Why the Incarnation?

December 27, 2011 By in Devotional, Expository

He himself likewise shared in the same [flesh and blood]… (Hebrews 2:14)

But why? Why would he, the eternal Son of God, the heir of all things, the Creator of all, the brightness of God’s glory, do this? Why would he take on our nature for all eternity? Jesus did not do this simply for the sake of a shared experience; he was not a divine cultural tourist. His incarnation was and is an active, willing, pursuit of a multifaceted goal. Hebrews 2 gives at least nine reasons why the Son of God has identified with His people by His incarnation:
Continue reading →

Feeling Jaded About Your Church?

August 22, 2011 By in Church Life, Devotional, Expository

Whether in ministry leadership in a church, or part of the rest of the body, there are times when we begin to see all too well the weaknesses and failures around us. We lose sight of God’s supernatural, powerful, gracious activity. Over at Reformation21, the online magazine of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, I share my own walk through God’s Word to regain biblical vision and a grateful spirit: Gratitude for Grace in Ministry.