Giving Him More of Our Love [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:1–4]

What does the bride desire most? Song of Songs 8:1–4 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what the bride desires most is more of the pleasure of the Bridegroom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional unfolds the church’s longing to please Christ through faithful worship, teaching, and fruit-bearing ministry, in a love that is openly approved, abundantly expressed, deeply dependent, and undisturbed in its devotion. The bride’s declaration that His left hand is under her head and His right hand embraces her underscores that every act of service and worship is sustained by divine strength, calling for continual humility and gratitude rather than self-achievement. The charge to the daughters of Jerusalem reflects a solemn warning against disrupting the church’s worship and teaching. Ultimately, the church’s highest aim is to be a people whose collective life and worship bring Christ genuine pleasure, desiring both revival and His return.

2026.03.31 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:1–4

Read Song of Songs 8:1–4

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the bride wish about the Bridegroom (Song of Songs 8:1a–b)? For what circumstance (verse 1c)? To be able to do what (verse 1d)? Without what (verse 1e)? Where would she bring Him (Song of Songs 8:2a–b)? What had happened there (verse 2c)? What would she make Him to drink (verse 2d–e)? How would He support her (Song of Songs 8:3a) and hold her (verse 3b)? Whom does she address in Song of Songs 8:4a? Not to do what to what (verse 4b)? For how long (verse 4c)? 

What does the bride desire most? Song of Songs 8:1–4 prepares us for the opening portion of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what the bride desires most is more of the pleasure of the Bridegroom. 

The bride has “taken the words out of His mouth” (Song of Songs 7:9), and made a welcome to Him (7:10–11) to enjoy the first signs (Song of Songs 7:12) of the fruits that are produced (Song of Songs 7:13) from the lives of sleepers (Song of Songs 7:9). 

Now, she expresses her desire to be more openly approved, more plentiful, more dependent, and more undisturbed in her pouring out of love to Him.

More openly approved. He has called her His sister (cf. Song of Songs 4:9, Song of Songs 4:10, Song of Songs 4:12), and Scripture describes Him as our elder Brother (Song of Songs 8:1a, cf. Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:11–12). Additionally, He and the saints are children of the same mother (cf. Revelation 12:1–5, Revelation 12:17). There is even a sense in which they were, indeed, nourished by that mother (Song of Songs 8:1b). 

In their culture, brothers and sisters could show affection in public, but it was frowned upon for a husband and wife. The bride is desiring that the day would come, when open affection between Bridegroom and bride would be universally approved. We ought to desire, and pray, and labor for reformation!

And, we ought to be longing for the perfect and permanent reformation that comes at last. That day is coming, dear Christian! Don’t you long for it? The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” (cf. Revelation 22:17). 

More plentiful. In their reunion from her first backsliding, she had expressed a desire to bring Him to the house of her mother (Song of Songs 8:2a–b, cf. Song of Songs 3:4), and now she says it again, using His own language—the spiced wine recalling the mixed/strong wine from Song of Songs 7:2, and the pomegranate recalling Song of Songs 4:3, Song of Songs 6:7. The pomegranate (Song of Songs 8:2e), its blush color indicating modesty, and flushing with pleasure, has thus far appeared behind her veil. Now, she desires His fellowship in the assembly of the church, where the instructional ministry of the church (verse 2c) increases the welcome and refreshment of the wine (verse 2d).

It is the church’s desire to be employed by Christ for the instruction of believers, increasing their delight in being the objects of His affection. This is like the wine of refreshment and gladness, celebration and fellowship, to Him. The bride longs to refresh the Bridegroom with more instructed, more sanctified, more delighted saints.

More dependent. Although she is producing life for Him (cf. Song of Songs 7:11–12), and bearing fruit for Him (cf. Song of Songs 7:13), unto His enjoyment of the juice and wine of that fruit (cf. Song of Songs 8:2), she wants to testify that it is really He, Who does all the heavy lifting. Song of Songs 8:3 is quoting all the way back from Song of Songs 2:6, where she had fainted from His overwhelming love (cf. Song of Songs 2:5). Now, even though she is serving Him with life and vigor, He is still bearing her up in His arms (Song of Songs 8:3). In all of her love and service to Him, she continues to be sustained by Him. Such is the sweet experience of the church and the Christian—not only to serve the Lord, but to do so in entire dependence upon Him. Thus, the believer’s service to Christ produces gratitude, where the flesh would have produced a sense of accomplishment and pride.

More undisturbed. As He sustains her (Song of Songs 8:3), so that she can please Him with the final product of her ministry to the saints (Song of Songs 8:2), she now charges those saints not to disrupt this. The picture is of the Bridegroom and the bride in a loving embrace, and how hateful toward both of them it would be to disrupt them. But this is exactly what they do, who hinder the faithful preaching, teaching, and shepherding of the church—whether by diluting or altering the theology, or by deemphasizing the teaching, or distracting from the Lord’s ordinances by the ideas of men. Don’t disrupt the Lord’s delight in shepherding His church by His means!

What part does reformation have in your prayers and efforts? How does Jesus’s pleasure in the teaching ministry of the church affect your participation in it? When you serve the Lord fruitfully, do you find more of a feeling of achievement, or gratitude? How do you participate in sustaining and advancing the reformation and revival of the church? How are you in danger of disturbing or hindering it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, how we rejoice to be assembled with Your church, in the house of our mother. Come, and delight in the spiced wine of our pleasure in Your instruction. Sustain us, with Your left hand under our head, and Your right hand embracing us. And do not let Your love for us be disturbed until You have accomplished all Your holy will for our worship, through Your grace, which we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP122 “I Was Filled with Joy and Gladness” or TPH95A “O Come Before the LORD, Our King”

Him Who Knew No Sin [Children's Catechism 46—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 46—especially explaining how in order to be our Priest, and our Substitute, Christ had to have the holiness of God Himself.

Q46. Did our Lord Jesus Christ ever commit the least sin? No; He was holy, harmless, and undefiled. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The lesson centers on the absolute sinlessness of Jesus Christ, affirming that He never committed the least sin, as required for Him to be a perfect high priest and Redeemer. Even the sinful thought, feeling, or desire is sin, reinforcing the necessity of Christ’s complete moral purity. Ultimately, Christ’s unique and indispensable role in salvation, requires His flawless character and divine righteousness.

The Safe-Keeping of the Heart [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 23:12–24:2]

How can the heart be kept safe? Proverbs 23:12–24:2 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these twenty-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we keep our heart safe from following evil by giving it to the wise’s wisdom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional centers on the vital importance of cultivating a wise and godly heart through faithful instruction, disciplined correction, and loyal devotion to godly parents and generations past and future. From Proverbs 23:12–24:2, it emphasizes that true wisdom begins with the heart’s surrender to divine truth, parental guidance, and the fear of the Lord, rather than worldly allurements such as drunkenness, gluttony, or immoral relationships.

2026.03.30 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 23:12–24:2

Read Proverbs 23:12–24:2

Questions from the Scripture text: What should the son do with his heart (Proverbs 23:12a)? And ears (verse 12b)? What shouldn’t be withheld from whom (Proverbs 23:13a)? What won’t happen (verse 13b)? What must a parent do (Proverbs 23:14a)? Unto what purpose (verse 14b)? Whose heart may be in what condition (Proverbs 23:15a)? Whose heart will do what (Proverbs 23:15-16a)? How will the father know, when the son’s heart is wise (Proverbs 23:16b)? What must the son keep his heart from (Proverbs 23:17a)? How (verse 17b)? Why (Proverbs 23:18)? What does Proverbs 23:19a command? Unto what end (verse 19b)? And the avoidance of whom (Proverbs 23:20)? Why (Proverbs 23:21)? What should he do with his father (Proverbs 23:22a)? And with his mother (verse 22b)? What should he get, and never give up (Proverbs 23:23)? Who will rejoice (Proverbs 23:24)? What, then, should the son do (Proverbs 23:25)? What should the son do with his heart (Proverbs 23:26a)? And eyes (verse 26b)? Why—of whom would he be in what danger (Proverbs 23:27-28)? What is the condition of the person in Proverbs 23:29? How did they get there (Proverbs 23:30)? By what mustn’t the son be tempted (Proverbs 23:31)? Why (Proverbs 23:32)? How does wine sting (Proverbs 23:33)? What sort of choices do drunks make (Proverbs 23:34)? How do they end up (Proverbs 23:35)? What should the son avoid (Proverbs 24:1)? Why (Proverbs 24:2)?

How can the heart be kept safe? Proverbs 23:12–24:2 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these twenty-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we keep our heart safe from following evil by giving it to the wise’s wisdom.

The 12th–20th sayings focus on the keeping of the heart from being with and like the wicked, by giving it to the wise parent’s wise teaching. #12 (Proverbs 23:12) is an introduction to the section, recalling saying 1 (cf. Proverbs 22:17). The ears are for getting knowledge that shapes the heart. Not only his soul, but his own children’s soul’s depend, instrumentally speaking, on his being wise, and instructing (Proverbs 23:13a) and disciplining (Proverbs 23:13-14a) them wisely, in dependence upon God to save the soul (#13, Proverbs 23:13-14). So, not only should he aim at his parents’ joy, but by the time it is complete, he will be urging his children similarly from his own lips (Proverbs 23:16b); in this way, the hearts of the generations are linked together (#14, Proverbs 23:15-16). In #15 (Proverbs 23:17-18), we learn why the care of the heart is so important: it is in danger of envying sinners, (Proverbs 23:17a) and having hope cut off (Proverbs 23:18b) in the latter end (verse 18a). The fear of YHWH (Proverbs 23:17b) is the antidote that the heart-work of these sayings produces. 

So, to escape winos, gluttons, drunks, and sluggards (Proverbs 23:20-21), the son must guide his heart in the way (Proverbs 23:19b) by hearing his father (Proverbs 23:19a) and being wise (#16, Proverbs 23:19-21). It is not just the attention of the heart, but the affection of the heart, that the Lord uses. The natural affection for begetting father (Proverbs 23:22a) and aging(verse 22b)/bearing(Proverbs 23:25b) mother (Proverbs 23:22b) motivates us to give them great joy (Proverbs 23:24a), delight (verse 24b), and gladness (Proverbs 23:25a). So, we must get truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding, and never give them up (Proverbs 23:23) (#17, Proverbs 23:22-25). Aiming at his mother’s joy is urgent because of the mortal danger of lusting for the harlot or seductress (#18, Proverbs 23:26-28). But it’s not just harlots that seduce; wine also seduces (Proverbs 23:30-31), destructively (Proverbs 23:29), painfully (Proverbs 23:32), deludingly (Proverbs 23:33), derangingly (Proverbs 23:34-35b), and addictingly (Proverbs 23:35c) (#19, Proverbs 23:29-35). The last thing one should want is what the wicked have, or to be with them, lest your own heart and lips become like theirs (#20, Proverbs 24:1-2).

What dangers is your specific heart most prone to? How are you using your eyes and ears to protect it? To whom (Whom) are you giving it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, please help us to give our ears, eyes, and hearts to You by hearing and heeding those by whom You instruct us in wisdom. Make us zealous to fear You. Make us delight to delight you, and to gladden the godly. And, thus, save our hearts from envying the wicked, being seduced by them, or becoming like them. Save us from deadly pleasures, and give us eternal life, enjoying You, we ask in Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH164 “God Himself Is with Us” 

2026.03.29 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

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YHWH Our Stronghold [Family Worship lesson in Nahum 1:7–11]

How is God’s glory revealed in wrath? Nahum 1:7–11 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s glory is revealed in the justice of His wrath, but especially in the mercy that He shows to those whom He has chosen in love. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage presents a powerful contrast between God’s role as a stronghold for those who trust in Him and His role as a consuming fire of judgment against His enemies, particularly the Assyrian empire and its leader Sennacherib. Central to the message is the truth that God’s goodness—eternal and self-sufficient—is the foundation of His mercy and the reason for creation. The text emphasizes that to conspire against God’s people is to conspire against God Himself, and that all who live for anything other than His glory will face utter destruction. The devotional calls both believers and unbelievers to recognize their true position before God: either as those sheltered by His grace or as those consumed by His justice.

2026.03.28 Hopewell @Home ▫ Nahum 1:7–11

Read Nahum 1:7–11

Questions from the Scripture text: How does Nahum 1:7a summarize YHWH’s character (verse 7a)? How is this goodness expressed and experienced by believers, at what time in their lives (verse 7b)? What is His relation to those who take refuge in this stronghold (verse 7c)? What pursues those who are His enemies, instead of His friends (Nahum 1:8c)? What does He do to them (verse 8b)? In what manner (verse 8a)? What are they doing, as implied by the rhetorical question in Nahum 1:9a? What, specifically, are they conspiring/devising (verse 9c)? Why won’t this affliction arise a second time (verse 9b)? What will ultimately happen to these oppressors (Nahum 1:10c)? In what manner (verse 10a–b)? Who is taking this lead in the plot against YHWH (Nahum 1:11a–b)? What does this plotter of evil counsel (verse 11c)? 

How is God’s glory revealed in wrath? Nahum 1:7–11 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s glory is revealed in the justice of His wrath, but especially in the mercy that He shows to those whom He has chosen in love.  

YHWH the Stronghold, Nahum 1:7. In Nahum 1:7, Nahum returns to the goodness of YHWH, briefly mentioned in Nahum 1:3a. There, he had explained the reason for the delay in YHWH’s wrath—not because of inability or unwillingness, but because of patience. But God’s patience means salvation for some (cf. Romans 2:6–7, Romans 2:10), and greater wrath for others(cf. Romans 2:4–5, Romans 2:8–9). 

YHWH’s wrath is delayed (cf. Romans 9:22), because He especially delights to glorify His goodness (cf. Romans 9:23–24). Everyone in this world experiences goodness from God continuously in this life. But it is in our afflictions that we really see the difference. When the believer goes through trouble (Nahum 1:7b), YHWH is a stronghold to him. But, when His enemies experience trouble, that is just the beginnings of absolutely complete wrath (Nahum 1:8).

YHWH knows those who trust in Him. They come to trust in Him, because He has known them—chosen them in love. This is what is meant by the language of “knowing” (Nahum 1:7c). Genesis 15:19 uses “known” in the same way. He choses them. He loves them. He is not just a secure place for them (Nahum 1:7b). He, personally, knows them always; and, when they are in trouble, His knowing them makes Him their stronghold.

YHWH the Flood, Nahum 1:8. The security of those who trust in YHWH (Nahum 1:7) is equaled by the destruction that will come to His enemies (Nahum 1:8). Ever since Genesis 6, the overflowing flood had been the ultimate expression of God’s wrath. Now, verse 8a describes what’s coming as an overflowing flood. Jesus describes God’s wrath as “outer darkness” (cf. Matthew 8:12, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 25:30). Here, Nahum 1:8c describes what is coming as darkness pursuing His enemies. Not only they, but their place, will come to an utter end. 

If you live in God’s world for anything other than His glory, you act as His enemy (cf. Romans 1:18–25). You might live for yourself. You might live for your pleasures. You might live for your possessions. You might live for your praise, and your prominence in this world. But if you are not righteous with God through faith in Jesus Christ, then all that you lived for will come to an utter end.

YHWH, Nineveh’s Consuming Fire, Nahum 1:9-11.  In Nahum 1:9, we go from the general to the very specific. We expected this, since the book was titled as the weight that is against Nineveh. Just as every believer must know not only that God is a general Savior, but his own, personal Savior, so also the analog is true for the unbeliever. He must know not only that God is a God of complete vengeance and wrath against His enemies generally, but that God is his own, personal enemy, specifically. God will take vengeance upon Him.

The plural “you” in Nahum 1:9a matches up with a singular, feminine “you,” in Nahum 1:11a, indicating the city of Nineveh. That plural “you,” then, indicates her citizens. They were happy enough to benefit from the ruthless oppression of Sennacherib. The affliction that came out of Nineveh upon the people of God (Nahum 1:9c) would never again arise, once God had judged them (verse 9b). 

Whoever attacks the Lord’s people attacks the Lord (cf. Matthew 25:41–46; Acts 9:4). But Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, whose capital was Nineveh, was especially bold about this. He directly insulted and blasphemed YHWH (cf. 2 Kings 18:30, 2 Kings 18:35; 2 Kings 19:22–23). YHWH will give themselves over to being physically (Nahum 1:10a) and mentally (verse 10b) inept, so that they will be quickly and completely destroyed (like a fire in dry stubble, verse 10c). 

YHWH is a consuming fire (cf. Deuteronomy 9:3–4). Let the wicked nation, city, king, people, or individual know that He is their own, personal consuming fire.

What trouble are you going through? How is YHWH a stronghold for you in it? What sin, in you, is at enmity with YHWH? How are you demonstrating that you are at enmity with it? Who are the enemies of the true church in the world? What is their sure end?

Sample prayer:  Lord, You are good, our stronghold in the day of trouble. Thank You for choosing us and loving us and giving to us to know You as our stronghold. Forgive us for when we have not been at enmity with our sin. Make us to hate it with complete hatred. We thank You for the certainty that You will destroy all of Your and our enemies. We praise You for Your justice and wrath, and especially for the riches of Your glory in Your mercy in Christ, through Whom we pray, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP7B “God, Is My Shield” or TPH2B “Why Do Heathen Nations Rage”

Giving Him More of Our Love [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:1–4]

What does the bride desire most? Song of Songs 8:1–4 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what the bride desires most is more of the pleasure of the Bridegroom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional unfolds the church’s longing to please Christ through faithful worship, teaching, and fruit-bearing ministry, in a love that is openly approved, abundantly expressed, deeply dependent, and undisturbed in its devotion. The bride’s declaration that His left hand is under her head and His right hand embraces her underscores that every act of service and worship is sustained by divine strength, calling for continual humility and gratitude rather than self-achievement. The charge to the daughters of Jerusalem reflects a solemn warning against disrupting the church’s worship and teaching. Ultimately, the church’s highest aim is to be a people whose collective life and worship bring Christ genuine pleasure, desiring both revival and His return.

2026.03.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:1–4

Read Song of Songs 8:1–4

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the bride wish about the Bridegroom (Song of Songs 8:1a–b)? For what circumstance (verse 1c)? To be able to do what (verse 1d)? Without what (verse 1e)? Where would she bring Him (Song of Songs 8:2a–b)? What had happened there (verse 2c)? What would she make Him to drink (verse 2d–e)? How would He support her (Song of Songs 8:3a) and hold her (verse 3b)? Whom does she address in Song of Songs 8:4a? Not to do what to what (verse 4b)? For how long (verse 4c)? 

What does the bride desire most? Song of Songs 8:1–4 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what the bride desires most is more of the pleasure of the Bridegroom. 

The bride has “taken the words out of His mouth” (Song of Songs 7:9), and made a welcome to Him (Song of Songs 7:10–11) to enjoy the first signs (Song of Songs 7:12) of the fruits that are produced (Song of Songs 7:13) from the lives of sleepers (Song of Songs 7:9). 

Now, she expresses her desire to be more openly approved, more plentiful, more dependent, and more undisturbed in her pouring out of love to Him.

More openly approved. He has called her His sister (cf. Song of Songs 4:9, Song of Songs 4:10, Song of Songs 4:12), and Scripture describes Him as our elder Brother (Song of Songs 8:1a, cf. Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:11–12). Additionally, He and the saints are children of the same mother (cf. Revelation 12:1–5, Revelation 12:17). There is even a sense in which they were, indeed, nourished by that mother (Song of Songs 8:1b). 

In their culture, brothers and sisters could show affection in public, but it was frowned upon for a husband and wife. The bride is desiring that the day would come, when open affection between Bridegroom and bride would be universally approved. We ought to desire, and pray, and labor for reformation!

And, we ought to be longing for the perfect and permanent reformation that comes at last. That day is coming, dear Christian! Don’t you long for it? The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” (cf. Revelation 22:17). 

More plentiful. In their reunion from her first backsliding, she had expressed a desire to bring Him to the house of her mother (Song of Songs 8:2a–b, cf. Song of Songs 3:4), and now she says it again, using His own language—the spiced wine recalling the mixed/strong wine from Song of Songs 7:2, and the pomegranate recalling Song of Songs 4:3, Song of Songs 6:7. The pomegranate (Song of Songs 8:2e), its blush color indicating modesty, and flushing with pleasure, has thus far appeared behind her veil. Now, she desires His fellowship in the assembly of the church, where the instructional ministry of the church (verse 2c) increases the welcome and refreshment of the wine (verse 2d).

It is the church’s desire to be employed by Christ for the instruction of believers, increasing their delight in being the objects of His affection. This is like the wine of refreshment and gladness, celebration and fellowship, to Him. The bride longs to refresh the Bridegroom with more instructed, more sanctified, more delighted saints.

More dependent. Although she is producing life for Him (cf. Song of Songs 7:11–12), and bearing fruit for Him (cf. Song of Songs 7:13), unto His enjoyment of the juice and wine of that fruit (cf. Song of Songs 8:2), she wants to testify that it is really He, Who does all the heavy lifting. Song of Songs 8:3 is quoting all the way back from Song of Songs 2:6, where she had fainted from His overwhelming love (cf. Song of Songs 2:5). Now, even though she is serving Him with life and vigor, He is still bearing her up in His arms (Song of Songs 8:3). In all of her love and service to Him, she continues to be sustained by Him. Such is the sweet experience of the church and the Christian—not only to serve the Lord, but to do so in entire dependence upon Him. Thus, the believer’s service to Christ produces gratitude, where the flesh would have produced a sense of accomplishment and pride.

More undisturbed. As He sustains her (Song of Songs 8:3), so that she can please Him with the final product of her ministry to the saints (Song of Songs 8:2), she now charges those saints not to disrupt this. The picture is of the Bridegroom and the bride in a loving embrace, and how hateful toward both of them it would be to disrupt them. But this is exactly what they do, who hinder the faithful preaching, teaching, and shepherding of the church—whether by diluting or altering the theology, or by deemphasizing the teaching, or distracting from the Lord’s ordinances by the ideas of men. Don’t disrupt the Lord’s delight in shepherding His church by His means!

What part does reformation have in your prayers and efforts? How does Jesus’s pleasure in the teaching ministry of the church affect your participation in it? When you serve the Lord fruitfully, do you find more of a feeling of achievement, or gratitude? How do you participate in sustaining and advancing the reformation and revival of the church? How are you in danger of disturbing or hindering it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, how we rejoice to be assembled with Your church, in the house of our mother. Come, and delight in the spiced wine of our pleasure in Your instruction. Sustain us, with Your left hand under our head, and Your right hand embracing us. And do not let Your love for us be disturbed until You have accomplished all Your holy will for our worship, through Your grace, which we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP22C “I’ll Praise You in the Gathering” or TPH95A “O Come Before the LORD, Our King”

Know Your Audience [2026.03.25 Midweek Sermon in Proverbs 22:22–23:11]

Always know before whom you stand—especially that you're always before the Lord.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

The Lord of Sabbath-Keeping [Family Worship lesson in Mark 1:21–39]

How does Jesus keep the Sabbath? Mark 1:21–39 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus keeps the Sabbath holy unto the Lord, and by being unto us the Lord of His holy Sabbath. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional presents the Lord’s Day through the lens of Mark 1:21–39, portraying Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath, Whose actions reveal the essence of holy rest: not mere cessation from labor, but active, joyful fellowship with God. Through His authoritative teaching in the synagogue, His powerful deliverance of a man possessed by an unclean spirit, and His healing of the sick—including Peter’s mother-in-law—Jesus demonstrates that the Sabbath is a sacred gathering where Christ Himself speaks, acts, and restores. The Lord’s Day is defined by the presence and power of Christ, Who calls His people to gather for worship, hear His Word with spiritual awe, and be transformed by His grace. Even in the quiet solitude of early morning prayer, Jesus models the deeper rest of intimate communion with the Father, calling believers to extend the Sabbath’s spiritual vitality beyond public worship into private devotion. Ultimately, the devotional calls the church to embrace the entire Lord’s Day as an unique engagement with God in Christ, in public and private worship.

2026.03.26 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 1:21–39

Read Mark 1:21–39

Questions from the Scripture text: Where did they go (Mark 1:21)? On what day did they go where? To do what? How did they receive His teaching (Mark 1:22)? Why—how did He teach? Unlike whom? Who was there, where (Mark 1:23)? What did he have? What did he do? What did the spirit ask Jesus to do (Mark 1:24)? What two questions did it ask? What did it declare? What did Jesus do to the spirit (Mark 1:25)? With what two commands? What did the spirit do to the man (Mark 1:26)? How did it cry? Then what did it do? What effect did this have upon the people in the synagogue (Mark 1:27)? What did they do among themselves? What were they asking? Why? What effect did this have (Mark 1:28)? Where? Where did they go in Mark 1:29? When? Who was with Him? Who was in what condition (Mark 1:30)? What did they do about this? What did He do to her (Mark 1:31)? With what effect? What time was it in Mark 1:32? Whom did they bring to Him? Who was there (Mark 1:33)? What did Jesus do in Mark 1:34? What did He not allow? Why? What time was it in Mark 1:35? When had Jesus risen? Where did He go? What did He do? Who did what, in Mark 1:36? What did they do in Mark 1:37? What did they say? Where did He say to them to go (Mark 1:38)? In order for Him to do what? Why? What was He doing (Mark 1:39)? Where? Attended by doing what else?

How does Jesus keep the Sabbath? Mark 1:21–39 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus keeps the Sabbath holy unto the Lord, and by being unto us the Lord of His holy Sabbath. 

In Mark’s presentation of the gospel, we had the extraordinary beginning in Mark 1:1-11, and then the very humble—possibly even discouraging—developments in Mark 1:12-20 from last week. Then, in this week’s reading, as we follow Christ in Mark, the Holy Spirit takes us along with Him on a Sabbath.

Christ chose humble appearance, circumstances, and companions; but, now, He elects to display the greatness of His power, in connection with His Word on the Sabbath, in congregational worship.

It was a very interesting day in church. First, there’s the Man that the baptizer had gotten so excited about, before getting tossed into prison. He’s been in the wilderness and came back looking half starved. He came to their back country town and chose some young fishermen to be His companions.

Then He starts to preach (Mark 1:21). And what preaching it is. There’s never been anything like this in church—it’s as if God Himself is addressing the congregation (Mark 1:22)! Then, a man with a demon (Mark 1:23) calls Him the Holy One of God (Mark 1:24), and Jesus casts it out (Mark 1:25-28). Then later, they hear that He has miraculously healed a woman in town (Mark 1:29-31), and they swarm the house with all the people who need healing and deliverance (Mark 1:32-34).

He is the God of the Sabbath, here to save them not just from demons and disease, but from damnation. The Sabbath is all about being with Him as He shows forth to us Who He is. There is nothing so Sabbath-keeping as being with Jesus and being healed by Jesus. He has come to undo all of the effects of our sin. All of them!

Jesus, of course, knows what the Sabbath is all about. He rises early, before the sun, to have fellowship with the Father and the Spirit (Mark 1:35). Prayer is more refreshing to Him than sleeping in.

On subsequent Sabbaths, He repeated His preaching and delivering in other synagogues in other towns (Mark 1:36-39).

Is the gospel about power for salvation? Yes. But even more than that, it is about the almighty Person, Who is the Savior. And that’s Whom the Sabbath is all about.

What should our Sabbaths be about? How is that different from how we are tempted to spend them? Shall we not confess our hard hearts—that we more easily acknowledge our need of sleep or play than our need of the Lord Himself? And shall we not rejoice that Christ is our righteousness, and even His Sabbath keeping, and delight in the Lord, is both counted for us and being worked out in us?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You for Your display of Yourself as Lord of the Sabbath. Forgive us for how we have not spent the whole of our Lord’s Days gathered to Jesus, listening to Jesus, being amazed at Jesus, being delivered by Jesus, being healed by Jesus, and having fellowship with Jesus. We grieve that we have sometimes thought sleep, or play could be more refreshing, or some other work or service could be more productive. Please forgive us. Count Jesus’s righteousness as our own, and make us also to keep the Sabbath as He did, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP118D “Now Open Wide the Gates” or TPH151 “Lord of the Sabbath, Hear Us Pray”

2026.03.25 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

To tune in for the Prayer Meeting, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

The Word Dwelling Richly in Us [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47]

How does God display Himself as the only true God? Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these forty-eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God displays Himself as the only true God by saving sinners, with whom He persists until glory. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2026.03.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47

Read Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47

Questions from the Scripture text: How does Deuteronomy 31:30 introduce the song? Who are called to witness it (Deuteronomy 32:1)? How does Deuteronomy 32:2 express the intention for the song to be life-giving? Whom do Deuteronomy 32:3-4 describe? What resemblance to Him do Israel have (Deuteronomy 32:5)? What do the rhetorical questions in Deuteronomy 32:6 imply about this? What had YHWH done for them (Deuteronomy 32:7-11)? With what actions, and in what manner? What does He emphasize about their being led (Deuteronomy 32:12)? How does Deuteronomy 32:13a describe the blessedness of this intimacy with the Lord alone (cf. Isaiah 58:14)? How do Deuteronomy 32:13-14 continue to describe it? How does Deuteronomy 32:15a describe Israel in their prosperity? What did they do in this prosperity (Deuteronomy 32:15-18)? To Whom? How? How did YHWH respond to this treachery (Deuteronomy 32:19-24)? Addressing whom, among them (Deuteronomy 32:25)? What did they deserve (Deuteronomy 32:26)? But what would the enemy then have thought (Deuteronomy 32:27)? What should Israel have realized about their own judgment (Deuteronomy 32:28-30)? How does Israel’s God compare to the enemy’s God (Deuteronomy 32:31-33)? What will He do to the enemy, at what time (Deuteronomy 32:34-35)? What will He do for His own people, at what time (Deuteronomy 32:36)? What does He say about their idols (Deuteronomy 32:37-38)? What does God show about Himself, through all this (Deuteronomy 32:39)? How, then, will He exercise His vengeance upon the enemy (Deuteronomy 32:40-42)? Whom will He bring into this joy (Deuteronomy 32:43)? Who did what, with this song (Deuteronomy 32:44)? In whose hearing? What does Moses speak (Deuteronomy 32:45)? How much? To whom? What does he tell them to do with their hearts (Deuteronomy 32:46)? What are they to command their children? What will these words be to them (Deuteronomy 32:47)? What will they do by these words?

How does God display Himself as the only true God? Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these forty-eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God displays Himself as the only true God by saving sinners, with whom He persists until glory.  

Moses summoned three witnesses against Israel for their future unfaithfulness to God. The witnesses were the song (cf. Deuteronomy 31:19), the book (cf. Deuteronomy 31:26), and the heavens and the earth (cf. Deuteronomy 31:28). Now all three witnesses come to bear in this song. The song itself is a witness. Second, as we go through the song, we find that it summarizes the book of Deuteronomy. Moses summons the heavens and the earth to witness (Deuteronomy 32:1). 

As the song summarizes the book, it is fulfilling the role of a song, in making the Word dwell in us richly (cf. Colossians 3:16). The song is designed to keep the book in the hearts and mouths of their descendants (cf. Deuteronomy 31:21). 

After the introduction (Deuteronomy 32:1-2), Deuteronomy 32:3-4 declare who the Lord is, and the relationship he established with His people, saving them despite their sinfulness in the wilderness and giving them Himself as their inheritance. The first four chapters of the book had done this. Now, the song proclaims the name of YHWH (Deuteronomy 32:3), a Rock of truth and justice to them (Deuteronomy 32:4). 

But Israel had not borne a resemblance to Him (Deuteronomy 32:5-6). This, too was one of the main themes in the second half of chapter 1. 

Nevertheless, He carried them through wilderness, keeping His promises to them, and showing the consistency of His character (Deuteronomy 32:7-11). This was the main theme of chapters 2–3.

Finally, YHWH strongly declared His uniqueness to them in chapter 4, which the song now does in Deuteronomy 32:12. By making Israel to find all of their pleasure and provision in Him, He made them to ride upon the heights of the earth (Deuteronomy 32:13-14). This relationship and blessing is the foundation of all upright living, just as the Lord declares, as He is introducing the ten commandments (cf. chapters 5–6). 

In the earlier part of the book, it was at this point that Moses began an exposition of the ten commandments, taking from Deuteronomy 6:1–26:19. Sadly, in the song’s summary, this is the point at which Deuteronomy 32:15 reports that what He warned against in Deuteronomy 8:10–17 will come true. Jeshurun is one of the Lord’s pet names for Israel, whom He loves. But, He describes, using the past tense here, their future forgetting of Him, and idolatry, which is demon-worship (Deuteronomy 32:15-18). 

And so the song continues with an emphasis upon the covenant curses (Deuteronomy 32:19-26), just as the book had done (chapters 27–29). But, the book had not stopped there, proceeding to prophesy their restoration (Deuteronomy 30:1–10), just as the song now does (Deuteronomy 32:27). He will not let the enemy be self-satisfied, but the Lord will display Himself as the God Who delivers His people in compassion (Deuteronomy 32:36), the God Who not only kills but makes alive (Deuteronomy 32:39c), the God Who not only wounds but heals (verse 39d). 

YHWH is the only Rock Who could do this; the nations’ rock could not (Deuteronomy 32:31). Deuteronomy 32:39a–b gives the theme of the book (and of the whole Bible, and of all existence): “Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me.” This, He displays in healing Israel, and this He displays in taking vengeance upon His enemies (Deuteronomy 32:40-42), from among whom He will ultimately add to His people. To glorify Himself as the one true God, He will bring nations to join with His people in rejoicing before the God (Deuteronomy 32:43a) Who has vengeance on some (verse 43c), but atones for others to make them His own (verse 43d). 

This summary-song of the book of Deuteronomy, Moses and Joshua declared to the people (Deuteronomy 32:44-45), so that they would their hearts on it (Deuteronomy 32:46, cf. Colossians 3:16).  The Lord give to you, dear reader, to set your own heart upon His Word, in which the great theme is that He alone is God, and that He displays this by saving sinners from all nations. The Lord give you to ride on the heights of the earth—to have Him alone as your purpose, power, path, and pleasure.

Lord, thank You for teaching Your people in Your kindness. Thank You for giving us songs. Thank You for giving Israel this song. Thank You for the warning that even a people with this book and this song sinned against You, so that we see how completely we need Your grace, by Your Spirit, to write Your word on our hearts and to make Your word dwell richly in our hearts. So please do that for us by Your Spirit, and give us to know You as the one living and true God, the source of all our hope and purpose, all our joy. We ask in Jesus' name.

What use do you make of Scripture songs? What are the ways in which the Lord has been good to you? How have you remembered Him in your life? In what ways have you forgotten Him? How are you responding to His displays of Himself, in your life, as the one, true, and living God?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for teaching us about Yourself, Your mercy, our sin, and our salvation. Forgive us for how we have forgotten You in our prosperity. Forgive us for how we have lived as if our lives were about ourselves, rather than about You. Please make us to find in You all of our purpose, all of our power, and all of our pleasure. Please use the songs of Your Word, to make that Word dwell richly in our hearts, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments” 

Giving Her Love to the Beloved [2026.03.22 Evening Sermon in Song of Songs 7:9b–13]

The church delights to give Christ that which delights Him: new and old fruit in believers' lives.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

A Stronghold in Trouble [2026.03.22 Morning Sermon in Nahum 1:7]

The LORD displays His glory in the justice of His wrath, but especially in the mercy that He shows to those whom He has chosen in love.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

Confirmed Partaking of Christ [2026.03.22 Sabbath School in WCF 27.1.3—Hopewell 101]

Jesus tells us to take the Supper in a manner by which the Spirit confirms to us our true partaking of Him and His benefits—which that Supper represents to us.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Delighting to Delight Jesus [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 7:9b–13]

What does the bride delight to do? Song of Songs 7:9b–13 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride delights to produce fruit that delights her Beloved. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage reveals the deep, mutual delight between Christ and His church, portrayed through intimate imagery of love, spiritual awakening, and shared mission. Central to this vision is the church’s joyful, grace-enabled ministry—evangelism, discipleship, and worship—performed not for self-gain but to fulfill Christ’s heart, delighting Him by nurturing spiritual life in the 'sleepers' and celebrating every sign of resurrection, growth, and fruitfulness. Ultimately, the church’s purpose is to reflect Christ’s glory, to be conformed to His image, and to find its deepest joy in giving Him what He delights in—His people alive, growing, and bearing fruit in His likeness.

2026.03.24 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 7:9b–13

Read Song of Songs 7:9b–13

Questions from the Scripture text: How does the wine go down, for whom (Song of Songs 7:9b)? Whose lips does it move (verse 9c)? In what manner?  To Whom does she belong (Song of Songs 7:10a)? What is the object of His desire (verse 10b)? What does she invite Him to do (Song of Songs 7:11a)? To go where (verse 11b)? And lodge where (verse 11c)? Getting up when (Song of Songs 7:12a)? To go where? And see what (verse 12b–d, cf. Song of Songs 6:11)? What will she do, there, when these things have happened (Song of Songs 7:12e)? What give off what (Song of Songs 7:13a)? What are at their gates (verse 13b)? Of what kinds (verse 13c)? For Whom has she laid them up (verse 13d)?

What does the bride delight to do? Song of Songs 7:9b–13 prepares us for the opening portion of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride delights to produce fruit that delights her Beloved. 

Desiring the Bridegroom’s Delight, Song of Songs 7:9-10. The bride delights in His delighting in her—not in the pride of her delightfulness, but in the love of giving Him delight. It is for Him. It is “for her Beloved” (Song of Songs 7:9b) that the wine goes with uprightness. “Smoothly” is a fine contextual translation, but the more literal meaning is even better, when we remember that the wine refers to the reviving, strengthening, gladdening ministry of the church.

The verb in the last part of the verse appears only here in the Hebrew Bible. Most scholarly guesses about what sort of movement it is describing come from its connection to the wine, but in the context of what has happened in the song, and the nature and purpose of wine, we get a better sense from the fact that it is doing this to “the lips of sleepers.” We have seen, in Song of Songs 3:1, Song of Songs 5:2–3, what these sleepers are. When the bride has slept, it has been an indication that she needs reviving. Now, we see that a revived church loves to delight the Bridegroom by herself being the means by which sleepers are revived. 

Here is one thing that especially delights the Lord Jesus in a church: when her ministry is such as He uses to give life to those who are spiritually dead, and to recover saints who have backslidden into a spiritual slumber.

Just as her spiritual labor is entirely unto her Beloved (Song of Songs 7:9), His desire is entirely unto her (Song of Songs 7:10). She is His delight.

Sharing the Bridegroom’s Delight, Song of Songs 7:11-12. With His eagerness to see revival in mind, she invites Him to come and watch for it with her. The exercise in Song of Songs 7:12 is one that she learned from Him, in Song of Songs 6:13, where He had described His eager watchfulness to see any signs of new growth in her, during her time of backsliding: watching for new buds (Song of Songs 7:12b), new blossoms (verse 12c), or new blooms (verse 12d). Wherever these sleepers are found—whether field (Song of Songs 7:11b), village (verse 11c), or vineyard (verse 11d)—she invites Him to look for signs of life. He delights to see the new life that He gives, and she delights to be the means of producing that new life as an expression of her love to the Bridegroom (Song of Songs 7:12e). 

She expresses action in looking for these signs of life by “going forth” (Song of Songs 7:11b). She expresses persistence in looking for these signs of life by “lodging” (verse 11c). She expresses earnest eagerness in looking for these signs of life by “getting up early” (Song of Songs 7:12a). In all of these, she is happy to share with Him in looking for signs of new life.

Multiplying the Bridegroom’s Delight, Song of Songs 7:13. From Genesis 30:14–16, we know that mandrakes (Song of Songs 7:13a) were thought to improve fertility. The idea here is that the bride is bearing fruit in the sense of child-bearing. New birth. Her spiritual fertility produces fruit (verse 13b) of all kinds. She is happy to see new life in new saints, and continued life in old saints (verse 13c). All of her ministry, to all of them, is especially for the Beloved. The church loves to multiply fruit, new and old, for Christ.

How do you enjoy, and express, delight at being Christ’s own delight? What action are you taking to see new fruit in yourselves and others? How are you persisting in that action? How are you demonstrating eagerness and diligence to see that fruit? What fruit are you laying up for Christ in your own life? And to whom are you fulfilling your duties, as a church member and a neighbor, out of a desire that fruit would be laid up for Christ?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we are amazed that Your church is Yours, and that Your desire is toward her. Come, our Beloved, and let us go now together to see new buds and blossoms of life in Your church. We are here to give You our love. By Your Spirit, produce pleasant fruits in those whom You newly convert, and in those Who older believers, of long standing. Come, and make us fruitful, so that we might lay up for You all the fruit that we can, through Christ, in Whose Name we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP122 “I Was Filled with Joy and Gladness” or TPH403 “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”

Christ's Act of Obedience [Children's Catechism 45—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 45—especially explaining how Christ’s obedience was not only the keeping of the written law of God, but especially the commandment to do what was necessary to bring the elect into the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ.

Q45. Whom did Christ represent in the covenant of grace? To keep the whole law for His people, and to suffer the punishment due to their sins. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Christ's work in the covenant of grace is defined by His perfect obedience to the entire law—moral, ceremonial, and judicial—for His people, fulfilling every commandment in His life, and culminating in His voluntary sacrifice on the cross.

Noting Before Whom You Stand [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 22:22–23:11]

Of what must we always take note? Proverbs 22:22–23:11 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must always take note of before whom we stand. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional centers on the enduring principle of living before God in all relationships and decisions, emphasizing divine accountability in matters of justice, wealth, and character. The call to self-control, discernment, and integrity is reinforced through vivid imagery, urging believers to prioritize God’s presence above all else, whether in the presence of rulers, in personal relationships, or in the pursuit of earthly usefulness and joy.

2026.03.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 22:22–23:11

Read Proverbs 22:22–23:11

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Proverbs 22:22a forbid? Why would the wise man’s son be tempted to do this? What does verse 22b forbid? Where? Why—Who will plead their cause (Proverbs 22:23a)? What will He plunder from them (verse 23b)? With whom must the son make no friendship (Proverbs 22:24a)? What else shouldn’t he do with him (verse 24b)? Lest he do what (Proverbs 22:25a)? With what effect (verse 25b)? What shouldn’t the son become (Proverbs 22:26a)? What would this hand-shaking make him (verse 26b)? Under what circumstances (Proverbs 22:27a)? And risking what (verse 27b)? What else mustn’t the wise man’s son do (Proverbs 22:28a)? Who had set it (verse 28b)? To whom does Proverbs 22:29a call the son’s attention? Before whom will this man stand (verse 29b)? And before whom won’t he (verse 29c)? What else might the son do with a ruler (Proverbs 23:1a)? What should he note (verse 1b)? And do what (Proverbs 23:2a)? In what case (verse 2b)? What mustn’t he do (Proverbs 23:3a)? Why (verse 3b)? What mustn’t they do, in search of what (Proverbs 23:4a)? What must they exercise (verse 4b)? With what effect? What rhetorical question does Proverbs 23:5a ask about riches? Why—what do riches do (verse 5b–c)? Whose bread shouldn’t the son eat (Proverbs 23:6a)? Nor desire what (verse 6b)? Why—what is the truth about this man (Proverbs 23:7a)? What does he say (verse 7b)? But what is the reality (verse 7c)? What will be wasted (Proverbs 23:8)? What else would be wasted—to whom else ought the son not speak, and why not (Proverbs 23:9)? What does Proverbs 23:10a, again, forbid (cf. Proverbs 22:28)? And what does Proverbs 23:10b forbid? Why—Who is mighty (Proverbs 23:11a)? And what will He do (verse 11b)?

What must we note? Proverbs 22:22–23:11 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must note before whom we stand.

The first of the thirty sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21) told us the purpose of the sayings of the wise, and how to attend upon them unto that purpose. Now, the next ten sayings are bookended by the second (Proverbs 22:22-23) and the eleventh (Proverbs 23:10–11). The similar warning—that we must deal with others, in this world, as those who stand before God—both identifies them as the bookends and establishes the broader theme of the section: take note of before whom you stand.

Take note that you stand, always, before the Lord (Proverbs 22:22-23, Proverbs 23:10–11). It may seem like you can get away with robbing the poor, because in his poverty, he lacks others to stand up for him (Proverbs 22:22a). And it may seem that you can get away with oppressing the afflicted at the gate, for the same reason (verse 22b). But, plundering their goods is foolish, when it will cost you YHWH’s plundering of your soul, when He pleads their cause (Proverbs 22:23). In all of your dealings with men, remember that you stand before YHWH.

Take note, when you stand before an angry man (Proverbs 22:24-25). Don’t keep company with those given to anger (Proverbs 22:24). The danger that he might attack you. It’s that you might become like him (Proverbs 22:25). Anger is a trap you set for your own soul (verse 25b). 

Take note, when you stand before an opportunist (Proverbs 22:26-27). Those who lend to make a profit will take advantage of you. So neither enter into such an agreement yourself (Proverbs 22:26a), nor be the guarantee for someone else (verse 26b). If you are not able to be the benevolent lender for your friend (Proverbs 22:27a), then don’t risk what you couldn’t afford to give in the first place (verse 27b). 

Take note that you stand before God and history (Proverbs 22:28). The fourth of these ten matches the last one (cf. Proverbs 23:10): do not move the ancient landmark. By sliding a boundary stone just a tiny bit each year, over time one could steal a great deal of property. Here, the reference is especially to the establishing of those boundaries in the time of the fathers. God Himself had apportioned the land to them by lots. We must take note, both of the fact that we are always standing before the Lord, and of our place and participation in history.

Take note of how you appear before a ruler (pt 1, Proverbs 22:29). This is the only positive saying of these ten. The rest are warnings. The idea here is to do everything we do excellently—not only because we are before the Lord, but because He has also set kings over nations. The man in verse 29 excels to the point that he stands before kings (plural). Multiple monarchs bid for his services. 

Take note of how you appear before a ruler (pt 2, Proverbs 23:1–3). When you’re in front of a ruler, a meal (Proverbs 23:1a) is more than just a meal (Proverbs 23:3b). In front of a ruler, everything is a test. Proverbs 23:2a is an exaggeration (like the plucking out of an eye, or cutting off of a hand, cf. Matthew 5:29–30). The point is that it would be better not to eat at all than to reveal yourself as one who lacks self-control. Employ your mind to control your desires.

Take note of the true nature of the wealth you seek (Proverbs 23:4-5). Wealth has its usefulness, when the Lord gives it, but wealth itself is not the goal, nor is it guaranteed. Employ your understanding. Take note of the fact that earthly riches are not to be trusted in (Proverbs 23:5a), because they cannot be kept (verse 5b–c). 

Take note, when you stand before the evil-eyed (Proverbs 23:6-8). “Evil-eyed” is more literal than “miser” in Proverbs 23:6a. The world is full of those who say one thing with their mouths (Proverbs 23:7b), but are exactly opposite in their hearts (verse 7a, c). Again, employ your mind to control your desires (Proverbs 23:6b, Proverbs 23:8a). And don’t waste words on the hypocrite (verse 8b).

Take note, when you stand before the fool (Proverbs 23:9). Another person upon whom not to waste words is the fool (verse 9). Don’t speak just to speak. Be mindful of who hears you.

How do you remember that you’re before the Lord? What angry, opportunists, rulers, hypocrites, fools do you encounter?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for how Your worship reminds us that we are always before You. Grant that Your Spirit would keep us mindful of that, and that we would have wisdom to perceive others before whom we stand, in Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH164 “God Himself Is with Us” 

2026.03.22 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3:30p)

To tune in for the Lord's Day streams, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

n.b. that the p.m. singing and sermon have been moved back to 3:30p.m.

Grace to Open Our Eyes [2026.03.21 Pastoral Letter and Hopewell Herald]

Hopewell Herald – March 21, 2026

Dear Congregation,

The experience of Cleopas and his friend, in Luke 24, is amazing in many ways—especially the conversation on the way:

Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

Luke 24:25–27

So much could be said. But what I’m marveling at is that “their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him” (v16).

These are two of those who followed Him (v13). They’re not unregenerate; they’re not spiritually dead. Yet, their eyes are restrained.

Then Jesus speaks to them in a way that is very characteristic of Himself. “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” Yet, their eyes are restrained.

And Jesus makes a point that He had been characteristically teaching them. “Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” Yet, their eyes are restrained.

Then, Jesus does one of the things most characteristic of His ministry. “Beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Yet, their eyes are restrained.

Finally, after He breaks bread, and blesses it, and breaks it, and gives it to them (v30), their eyes are opened (v31).

The fact that their eyes could be restrained through so many things that very obviously revealed Him as Jesus is instructive to us. In our continuing weakness and fleshliness, we are capable of a great deal of spiritual blindness.

How much we need His grace! And how wonderful that, whether it’s over-against this blindness, or against recurring worldliness, God gives more grace (cf. Ja 4:4–6).

Looking forward to worshiping Him together by His grace,

Pastor

YHWH Our Stronghold [Family Worship lesson in Nahum 1:7–11]

How is God’s glory revealed in wrath? Nahum 1:7–11 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s glory is revealed in the justice of His wrath, but especially in the mercy that He shows to those whom He has chosen in love. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage presents a powerful contrast between God’s role as a stronghold for those who trust in Him and His role as a consuming fire of judgment against His enemies, particularly the Assyrian empire and its leader Sennacherib. Central to the message is the truth that God’s goodness—eternal and self-sufficient—is the foundation of His mercy and the reason for creation. The text emphasizes that to conspire against God’s people is to conspire against God Himself, and that all who live for anything other than His glory will face utter destruction. The devotional calls both believers and unbelievers to recognize their true position before God: either as those sheltered by His grace or as those consumed by His justice.

2026.03.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Nahum 1:7–11

Read Nahum 1:7–11

Questions from the Scripture text: How does Nahum 1:7a summarize YHWH’s character (verse 7a)? How is this goodness expressed and experienced by believers, at what time in their lives (verse 7b)? What is His relation to those who take refuge in this stronghold (verse 7c)? What pursues those who are His enemies, instead of His friends (Nahum 1:8c)? What does He do to them (verse 8b)? In what manner (verse 8a)? What are they doing, as implied by the rhetorical question in Nahum 1:9a? What, specifically, are they conspiring/devising (verse 9c)? Why won’t this affliction arise a second time (verse 9b)? What will ultimately happen to these oppressors (Nahum 1:10c)? In what manner (verse 10a–b)? Who is taking this lead in the plot against YHWH (Nahum 1:11a–b)? What does this plotter of evil counsel (verse 11c)? 

How is God’s glory revealed in wrath? Nahum 1:7–11 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s glory is revealed in the justice of His wrath, but especially in the mercy that He shows to those whom He has chosen in love.  

YHWH the Stronghold, Nahum 1:7. In Nahum 1:7, Nahum returns to the goodness of YHWH, briefly mentioned in Nahum 1:3a. There, he had explained the reason for the delay in YHWH’s wrath—not because of inability or unwillingness, but because of patience. But God’s patience means salvation for some (cf. Romans 2:6–7, Romans 2:10), and greater wrath for others(cf. Romans 2:4–5, Romans 2:8–9). 

YHWH’s wrath is delayed (cf. Romans 9:22), because He especially delights to glorify His goodness (cf. Romans 9:23–24). Everyone in this world experiences goodness from God continuously in this life. But it is in our afflictions that we really see the difference. When the believer goes through trouble (Nahum 1:7b), YHWH is a stronghold to him. But, when His enemies experience trouble, that is just the beginnings of absolutely complete wrath (Nahum 1:8).

YHWH knows those who trust in Him. They come to trust in Him, because He has known them—chosen them in love. This is what is meant by the language of “knowing” (Nahum 1:7c). Genesis 15:19 uses “known” in the same way. He choses them. He loves them. He is not just a secure place for them (Nahum 1:7b). He, personally, knows them always; and, when they are in trouble, His knowing them makes Him their stronghold.

YHWH the Flood, Nahum 1:8. The security of those who trust in YHWH (Nahum 1:7) is equaled by the destruction that will come to His enemies (Nahum 1:8). Ever since Genesis 6, the overflowing flood had been the ultimate expression of God’s wrath. Now, verse 8a describes what’s coming as an overflowing flood. Jesus describes God’s wrath as “outer darkness” (cf. Matthew 8:12, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 25:30). Here, Nahum 1:8c describes what is coming as darkness pursuing His enemies. Not only they, but their place, will come to an utter end. 

If you live in God’s world for anything other than His glory, you act as His enemy (cf. Romans 1:18–25). You might live for yourself. You might live for your pleasures. You might live for your possessions. You might live for your praise, and your prominence in this world. But if you are not righteous with God through faith in Jesus Christ, then all that you lived for will come to an utter end.

YHWH, Nineveh’s Consuming Fire, Nahum 1:9-11.  In Nahum 1:9, we go from the general to the very specific. We expected this, since the book was titled as the weight that is against Nineveh. Just as every believer must know not only that God is a general Savior, but his own, personal Savior, so also the analog is true for the unbeliever. He must know not only that God is a God of complete vengeance and wrath against His enemies generally, but that God is his own, personal enemy, specifically. God will take vengeance upon Him.

The plural “you” in Nahum 1:9a matches up with a singular, feminine “you,” in Nahum 1:11a, indicating the city of Nineveh. That plural “you,” then, indicates her citizens. They were happy enough to benefit from the ruthless oppression of Sennacherib. The affliction that came out of Nineveh upon the people of God (Nahum 1:9c) would never again arise, once God had judged them (verse 9b). 

Whoever attacks the Lord’s people attacks the Lord (cf. Matthew 25:41–46; Acts 9:4). But Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, whose capital was Nineveh, was especially bold about this. He directly insulted and blasphemed YHWH (cf. 2 Kings 18:30, 2 Kings 18:35; 2 Kings 19:22–23). YHWH will give themselves over to being physically (Nahum 1:10a) and mentally (verse 10b) inept, so that they will be quickly and completely destroyed (like a fire in dry stubble, verse 10c). 

YHWH is a consuming fire (cf. Deuteronomy 9:3–4). Let the wicked nation, city, king, people, or individual know that He is their own, personal consuming fire.

What trouble are you going through? How is YHWH a stronghold for you in it? What sin, in you, is at enmity with YHWH? How are you demonstrating that you are at enmity with it? Who are the enemies of the true church in the world? What is their sure end?

Sample prayer:  Lord, You are good, our stronghold in the day of trouble. Thank You for choosing us and loving us and giving to us to know You as our stronghold. Forgive us for when we have not been at enmity with our sin. Make us to hate it with complete hatred. We thank You for the certainty that You will destroy all of Your and our enemies. We praise You for Your justice and wrath, and especially for the riches of Your glory in Your mercy in Christ, through Whom we pray, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP7B “God, Is My Shield” or TPH2B “Why Do Heathen Nations Rage”

Delighting to Delight Jesus [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 7:9b–13]

What does the bride delight to do? Song of Songs 7:9b–13 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride delights to produce fruit that delights her Beloved. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage reveals the deep, mutual delight between Christ and His church, portrayed through intimate imagery of love, spiritual awakening, and shared mission. Central to this vision is the church’s joyful, grace-enabled ministry—evangelism, discipleship, and worship—performed not for self-gain but to fulfill Christ’s heart, delighting Him by nurturing spiritual life in the 'sleepers' and celebrating every sign of resurrection, growth, and fruitfulness. Ultimately, the church’s purpose is to reflect Christ’s glory, to be conformed to His image, and to find its deepest joy in giving Him what He delights in—His people alive, growing, and bearing fruit in His likeness.

2026.03.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 7:9b–13

Read Song of Songs 7:9b–13

Questions from the Scripture text: How does the wine go down, for whom (Song of Songs 7:9b)? Whose lips does it move (verse 9c)? In what manner?  To Whom does she belong (Song of Songs 7:10a)? What is the object of His desire (verse 10b)? What does she invite Him to do (Song of Songs 7:11a)? To go where (verse 11b)? And lodge where (verse 11c)? Getting up when (Song of Songs 7:12a)? To go where? And see what (Song of Songs 7:12b–d, cf. Song of Songs 6:11)? What will she do, there, when these things have happened (Song of Songs 7:12e)? What give off what (Song of Songs 7:13a)? What are at their gates (verse 13b)? Of what kinds (verse 13c)? For Whom has she laid them up (verse 13d)?

What does the bride delight to do? Song of Songs 7:9b–13 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride delights to produce fruit that delights her Beloved. 

Desiring the Bridegroom’s Delight, Song of Songs 7:9-10. The bride delights in His delighting in her—not in the pride of her delightfulness, but in the love of giving Him delight. It is for Him. It is “for her Beloved” (Song of Songs 7:9b) that the wine goes with uprightness. “Smoothly” is a fine contextual translation, but the more literal meaning is even better, when we remember that the wine refers to the reviving, strengthening, gladdening ministry of the church.

The verb in the last part of the verse appears only here in the Hebrew Bible. Most scholarly guesses about what sort of movement it is describing come from its connection to the wine, but in the context of what has happened in the song, and the nature and purpose of wine, we get a better sense from the fact that it is doing this to “the lips of sleepers.” We have seen, in Song of Songs 3:1, Song of Songs 5:2–3, what these sleepers are. When the bride has slept, it has been an indication that she needs reviving. Now, we see that a revived church loves to delight the Bridegroom by herself being the means by which sleepers are revived. 

Here is one thing that especially delights the Lord Jesus in a church: when her ministry is such as He uses to give life to those who are spiritually dead, and to recover saints who have backslidden into a spiritual slumber.

Just as her spiritual labor is entirely unto her Beloved (Song of Songs 7:9), His desire is entirely unto her (Song of Songs 7:10). She is His delight.

Sharing the Bridegroom’s Delight, Song of Songs 7:11-12. With His eagerness to see revival in mind, she invites Him to come and watch for it with her. The exercise in Song of Songs 7:12 is one that she learned from Him, in Song of Songs 6:13, where He had described His eager watchfulness to see any signs of new growth in her, during her time of backsliding: watching for new buds (Song of Songs 7:12b), new blossoms (verse 12c), or new blooms (verse 12d). Wherever these sleepers are found—whether field (Song of Songs 7:11b), village (verse 11c), or vineyard (verse 11d)—she invites Him to look for signs of life. He delights to see the new life that He gives, and she delights to be the means of producing that new life as an expression of her love to the Bridegroom (Song of Songs 7:12e). 

She expresses action in looking for these signs of life by “going forth” (Song of Songs 7:11b). She expresses persistence in looking for these signs of life by “lodging” (verse 11c). She expresses earnest eagerness in looking for these signs of life by “getting up early” (Song of Songs 7:12a). In all of these, she is happy to share with Him in looking for signs of new life.

Multiplying the Bridegroom’s Delight, Song of Songs 7:13. From Genesis 30:14–16, we know that mandrakes (Song of Songs 7:13a) were thought to improve fertility. The idea here is that the bride is bearing fruit in the sense of child-bearing. New birth. Her spiritual fertility produces fruit (verse 13b) of all kinds. She is happy to see new life in new saints, and continued life in old saints (verse 13c). All of her ministry, to all of them, is especially for the Beloved. The church loves to multiply fruit, new and old, for Christ.

How do you enjoy, and express, delight at being Christ’s own delight? What action are you taking to see new fruit in yourselves and others? How are you persisting in that action? How are you demonstrating eagerness and diligence to see that fruit? What fruit are you laying up for Christ in your own life? And to whom are you fulfilling your duties, as a church member and a neighbor, out of a desire that fruit would be laid up for Christ?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we are amazed that Your church is Yours, and that Your desire is toward her. Come, our Beloved, and let us go now together to see new buds and blossoms of life in Your church. We are here to give You our love. By Your Spirit, produce pleasant fruits in those whom You newly convert, and in those Who older believers, of long standing. Come, and make us fruitful, so that we might lay up for You all the fruit that we can, through Christ, in Whose Name we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH403 “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” 

Humble Savior of Lowly People [Family Worship lesson in Mark 1:12–20]

What kind of Savior is Jesus, of what kind of people? Mark 1:12–20 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is a Savior Who humbled Himself to save a lowly people. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage presents a striking portrayal of Jesus’ humble and sacrificial entrance into His ministry, marked by wilderness temptation, and the imprisonment of His forerunner, John the Baptist. Rather than ascending to power in Jerusalem, Jesus begins His mission in Galilee, proclaiming the kingdom of God with a call to repentance and faith, emphasizing that true salvation requires radical transformation. He calls ordinary, lowly fishermen—men of no social standing or wealth—demonstrating that His power is revealed through weakness. The narrative underscores the profound mystery of divine glory revealed in humility. This paradox of glory in humility invites believers to worship not only Christ’s exalted majesty but also His willing descent into human frailty.

2026.03.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 1:12–20

Read Mark 1:12–20

Questions from the Scripture text: Where does the Spirit send Jesus, right after He is baptized? What does Satan do to Jesus in the wilderness? How long does that happen? What happens to John the Baptist in Mark 1:14? Where does Jesus go, when that happens? What is Jesus preaching? What were Simon and Andrew doing when Jesus saw them? What did He tell them to do instead?

What kind of Savior is Jesus, of what kind of people? Mark 1:12–20 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is a Savior Who humbled Himself to save a lowly people. 

After a very impressive introduction to Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, this week’s Gospel reading gets “down to earth” very quickly. John the baptizer had announced that the God of Isaiah 40 would show up (Mark 1:1-3), and then Jesus did (Mark 1:9-11). 

But where does He immediately go? This is not at all what we might have expected—a triumphant march to a throne, surrounded by worshipers who sing His praises, and servants’ constant attendance to His every desire. Instead, the Spirit sends Him into the wilderness (Mark 1:12), to have wild animals as His companions, and Satan’s constant attacks to occupy His time (Mark 1:13).

And what happens to Jesus’s herald? He ends up in prison (Mark 1:14a). Not exactly confidence-inspiring for this “kingdom movement.” Where does Jesus go? Into the backcountry (Galilee, verse 14b). What does Jesus start doing? Preaching (verse 14c): “Have your mind transformed from being for-sin to against it, and respond to news of my kingdom by trusting in the good news about Me” (Mark 1:15).

Then, look at where Jesus goes to recruit His first followers and primary helpers: the seaside. Have the nobles gone on a beach holiday? Did the top theology school students take a break to go swimming? No, Jesus is looking for… fishermen?! 

Perhaps it is fitting that the very first mentioned is Peter (Simon, Mark 1:16). His love and enthusiasm for Christ come in admirable bursts. But his mistakes, failings, and foot-in-his mouth moments stick out just as plainly. Mark doesn’t even call him Rocky (Peter) yet, which is a name that Jesus will give him in one of his better moments. Simon is one disciple to whom the rest of us can often relate.

Even with hired men (Mark 1:20), Zebedee still operates from the boat. You get the idea that James and John are quite young. Christ is going to astound us with His power. Astound us with His mercy. Astound us with His wisdom. So, we are going to worship in awe at Christ’s greatness. 

But the passage that we have before us today has us worshiping at His humility. Look at how low God Himself has stooped to save us! Look at what unworthy people He saves, at what lowly places and people He cares about, and at what flawed people He uses! Look at how troubling and discouraging are the circumstances in which He works!

Thus, the Holy Spirit prepares us to worship—and trust in—a Savior, Who became like us in every way except without sin. He prepares us to worship, and trust in, One Who saves people just like us.

In what current situation do you need to be reminded that Jesus is working? What person are you hoping that Jesus will save, but have been discouraged about whether that can happen? Whom have you been too proud or lazy to serve? What in yourself has you tempted to view yourself as unusable or perhaps even unsaveable? Behold Your Savior who is willing to stoop to do it! As Mark will tell us later, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many!” Let us repent and believe the gospel. And let us follow Him in serving/retrieving others.

Sample prayer:  Lord, have mercy on us, sinners. We take heart from the humility to which our Lord Jesus went, for our poor sakes. Truly, we must have His atonement for our guilt, and His resurrection for our liberty. Through Him, forgive us, and free us, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH492 “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds”

2026.03.18 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

To tune in for the Prayer Meeting, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

Witnesses from God for Our Good [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 31:14–29]

What is Moses’s last official act as the leader of Israel? Deuteronomy 31:14–29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Moses’s last official act as the leader of Israel is to call three witnesses against them and their future betrayal of the Lord. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: In this passage, God prepares Israel for the transition after Moses’ death by establishing three enduring witnesses to testify against their inherent tendency toward rebellion and forgetfulness. Through the prophetic song, the written Law placed beside the Ark, and the testimony of heaven and earth, God provides lasting reminders of His holiness, faithfulness, and judgment. These witnesses are not merely historical records but living tools to confront the heart’s inclination toward idolatry, especially in times of prosperity when spiritual complacency threatens. Ultimately, the message calls the church to steward these divine witnesses—Scripture, song, and creation—so that they may not testify against us, but instead draw us into deeper faith, obedience, and love for the living God.

2026.03.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 31:14–29

Read Deuteronomy 31:14–29

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom (Deuteronomy 31:14)? What days were approaching? Whom was he to call? Where were they to go? For what? What did they do? Who appeared (Deuteronomy 31:15)? In what? What did the pillar do? What did YHWH tell Moses that he would do (Deuteronomy 31:16)? What did He tell him that the people would do? Then what will YHWH do (Deuteronomy 31:17)? With what results for the people? What will they say? And what will God continue to do (Deuteronomy 31:18)? What does He tell Moses to do as a witness against them (Deuteronomy 31:19)? What will YHWH have done for them (Deuteronomy 31:20)? And what will they still do to Him? And what will witness against them, as they are being punished for it (Deuteronomy 31:21)? So what did Moses do (Deuteronomy 31:22)? And what did YHWH do (Deuteronomy 31:23)? And what did Moses complete (Deuteronomy 31:24)? Whom did he command (Deuteronomy 31:25)? To put what where (Deuteronomy 31:26)? What would be a witness? What does Moses know about them (Deuteronomy 31:27)? What will happen after his death (cf. Deuteronomy 31:16)? Whom does Moses say to gather (Deuteronomy 31:28)? For what purpose will he speak the words of the song in their hearing? What does he know (Deuteronomy 31:29)? And what will happen to them for this?

What is Moses’s last official act as the leader of Israel? Deuteronomy 31:14–29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Moses’s last official act as the leader of Israel is to call three witnesses against them and their future betrayal of the Lord.  

If you’ve ever been surprised by Joshua 24:19, it might help you to remember that back on his ordination day, Joshua heard YHWH tell Moses, from out of the pillar of cloud, what Israel would do after Moses’s death. On that occasion, also, Joshua appeals to the people as witness against themselves (cf. Joshua 24:22), and he erects a stone as a witness against them (cf. Joshua 24:27). 

That is all reminiscent of our passage, today, and God’s three witnesses against the nation of Israel, which testify to how treacherous and evil their turning against God will be.

The first witness is this song (Deuteronomy 31:19). One wonderful reason for singing Scripture is that it makes these words of Christ to dwell richly in us. But the Lord is going to make this song get stuck in their heads for another reason (Deuteronomy 31:21): so that the Lord’s greatness, and His goodness to them, and patience with them, will never be forgotten in the mouths of their descendants. This is so significant, that our passage combines the commission to write this song with Joshua’s ordination, identifying the song as Moses’s last “official” act as the leader of Israel. As for Joshua, the need for strength and courage from YHWH’s being with him (Deuteronomy 31:23) is directly tied to these sure prophecies of Israel’s betrayal and wickedness. For parents who know our own, and our children’s sin, this is a charge to take heart from the Lord to be strong and courageous. Strength and courage are more needful for leading sinners than for facing enemies.

The second witness is the Book of the Law, which was put next to ark of the covenant as a witness against them (Deuteronomy 31:26). It is a wonderful thing to have the written Word of God. But it is also a weighty thing. How many of us have Bibles that testify against us for our not reading them. Or for our reading our own ideas into them. Or for our careless forgetting of what they say. Or our living in disregard of them. The Scriptures that He has given His people are a witness against them. What Moses knew about the rebellion and stiff neck of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:27) was not exclusive to Israel. Indeed, it was written down for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:11). 

The third witness is heaven and earth (Deuteronomy 31:28). All of God’s creation would “be there,” in God’s providence, as Moses spoke the words of the song. His presence is infinitely penetrating; everything, everywhere continually depends upon His being. But, being weak of eyesight and hard of hearing, we do not perceive His presence, or heed its witness against us. So, He has surrounded us with His creation. All of heaven and earth is witness.

The Lord keep us from forsaking Him, lest His comfortable presence forsake us, dear reader. The Lord keep our churches from breaking covenant with Him, because Christ will never break covenant with Him. He would remove our lampstand first. The Lord keep us from doing evil in His sight and provoking Him to anger through the work of our hands.

What would your Bible witness about your use (or not) of it? What would it witness about your behavior? In what circumstances are you most forgetful that you are in the presence of God? What does the creation witness about you in those circumstances?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for failing to take Your Word as a witness in our lives. Forgive us for doing evil in Your sight and provoking You to anger through the work of our hands. Truly, You have left us with the Scriptures as witness, and even with all of heaven and earth as witness against us. By Your Spirit, soften our hearts, and give us repentance, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP34C “O Sons and Daughters, Come” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments”