E-pistle for March 23, 2012
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E-pistle
FreeWay Foundation March 23, 2012
Like a weaned child
(Psalm 131:1-3)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on a "weaned" child
1. Weaning is the gradual process of changing an infant's diet from exclusively
milk to include other sources of nourishment.
2. A weaned child is in the process of maturing toward the capability of feeding
himself, rather than relying entirely upon his mother.
3. Generally, weaning means to accustom a person to exist without something . . .
usually after an intense period of crying and pouting!
4. Weaning also implies a detachment from a total dependency upon a thing or
a person . . . frequently involving "withdrawal symptoms."
II. Meditation: on the "milk" of the word of God
1. "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby,"
I Peter 2:2.
2. "As to babes in Christ . . . I fed you with milk not solid food; for until now you
were not able to receive it," I Corinthians 3:1-2.
3. "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you
again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you and you have come to need
milk and not solid food," Hebrews 5:12.
4. "For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness,
for he is a babe," Hebrews 5:13.
III. Revelation: on the Psalmist's childlike spirit
1. He is not haughty (proud) or arrogant, v. 1.
2. He does not worry nor unduly concern himself about great and profound matters
beyond his understanding, v. 1.
3. He has a calm, quiet soul before the Lord, like a child being comforted by his
mother, v. 2.
4. He has child-like faith, hope, and confidence that his Father will take care of him
always, v. 3.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Feed my soul upon the word of God . . . not only the "milk" but also on the strong,
chewy "meat."
2. Become a mature person, "feeding" others who are spiritual babies.
3. Recognize that existing on a life-long diet of milk-only (or having to return to one) is
a sign of a debilitating illness . . . physically and spiritually.
4. Rest in the arms of my heavenly Father, with a child-like faith and confidence in His
providential care for me.
The tabernacle of david
(Psalm 132:1-18; Revelation 21:3)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on David's bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem
1. David had sworn an oath before God to prepare or build a "dwelling place for the
Mighty One of Jacob," vv. 2, 5.
2. David had vowed not to rest until a suitable place for the Ark had been completed, vv. 3-4.
3. David (from Ephrathah or Bethlehem, I Samuel 17:12; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6) was the
picture of His Lord Jesus Christ, Who introduced true spiritual worship of God by His
people within the city of Jerusalem, v. 6; I Samuel 7:1; II Samuel 6:12.
4. David led the nation in joyous worship, inviting God to "Arise, O Lord, to Your resting
place," v. 8.
II. Meditation: on the Tabernacle of David
1. During David's reign and until Solomon's temple was completed, the Ark rested in an
open-to-the-public viewing tent called the "Tabernacle of David" in Jerusalem,
II Samuel 6:17; Isaiah 16:5; Amos 9:11.
2. In Acts 15:16-17, this Tabernacle of David is identified with the Messiah, Who is open and
Accessible to all people, including the Gentiles.
III. Revelation: on the promises of the Lord to David
1. David's descendants shall reign forever . . . fulfilled through Jesus Christ, the Son of David,
Who reigns forevermore, vv. 11-12.
2. The city of David (Jerusalem) will be God's dwelling place forever, vv. 13-14.
3. The inhabitants of Zion (New Jerusalem) will be abundantly provided for and satisfied,
throughout eternity, v. 15.
4. God's Anointed One (Messiah; Christ) shall shine as a lamp in the city (Revelation 22:5);
believers (priests) shall be clothed with God's salvation, and they shall shout aloud and
sing for joy, vv. 16-18.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Prioritize the worship of the Lord God above all other concerns or activities.
2. Reflect on and rejoice in the truth that communion with God now is possible and available
to all who believe . . . as the manifest, visible presence of God (the Ark) was seen in David's
time, because the veil of the temple was torn in two when Christ was crucified, Matthew 27:51.
3. Proclaim the Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
4. Thank God for His blessings and sing praises to Jesus, the Light of the world, v. 17; John 1:9; 8:12.
"Promises mean everything, but after they are broken, sorry means nothing."
--Unknown
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