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Today in the Word

Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE TRINITY AND THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT

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Read JOHN 14:15–24

Jonathan Edwards, the great eighteenth-century American pastor and theologian, wrote of the Trinity and salvation: “So that it is God of Whom our good is purchased and it is God that purchases it and it is God also that is the thing purchased. Thus all our good things are of God and through God and in God. . . . All our good is of God the Father, it is all through God the Son, and all is in the Holy Ghost as He is Himself all our good. God is Himself the portion and purchased inheritance of His people. Thus God is the Alpha and the Omega in this affair of redemption.”

Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit was another essential step in God’s “affair of redemption.” It again demonstrates how the Trinity are interrelated: The Father sends the Spirit (v. 16), confirming what we have already seen of His role as source, planner, or originator of salvation.

The Son requests the Father to send the Spirit in order to empower His followers to carry forward the gospel, confirming His role as the accomplisher of salvation. The Spirit is sent by the Father at the Son’s request in order that Christian believers might live obedient lives worthy of the gospel, confirming His role as enabler of salvation. This passage also shows us that the Son abides in the Father, just as we abide in Christ (v. 20; see John 15:4–5). The Son’s words are the Father’s words. To obey Jesus’ commands is to be loved by both Father and Son (vv. 15, 21, 23). The best evidence of divine love is the sending of the Spirit. He grounds us in truth and is our advocate or helper in living it out (vv. 16–18).

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David prayed that he would “dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life” (Ps. 27:4). Jesus delivers the answer to that longing. He promised that He and the Father would come to believers and “make our home with them” (v. 23). Even while we wait for the fullness of dwelling with God for eternity, we have His presence with us now!

 

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE SON IS THE WAY TO THE FATHER

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Read JOHN 14:1–14

Many people today say they are spiritual but not religious. The positive side of this is that they recognize that people are more than just material or physical beings. The negative side is that they tend to focus on their personal feelings or emotions, either rejecting the idea of absolute truth or reserving for themselves the right to pick and choose what those truths might be. Such people essentially put themselves in the place of God.

By contrast, Jesus proclaimed a truth that grates on the ears of modern spirituality: He and He alone is the way to the Father. John 14, where we’ll spend three days, is part of the Upper Room discourse, Jesus’ teaching following the Passover or Last Supper prior to His crucifixion. In today’s reading, He comforted His disciples with a promise. He was going to His Father’s house to prepare a place for them (vv. 2–3).

How close is the relationship between the Father and the Son? “No one comes to the Father except through me” (v. 6). To believe in the Son is to believe in the Father (vv. 1, 11). To know the Son is to know the Father (vv. 7, 9). The words and work of the Son are the words and work of the Father. They are “in” one another— utterly unified as Persons of the Godhead (v. 10). The Father’s power—the gift of the Holy Spirit is implied here and explicitly revealed in the verses following—will also be available to the followers of the Son (v. 12).

The Father sent the Son and the Son reveals the Father. The incarnate Son is the one and only way the Father has made for us to come to Him. Faith in Christ alone is the way to salvation!

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This passage provides us with some practical encouragement for our prayers. We are to pray to the Father in the name of the Son, for His glory, and we have direct access to God’s power through the indwelling of the Spirit (vv. 13–14). Praying for God’s will to be done is a prayer that is always answered “yes” (see Matt. 6:10).

 

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE TRINITY AND THE POWER OF GOD

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Read MATTHEW 12:22–32

Reasonable Faith, an organization led by philosophy professor William Lane Craig, “aims to provide in the public arena an intelligent, articulate, and uncompromising yet gracious Christian perspective on the most important issues concerning the truth of the Christian faith today.” Through scholarly articles, podcasts, debates, videos, and social media, this organization uses reason and logic to support and defend God’s truth.

When the Pharisees accused Him of performing miracles and driving out demons by the power of Satan, Jesus used reason and logic to refute their claim and instead prove that His power and authority were divine. To drive out demons in Satan’s name was an absurd idea. Why would a kingdom fight against itself? But if Jesus did these miracles with the power of a different and greater kingdom—God’s kingdom—shouldn’t they be responding very differently?

Sadly, the Pharisees’ hypocritical hearts were spiritually closed. They were grasping at straws, trying to find a way to ignore the signs and to avoid admitting that Jesus was the Messiah. As He said, because they were not for Him, they were against Him.

The significance of their accusation, and of Jesus’ identity, is shown by the fact that He cited the other two Persons of the Trinity in His response. Jesus had come in His Father’s name. It is His kingdom Jesus proclaimed and His power by which Jesus did miracles of healing. When He drove out demons, it was by the Holy Spirit. The Pharisees’ accusation was therefore against all three Persons of the Godhead—Father, Son, and Spirit. To call the Son’s work, done in the Spirit on behalf of the Father’s kingdom, satanic? That’s a sin worthy of damnation (vv. 31–32)!

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Many today are pursuing their own priorities with no thought for God’s kingdom or following Jesus. They might not understand our choices to bring glory to God through the ways we use our time, money, or energy. When you are questioned on these issues, remember that standing with God is the safest place to be!

 

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE FATHER IS REVEALED IN THE SON

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Read MATTHEW 11:25–30

In Beholding the Glory: Incarnation Through the Arts, Trevor Hart wrote of the necessity of Christ becoming human: “[I]n order for God to transfigure our broken humanity it was necessary for him to lay hold of it in all its brokenness. . . . He redeemed it [our humanness] through a moment to moment Spirit-filled obedience, offering his humanity to his heavenly Father in a continuous sacrifice of praise and worship which culminated in the cross and resurrection.”

The Incarnation gives us a glimpse of the shared purpose of the Trinity, which is key to understanding Jesus’ mission of redemption. As He proclaimed in today’s reading, the Father is revealed in the Son. As John had reflected in the prologue to his Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (1:1). When “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14), it was the best possible revelation of God—because the Word was God!

The Father and the Son have perfect knowledge of one another. The Father reveals the Son to whomever He chooses, and the Son reveals the Father to whomever He chooses. Israel’s religious leaders were not included, for they had failed to respond in faith to clear signs that the Messiah had arrived. Jesus called a motley band of followers that included several fishermen and a tax collector!

Verses 28 to 30 are well known, but how do they connect in context to the Father-Son relationship? When the Father reveals the Son, and the Son reveals the Father, and we respond to God’s grace in humble faith. Note that this response gives us rest. God does not call us to achievement-driven anxiety or works-oriented legalism but to peace and calm.

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Praying the words of Scripture can enrich our lives; people have prayed the psalms and other Scriptures for centuries. Beginning with Jesus’ prayer in verse 25, thank God for His self- revelation in His Son. Thank Him that you received His grace. And thank Him that salvation provides rest, peace, and assurance rooted in God’s love.

 

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE AUTHORITY OF THE FATHER AND THE SON

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Read JOHN 5:16–30

When God spoke to Moses in the burning bush and called him to liberate His people, Moses had some doubts and questions: “What is your name?” The Lord responded, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you’” (Ex. 3:14).

“I AM” is God’s name. Anyone using that name is declaring that he or she is God. In today’s reading, Jesus infuriated the Jewish religious leaders by claiming equality with God (v. 18). Though they refused to acknowledge His identity or the source of His authority, Jesus embraced their “accusation” as true and explained the all-encompassing authority and perfect unity existing between Himself and His Father.

The Father and Son are unified in will (vv. 19, 30), in love (v. 20), in power (vv. 21, 25–26), and in authority (vv. 22, 27).

The Son does not act as a maverick but does just as the Father does. The Father loves the Son and has fully revealed to Him His plan of salvation. God alone holds power over life and death, but that power belongs equally to the Father and the Son, revealing both to be God. Similarly, God alone has the authority to judge, but He has entrusted that prerogative to the Son, and expects everyone to honor and worship the Son equally with Himself (v. 23).

One result of this relationship is that it’s the Father’s will that all people should look to the Son for eternal life (v. 24; see John 6:40). The idea that God holds life and death in His hands includes not just power but also essence. That is, God is “life in himself” (v. 26)—a quality that the Father has granted to and shares with His only begotten Son.

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We can rejoice in our certain hope of resurrection! We who trust in His name—the name of the One with resurrection power and all authority to judge eternal destinies—will rise to life, not through any merit of our own, but thanks to Christ’s redemptive sacrifice. Sing or listen to music that celebrates the resurrection today.

 

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Today in the Word

Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE TRINITY AND THE LINE OF DAVID

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Read MATTHEW 22:34–46

Math professor Richard Evan Schwartz authored a book about the numbers 1 to 100. It’s called You Can Count on Monsters. Written for children, the book includes drawings of “monsters” representing prime or composite numbers and their factors. The composite monsters can be split into smaller ones, while the primary monsters are indivisible. The artwork and this creative approach make learning the math fun and engaging.

Jesus was also a highly creative teacher; for example, see His questions in today’s passage. When the religious leaders tested Him, He responded with an answer and a question that demonstrated an Author’s knowledge of God’s Word.

To identify the greatest commandment was easy: everything is about wholeheartedly loving the Father and bringing Him glory (v. 37).

Then Jesus posed a puzzler for them: Whose son is the Messiah? (v. 42). He quoted Psalm 110—in which verses 1 and 4 are messianic prophecies—to give His listeners an opportunity to draw the conclusion that the Messiah is also the Son of God. Logically, how could a descendant of David also be David’s Lord (v. 45)? That would only be possible if the descendant (the Messiah) were also God (the Son).

David spoke by the Spirit, so this psalm had to be true. Furthermore, for God to invite the Messiah to be seated at His right hand suggested a favored and even equal position. That would be possible only if both Father and Son were God. Ultimately, the first Person of the Trinity wins the victory on behalf of the second (see 1 Cor. 15:24–28). “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow” (Phil. 2:9–10).

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The fact that the Bible was inspired—or “breathed”—by God is grounds for our faith in its truthfulness. Inspiration makes it trustworthy and practical: the Word is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” How does Scripture help you to be “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17)?

 

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE TRINITY AND ISAIAH’S SERVANT SONG

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Read MATTHEW 12:14–21

After healing a lame beggar, Peter preached the gospel to the gathered crowd. In his sermon, he affirmed that God had planned everything Jesus had suffered. Furthermore, it had all been foretold and “promised long ago through his holy prophets,” going all the way back to His covenants with Moses and Abraham. God the Father was in sovereign control the entire time, and the entire Trinity is involved in the work of salvation (see Acts 3:11–26).

Again, this beautiful truth is revealed in a messianic prophecy of Isaiah. The Gospel of Matthew quoted from the first “Servant Song” (there are four altogether) in order to highlight again how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy (vv. 18–21; see Isa. 42:1–4). In this passage, God the Father is speaking, describing His relationship with His Servant, who, as we now know, is Jesus, God’s Son. The relationship includes chosenness, love, delight, and shared purpose. The Father is the planner and originator. Everything the Servant does is empowered by the Spirit and flows from the Father’s perfect intentions.

What does the Servant do? He reveals God’s heart by proclaiming justice and bringing hope to the nations. Somewhat unexpectedly, He is also described as gentle or quiet, a man of peace as opposed to the conquering ruler whom many Jews expected in Jesus’ day. Rather than seeking to organize a revolution against the Roman Empire, Jesus had compassion on the crowds and did miracles of healing (v. 15). Because He waited on the Father’s timing, He was not trying to amass followers, as the hostile Pharisees apparently assumed and feared. The Son’s ultimate role extends beyond Israel to the world, thus fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham (see Gen. 12:3). His name is the source of victory and hope!

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Consider how we should follow the example of the Servant in Isaiah 58:6–8. Just as He proclaimed justice, we also should aim to “loose the chains of injustice.” Our acts of service to feed the hungry, to provide shelter for the homeless, and to advocate for the oppressed are acts of worship. When we show God’s love, our “light will break forth like the dawn”!

 

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE TRINITY AND THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY

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Read LUKE 4:14–21

The entire Trinity is involved in the work of salvation. As Philip Graham Ryken and Michael LeFebvre explain in Our Triune God: Living in the Love of the Three-in-One: “God plays the symphony of our salvation in three movements. Each movement is associated with a different Person of the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. First, there is the work of God the Father in administering our salvation. The Father is the one who organizes and oversees the plan of salvation. Second, there is the work of God the Son in accomplishing our salvation. Jesus is the one who died on the cross for our sins and rose again to give us eternal life. Third, there is the work of God the Holy Spirit in applying our salvation. The Spirit is the one who takes what Jesus Christ has done and makes it ours. This is the plan, and the triune God has been working it out since before the beginning of time.”

We can see this beautiful truth in the fulfillment of messianic prophecy. Near the start of His public ministry, Jesus taught one Sabbath in His hometown synagogue in Nazareth. For the Scripture reading, He chose verses from Isaiah that described the Messiah as anointed by God, filled with the Spirit, and bringing good news of healing and freedom (vv. 18–19; Isa. 61:1–2). Stunningly, He then proclaimed, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (v. 21).

Jesus was filled with the Spirit (v. 14). He had been anointed by His Father and sent to bring the good news of salvation to a spiritually dead world. Miracles such as healing the blind helped validate His claims. He Himself was the fulfillment of the Father’s plan of redemption, and His arrival indeed heralded “the year of the Lord’s favor”!

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Today, thank God—the Three-in-One—for the symphony of your salvation. Include thanks for His love that is the foundation for the work of salvation, the sovereign plan of the Father, the person and work of the Son, and the indwelling of the Spirit. Also ask God to show you how to live today in a way that reveals His love and salvation to others.

 

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE TRINITY AND THE TESTIMONY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

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Read JOHN 3:22–36

Election season is full of self-promotion. Candidates running for political office trumpet their positions and qualifications in order to persuade voters to support them. Their campaigns often also attack their rivals, both directly and indirectly. Humanly speaking, such strategies are in fact normal. People often seek competitive advantage at the expense of others.

John the Baptist’s actions in today’s passage run counter to this typical human behavior. Jesus had begun His public ministry and gathered some disciples. What did John think about that? He reminded his listeners that he had always said a greater One was coming (v. 28). In his metaphor, God’s kingdom is a wedding, he is the best man, and Christ is the bridegroom (v. 29). The bottom line: “He must become greater; I must become less” (v. 30).

Jesus was the Son of God. He had come from heaven and had spoken with divine authority the very words of God. The Father loved Him and had delegated all authority to Him. Belief in Him is the gateway to eternal life. Significantly, the Father had given Jesus “the Spirit without limit” (v. 34). This reflects the essential unity of the Godhead—all three Persons are of one mind, equal in attributes, and speak and act as God (vv. 31–36).

John knew that his ministry mandate came from the Father, but unlike the ministry of the Son, his work was limited in scope and duration. To believe in the Father is to believe in the Son. The Father loved the Son, sent Him with the Spirit, and gave Him all authority. His wrath awaits whoever does not believe this, because not believing it is the same as calling God a liar (vv. 33, 36). God’s wrath is aimed at sin and evil—He sent His Son to provide another way.

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Do you believe in Jesus? Have you trusted in the Son for salvation? Have you rejoiced in the Father’s plan of redemption and been sealed in the Spirit (see Eph. 1:13–14)? The three Persons of the Trinity loved you enough to make a way for you to escape God’s wrath and spend eternity with Him. Will you accept this invitation and trust in Him today?

 

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE TRINITY AND THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS

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Read MATTHEW 4:1–11

During Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, both He and Satan quoted Scripture. What made the difference? Hermeneutics, a term meaning “interpretation.” Satan misrepresented Scripture’s meaning and tried to twist it to his own ends, while Jesus accurately and faithfully interpreted Scripture, remaining righteous and obedient. With the help of good biblical hermeneutics, He chose truth over falsehood and obedience over sin.

We might wonder why the Spirit led the Son into the wilderness for this important episode. Facing off against Satan was the other half of the launch of Jesus’ public ministry, the complement to the Father and Spirit’s affirmation at His baptism. This was not a one-time test, as the spiritual battle would continue throughout Jesus’ life (see Luke 4:13). Satan completely opposed Jesus’ mission of redemption, just as today he wars against God’s work of salvation in our own lives (see 1 Peter 5:8).

We should be encouraged that Jesus faced temptation, just as we do (see Heb. 4:15). It’s particularly encouraging that He was led into this situation by the Holy Spirit, which meant it was not outside the will of God. We, too, should be led by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14). Even when confronting direct temptation by Satan and His own physical hunger, Jesus did not give in. He was instead filled with the Holy Spirit—again, just as we should be—and perfectly resisted Satan’s deceit.

Tellingly, God the Father is referenced in each of the three Scriptures quoted by Jesus. The Son trusted His Father’s words (v. 4). He would never attempt to manipulate Him or force His hand (v. 7). God alone is worthy of worship (v. 10). To bend the knee to any other, for any reason, would be faithless and sinful.

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How can we fight against temptation like Jesus did? Like Him, we should know the Scriptures! Solid hermeneutics enables us to choose truth over falsehood and obedience over sin. We should also remember our identity in Christ and what it means— we are now free to resist sin and to live worthy of the gospel to which we have been called (see Eph. 4:1–6).

 

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE TRINITY AND THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

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Read MATTHEW 3:13–17

We believe, wrote fourth-century theologian Athanasius, “in one God, Father Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord, Jesus Christ, his only-begotten Son, and in one Holy Spirit; one God, known in the holy and perfect Trinity, baptized into which, and in it united to deity, we believe that we have also inherited the kingdom.”

At the baptism of Jesus, all three Persons of the Trinity were distinctly and powerfully present. Jesus, the Son, came to be baptized by John. This represented the climax of the Baptist’s ministry, though he hesitated (v. 14). After all, a sinless man did not need baptism to signify repentance from sin. Jesus, however, asked to be baptized to signify His consecration to the will of His Father and the launch of His public ministry (v. 15).

John, as we know, was filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth (see Luke 1:15). It’s reasonable to infer that he knew his cousin’s true identity as the Messiah and Son of God through a revelation from the Spirit. When John baptized Jesus, the Holy Spirit descended “like a dove” (v. 16), a form symbolizing purity and innocence.

In addition, the voice of God the Father spoke from heaven: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (v. 17). Love is part of the inner life of the Trinity. Since love must have an object, from eternity there must have been Someone for God to love. In this sense, God being more than one Person was perhaps inevitable, though still mysterious.

On this occasion, alluding to Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1, God publicly identified, affirmed, and encouraged His Son as He began His mission of redemption (see 1 John 4:8–9).

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Before His ascension, Jesus instructed us to make and baptize disciples in the name of the Trinity (see Matt. 28:19). For the church, baptism signifies discipleship, a public commitment to following and obeying Christ. Baptism reminds us that we identify with the death and resurrection of our Lord and, like Him, are consecrated to doing the will of our Father.

 

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Today in the Word

Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE TRINITY AND THE END OF WAITING

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Read LUKE 2:22–32

Many have tried to understand the Trinity through analogy. Perhaps the Trinity is like a person’s roles or relationships, as when one person is simultaneously a father, son, and friend. Perhaps it is like water, which can exist as gas, liquid, or solid. Or perhaps it is like an egg, which is one thing yet consists of a shell, yolk, and egg white.

These analogies are sometimes heretical and always inadequate. They cannot truly explain how God can be three Persons and yet one God. This divine mystery demands our faith even as we continue to seek understanding. That’s how Simeon lived his life, and he was richly rewarded in today’s reading.

Simeon had waited all his life for the coming of the Messiah, and God granted him the privilege of seeing Jesus in person before he died. The Holy Spirit was with Simeon and had revealed that this would be so. On that day, the Spirit

led him to a specific young couple in the temple courts (vv. 25–28).

Simeon took the incarnate Son of God in his arms and rejoiced! The Messiah had come; the time of waiting was ended! Jesus was God’s salvation for “all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (vv. 29–32). Responding to Him, whether in acceptance or in rejection, would determine people’s eternal destinies and relationship with God.

Mary and Joseph had come to the temple because God the Father had mandated that all firstborn sons be dedicated to the Lord (v. 23). This was a reminder of the nation’s liberation from slavery in Egypt, the tenth plague, and the life-saving blood on the doorposts (see Exodus 13). Now God the Son fulfilled this symbolism—the first person to be perfectly consecrated to God and to live a perfectly holy life.

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Simeon’s meeting with Mary and Joseph (and that of Anna in verses 36 to 38) in the temple courts is an example of a “divine appointment.” Mary and Joseph were surely surprised, but they responded with humble attentiveness and faith, just as we should when God brings people across our paths. Are we ready for our next divine appointment?

 

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE TRINITY AND ZECHARIAH’S PROPHECY

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Read LUKE 1:67–79

The classic hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King,” climaxes with praise to the Trinity: “All creatures of our God and King, / Lift up your voice and with us sing Alleluia! / . . . Let all things their Creator bless, / And worship Him in humbleness. / O praise Him! Alleluia!

/ Praise, praise the Father, Praise the Son, / And praise the Spirit, Three in One! / O praise Him! Alleluia!” The Trinity is highlighted in Zechariah’s prophecy at the birth of his son, John the Baptist. After confirming the name John, Zechariah’s ability to speak (taken away by God as a result of his doubt- filled response in the temple), was restored to him. Filled by the Holy Spirit, he used his newly regained speech to praise God and to deliver an incredible prophecy (v. 67).

Most of Zechariah’s prophecy was not about his own son but rather about the son of Mary—the Son of God. Jesus was God’s “horn of salvation” (v. 69), the literal embodiment of His long- promised plan of redemption. He was the “rising sun” dawning with God’s light for “those living in darkness and in the shadow of death” (vv. 78–79). He would guide sinners’ feet into the “path of peace” with God (see Rom. 5:10). Zechariah’s son, John, would be His forerunner, preparing the way with a call to repentance and forgiveness.

All of this was taking place according to the plan of God the Father. These events signified that “he has come to his people and redeemed them” (v. 68). In Christ, the Father fulfilled His covenants with David and with Abraham, as well as many prophecies. His “tender mercy” was the impetus for salvation (v. 78). Throughout his prophecy, Zechariah emphasized God’s strength, faithfulness, and especially His love.

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Zechariah rejoiced because now God’s people would be enabled “to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness” (vv. 74–75). We can now serve and obey the Lord as we ought. Thanks to Jesus’ death and resurrection and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we can bring glory to God and devote our lives to serving and loving Him.

 

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE TRINITY AND JOSEPH’S FAITH

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Read MATTHEW 1:18–25

What does it mean to say that God is a Trinity? One source offers a concise definition of this important doctrine: “The one God exists in three Persons and one substance, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is one, yet self- differentiated; the God who reveals Himself to mankind is one God equally in three distinct modes of existence, yet remains one through all eternity.”

The Trinity is at the heart of the Christmas story. Just as all three Persons played distinctive roles in the lives of Zechariah and Mary, so also all three are present in the story of God’s intervention with Joseph. Intervention was needed because Joseph, as one might expect, just couldn’t believe his fiancée’s story of a virgin conception.

The Father once again sent an angel, this time in a dream, to tell Joseph it was true. Joseph responded in faith, which was consistent with his character.

He was, after all, faithful to the Law and a true worshiper of God. He received the angel’s message as authoritative because He knew that God had both the right and the power to do the impossible.

The angel also told Joseph that the baby in Mary’s womb was the Messiah, come to save people from sin (v. 21). More than that, He was Immanuel, “God with us,” the second Person of the Trinity (v. 23). God’s presence with His people always signifies His covenant faithfulness and love.

Mary’s pregnancy was the work of the Holy Spirit (v. 18). Since God is the great, self-existent I AM, it could not have been otherwise. This also fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy of a virgin birth (Isa. 7:14), which was authorized by the Father and inspired by the Spirit (v. 22). The entire Trinity participated in the birth of Christ— acting as separate Persons, but one in essence and purpose.

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Many good theological sources are available to learn more about the Trinity. In addition to the recommendation in this month’s “Theology Matters” column, another brief article that covers basic biblical truths in a clear, concise manner

is “What is the doctrine of the Trinity?” by Matt Perman, found on the Desiring God website.

 

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Today in the Word

Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE TRINITY AND THE VIRGIN BIRTH

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Read LUKE 1:26–38

The Creation account in Genesis connects God the Holy Spirit with the generation of life. In the beginning, before God spoke, when “the earth was formless and empty . . . the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” (1:2). When God created the first man, Adam, He “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (2:7). In Hebrew, the same word is translated as both “breath” and “spirit,” indicating God’s ability to create a distinctive kind of life made in His image.

In today’s reading, we see that the Holy Spirit is the One who generated life in the womb of the virgin Mary (v. 35). Only God can do the impossible and bring life from nonlife. Just as He breathed human life into the dust of the ground, so also He conceived life in a virgin’s womb. God is the One who ultimately holds all power over life and death.

God the Father planned it all. His promises never fail (vv. 36–37)—one of David’s descendants would be an eternal King (vv. 32–33). He sent an angel with a message to Mary; she responded differently from Zechariah, submitted obediently, and counted herself a recipient of God’s favor and blessing (vv. 28, 30, 38).

The baby to be born was, of course, Jesus, the Son of God (vv. 31–32)—the Messiah and the second Person of the Trinity. He is God Incarnate. Through the Son, the Father would fulfill His covenant with David. Christ—the Greek title that means “Messiah”—will reign forever and ever (see Rev. 11:15)!

By focusing on the Three-in-One in this episode, we gain a greater appreciation for God’s faithfulness, love, power, promises, plan of redemption, and sovereignty over life, as well as of the awe-inspiring mystery of the Incarnation of Jesus.

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How can the first Person of the Trinity send the third to conceive the second as a human baby? Paradoxes like this are a mode of being beyond our understanding. Rather than be distracted by the mysteriousness of the Three-in-One, ask what God wants you to learn about Himself this month. Make this a topic for prayer today.

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word –THE TRINITY AND THE MISSION OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

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Read LUKE 1:8–17

The doctrine of the Trinity, God as Three-in-One, is one of the most difficult in Christian theology. John Wesley said, “Bring me a worm that can comprehend a man, and then I will show you a man that can comprehend the Triune God.” Though it is challenging, studying the Trinity can also be very rewarding. Augustine said, “There is no subject where error is more dangerous, research more laborious, and discovery more fruitful than the oneness of the Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

This month’s study approaches this doctrinal topic within the four Gospels (mostly) and the life of Christ. In these familiar narratives, the Three-in-One often interact or are spoken about as identifiably different Persons. The goal of our study is to reach a richer and fuller understanding of God, including His love, His plan of salvation, and how the Trinity works in the world and in the lives of believers.

Our readings will begin in chronological order and then become organized thematically. August 1 to 10 will focus on the Trinity’s involvement in Christ’s birth. From August 11 to 20, the passages deal generally with the interaction and work of the Trinity. From August 21 to 31, the emphasis is on the Trinity’s roles with regard to redemption and the proclamation of the gospel.

In today’s reading, the three Persons of the Godhead are all involved. Zechariah offered incense in the temple to worship the Father (vv. 8–10), who sent an angel to him with an important message (v. 19). He and his wife would have a son who would prepare the way for the Messiah, the Son of God (vv. 16–17). This prophet, John, would be filled with the Holy Spirit throughout his life, beginning even before his birth (vv. 15, 41–45).

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This month’s study provides an opportunity to discuss the Trinity with your pastor or other church leaders. What does your congregation’s doctrinal statement affirm about the Trinity? What biblical texts do they see as key in understanding it? Your small group Bible study or Sunday school class could also address this topic.

 

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – FORGIVENESS: THE FINAL CALL

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Read GENESIS 49:29–50:26

“Revenge is a dish best served cold!” Historians debate the origins of this quote, but the sentiment is unmistakable: rather than take vengeance while an insult is still fresh, better to wait so that the offending party does not see your revenge coming.

Jacob had died. Per his father’s last request, Joseph and his brothers returned to Canaan with “a very large company” (50:9) to bury him in the cave of his forefathers. Once they all returned to Egypt, however, the brothers’ fears about Joseph’s true intentions emerged. Perhaps Joseph had delayed vengeance only to serve it up now.

They concocted a story about Jacob’s dying wish was to have Joseph forgive his brothers. They threw themselves before Joseph, confessing their crime against him, and pledging themselves to Joseph as his slaves. Four times they mentioned their “sins” and “wrongs” committed against Joseph (vv. 15–17). They were repentant, but also worried about revenge.

But Joseph displayed no grudge at all. Upon hearing their plea, he wept and then spoke words of kindness and wisdom: “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (50:19–20). Following those words, Joseph pledged to provide for his brothers and their families. His deep sense of God’s providential goodness (even in harmful circumstances) led Joseph to exercise similar goodness and reconciliation with his brothers.

This was Joseph’s calling—to turn evil into a blessing for others. His only request in these last verses of Genesis is to have his bones returned to Canaan, knowing that God would one day return His people to the land of promise.

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As we close our study of Genesis, we see how understanding God’s providence can lead to proper reconciliation. Where is God calling you to forgive and reconcile with someone who has harmed you? Ask God for the wisdom to see His hand in all things, and the grace to grant true forgiveness to that person in your life.

 

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – THE MERCY AND FAITHFULNESS OF GOD

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Read GENESIS 43

Hunger is one of the most basic, powerful drives of the human body. Without food, there is no life. As a result, hunger can lead people to do things we would not normally do. Such was the case with Jacob.

As the famine continued and food ran out, Jacob called for his sons to return to Egypt for supplies. His sons, however, reminded him of problem— Benjamin must go with them! Fearing the loss of another son, Jacob resisted; but finally hunger, and a pledge by Judah, prevailed. Gathering gifts along with double money to repay the earlier mistake, Jacob sent off Benjamin and his other sons to Egypt. His final prayer put the whole affair into the merciful hands of God.

In the narrative that follows we begin to see the outworking of that mercy upon the brothers. When they arrived in Egypt, Joseph ordered them to his house. The brothers feared punishment for the money found earlier, but the steward assured them all was well. The initial answer to Jacob’s prayer for mercy was coming true—water for washing, food for donkeys, Simeon restored, Joseph (still unknown to them) speaking well to them, and a feast from the royal table. God Himself is named as the source of blessing: “Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks” (v. 23). In these troubling times, God’s mercy shone forth.

There is more here than just mercy; God’s faithfulness to Joseph is also implied. Back in Genesis 37, Joseph had twice dreamed that his family would bow before him. Now, in fulfillment of that dream, when Joseph entered the house the brothers “bowed down before him to the ground” (v. 26), and then later bowed down again in verse 28. God’s mercy and faithfulness are on display.

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Joseph waited decades before the fulfillment of his youthful dream. At many points, it seemed that being in a position of authority in his family was the most unlikely scenario imaginable. If you are waiting for God to answer your prayers, remember that He is faithful even when He seems silent. His mercy and compassion for you remain sure.

 

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – FORGOTTEN IN PRISON

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Read GENESIS 40

Two lost hikers huddled together, cold and hungry, waiting for rescue. Soon, a low-flying helicopter came into view. The hikers leaped up with joy, shouting and waving their arms. But the aircraft flew past without slowing. The hopeful moment of rescue was gone.

Joseph experienced a glimmer of hope for release from prison, which seemed to end badly. Scripture tells us that two of Pharaoh’s officers, having angered the king, were sent to the very prison where Joseph was held. One night both the cupbearer and baker were troubled by disturbing dreams. Joseph offered help, but not on his own. Notice Joseph’s continued faith in God through his words: “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams” (v. 8).

In turn each of the officers reported the details of his dream, and Joseph gave their meanings: in three days, the baker would be hanged and the cupbearer would be restored to Pharaoh’s court. Just as Joseph said, after three days the Pharaoh had the baker put to death but restored the cupbearer to his service. This was Joseph’s chance for release! His only request was for the cupbearer to tell the king about Joseph so that he might be freed from his wrongful imprisonment. The chapter ends, however, on a dejected note: “The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him” (v. 23).

Joseph may very well have felt that God, not just the cupbearer, had forgotten him too. Despite his continued profession of God’s presence in his life, Joseph’s sorrowful circumstances remained. Others’ dreams were coming true, but what about the dreams of Joseph’s youth (Genesis 37)? Where was God and His promises of old? Had God forgotten? The ending of our chapter intentionally leaves us to ponder these questions.

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Do we sometimes feel forgotten by God in the face of the brokenness of our world? Today’s chapter demonstrates that God’s hiddenness does not mean He is absent or forgetful of His people. Let your worship this Sunday renew your trust in our God who does not forsake His people, even when we cannot always see His hand at work.

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Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – GENERATIONAL PROBLEMS

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Read GENESIS 37

Parents give their children a unique set of features, both physical and psychological. Hair color and height as well as character traits are passed from one generation to another. The same was true for Jacob’s family in today’s reading. Unfortunately, this included the generational pattern of conflict and deception, so noticeable in Jacob’s own life, which now continued with his sons.

Just as tension had defined the relationship between Jacob and Esau, animosity described the sibling rivalry between Joseph and his brothers. Jacob’s special love for Joseph (displayed in the exquisite robe), along with Joseph’s knack for tattling on his brothers, led them to hate Joseph. When Joseph then began sharing his dreams of reigning over them, Scripture tells us that the brothers were provoked to jealously, and “hated him all the more” (v. 5). Although their plan shifted from initially wanting to kill Joseph to throwing him into a pit and eventually to selling him for profit, the anger and hatred towards their brother was palpable.

Likewise, the deceptive qualities of the young Jacob earlier in Genesis now became evident in his sons. To cover up their actions, the brothers took Joseph’s prized coat, dipped it in goat’s blood, and showed it to their father. Jacob drew the (wrong) conclusion they had hoped for: “Joseph has surely been torn to pieces” (v. 33). Do not miss the irony. Just as Jacob once deceived his old father with clothing and the killing of a goat, so now his own sons deceived Jacob with clothing and the slaughter of a goat. The conflict and deception that had so marked Jacob’s own life spilled over to his sons. The despair in Jacob’s lament at the end might leave us without hope—but the story of Joseph is not over, and God’s grace is yet to be revealed.

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Consider your own family and possible recurring sin you see in yourself and relatives. Whether it’s patterns of failed relationships, addictions, or struggles with anger, we might be tempted to despair in the face of generational sin. But God is bigger than that, as the remainder of Genesis will show. God can break their destructive power.

 

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