Evening Prayer (1662 Book of Common Prayer)

LECTIONS. John Calvin on the Psalms. Keil & Delitzsch: Joshua. Matthew Henry: Isaiah. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown: Gospels. Matthew Henry: Revelation. Dr. Robert Reymond: Systematic Theology. Prof. Berkhof, Systematic Theology: Soteriology. Dr. Philip Schaff, Apostolic Christianity, Medieval Christianity and Swiss Reformation. Dr. Philip Schaff: Creeds. Westminster Larger Catechism, 54-57. For Psalm 10, Prof. Calvin notes that we go through storms and trials and must endure, not imputing negligence or indifference to God. Rather, we are to persevere, pray and be strengthened by the adversities. For Joshua 10, Prof. Keil wanders around the nursing home talking about the “sun and moon” standing still. Possibly an optical illusion to Joshua, he notes, yet allows for a sovereign, direct intervention as the exegetes of the “fathers” maintained. Then, he discusses the five kings dashing to a cave, Joshua’s putting stones there as a prison, Joshua’s resumption of the take-down of the armies of the imprisoned kings until victory is secured, and, finally, disposes of the five kings. He tells his commanders to put their feet on the necks of the five kings, then hang them, leave their bodies until evening, and then toss them into the caves whence they came. Marcionites will groan and moan here. Oh how few understand Divine judgment and allow cut-throats to hold their pulpits. God is a life-taker and a life-giver. For Isaiah 2.1-5, Prof. Henry notes that this section is a photograph, as it were, of church history in the extension of the church to the nations, to wit, the realization of the Abrahamic covenant. For Matthew 1.1-3, Prof. Jamiesson discusses Christ’s genealogies. It includes 4 woman and 3 with sinful or notorious backgrounds. Also, it involves those from outside Israel. Twice, Christ is tied to the Davidic throne with intermediate kings eclipsed. As previously noted, Matthew traces Christ backwards through Christ to David to Judah to Abraham to Adam. For Revelation 5, Prof. Henry outlines the benefits that Christ bestows on His people on earth and put forward from that Heavenly Sanctuary. This clearly will put a pep in your step. Very encouraging for the Minister or lay person speaking outwardly to others. For Bibliology, Prof. Reymond discusses univocality, equivocality and analogy in the knowledge of God and ourselves. Aquinas and Augustine are brought forward. Further questions are raised. For Soteriology, Prof. Berkhof discusses general and external calling in relation to conversion. For Apostolic Christianity, Mr. Schaff outlines more Latin and French historians down to the 18th century. For Medieval Christianity, Mr. Schaff gives a wonderful account of Patrick’s ministry from his own account. For the Swiss Reformation, Mr. Schaff continues to discuss the slow reformation in St. Gall, advanced and help by Johann Kessler. For the Creeds, Mr. Schaff discusses the efforts in 1453 to reunite the East and West via the Council of Ferrara. It is rejected. Gennadius, a lawyer at the council, advocates for union. Upon return and becoming a Greek monk, he flips against the reunion project. He writes a Confession. For the WLC, 54-57. A potent receipt for joy, confidence, assurance and divine aid through the merits and abiding relevance of Christ’s offices for His Church Militant and Triumphant. No weak tea here!