Morning Prayer

For Psalm 26, Prof. Calvin notes that David has examined himself thoroughly and is void of offense towards God and man. David calls on God to examine, try, and help him. Zondervan Pictorial Bible: “Numbers:” notes that the Nabatean kingdom hosted 2 million, thus, making the 600,000 number quite possible. Thus, dealing with a frequent objection to Numbers. ISBE on “Leviticus:” notes that Leviticus is not just for priests, but for the laity as well, a point infrequently made. For Genesis 15.1ff.: Prof. Keil comments on the ceremony of the parted animals in the covenant establishment, or, more accurately, re-iteration of the gracious covenant with Abram. For Judges 8.13ff., Prof. Keil discusses the snare of sin of Gideon, arrogating to himself the role of an Aaronic priest. That sin comes down upon his house. For Isaiah 11.1-9, Prof. Henry focuses on the Messianic dominion of the Spirit of the LORD” resting, dominating and governing Him. The Davidic hope lives on despite the rending of the Kingdom and the Divided Monarchy. ISBE on Johannine Theology, Prof. I. Howard Marshall summarizes the “Son of Man” title along 4 lines of importance, clearly, as the glorious Danielic “Son of Man” approaching the Ancient of Day. For Mathew 9.10-13, Prof. Jamieson comments on the feast-banquet put on by Matthew for Jesus and Matthew’s friends, presumably, at Capernaum. For Romans 6.1-11, Prof. Hodge discusses union with Christ in His death and resurrection, fruits of justification, and making antinominianism a “no-go.” For Acts 1.12-14, Prof. Henry notes the gathering of apostles and women in Jerusalem, praying and awaiting the promised Pentecostal empowerment. Frederick Copleston’s “History of Philosophy: Greece and Rome (1.1):” discusses the “One and Many” issues amongst the Eleatics, Zeno, Parmenides and Pythagoreans. EDT: Kant: notes that Idealism, existentialism, logical positivism and Schleiermacher were offshoots and responses to Kant. For Systematic Theology (locus 2), Prof. Hodge emphasizes again natural revelation in man’s constitution, everywhere, in everyone, at all times—yes, twisted, distorted and suppressed amongst the reprobates (“without moral sensibilities” like abortionists), yet, irresistibly revealed. For Theology Proper (locus 2), Prof. Reymond comments on the overwhelming Biblical testimony for the all-comprehensive providence of God governed by God’s decree. For Eschatology (locus 7), Prof. Berkhof gives the historical fly-over on the subject of the resurrection of the body, a concomitant with the Second Coming. The majority view (Origen excepted) was that the body buried in the ground will be raised. ODCC: Athanasian Creed: never found in Greek, but only in Latin. J.N.D. Kelley theorizes that it is attendant or slightly after the Nestorian debate in the East. No one attributes it directly to Athanasius. For Apostolic Christianity, Vol. 1 (1-100) Prof. Schaff analogizes Paul’s conversion to Luther’s. For Medieval Christianity, Vol. 4 (590-1073), Prof. Schaff comments on the final breach between Rome and Constantinople. For the Swiss Reformation Vol. 8 (1519-1605), Prof. Schaff sets the stage for the Calvin-Sadolet tango by introductory details about Cardinal Sadoleto. For Dr. Cranmer, Prof. MacCulloch deals with the few final days of Anne Boleyn in the tower, her confession under the seal to Dr. Cranmer, and his nullity gig the next afternoon. Prof. Mac notes that this period has “stained” Cranmer’s reputation. As a member of the jury, this juryman agrees with the Prof’s summation. For the Creeds of Christendom, Vol. 1, Prof. Schaff introduces the intra-Lutheran debate about “absolute ubiquity” and “relative ubiquity.” 1994 CCC: our infallibilists in paragraphs #610-612 speaks reasonably well on the Last Supper (without a hint of the Bone-Munchers’ view) and the agony of Gethsemane. Westminster Confession 8.3: 3. The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the divine, was sanctified, and anointed with the Holy Spirit, above measure, having in him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; in whom it pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell; to the end that, being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth, he might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a mediator, and surety. Which office he took not unto himself, but was thereunto called by his Father, who put all power and judgment into his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the same.