Mary Craig Ministries - The Beauty of the Blood

June 15, 2008

Dear Friend of Mary Craig Ministries,

Wouldn't you like a key that would open up to you the secret of enduring life even through adversity? Do you know yourself to be a believer but also just know that you are in a place of exile in your relationship with God? Scripture speaks of the key of David, a key that opens and no one shuts; and shuts, and no one opens. This key has its foundation in something called "the sure mercies of David."

During his lifetime, David served as armor bearer and musician to Saul before he himself became king. Forced to flee from Saul's court, he spent some 12 to 15 years in exile, pursued by Saul and really going through it. Finally, in God's timing, David came into his reign, first over the southern tribe of Judah at Hebron and finally over a united Israel.

During David's reign, he changed the capital from Hebron to Jerusalem and brought the Ark to Jerusalem from Kiriath-jearim. He established the priesthood and the worship of God there in Jerusalem, making it not only Israel's political center but also its spiritual center. He overwhelmed his enemies until he extended the kingdom to include all the land promised to Abraham. He was a warrior-king. God was with David and gave him victory.

David thought it wrong that he should live in an expensive home while the Ark of God dwelt in a tent. He wanted to build God a house. But God walked among His people in a tent, a symbol of humanity. Jesus, the Word of God, became flesh and "tented" or "tabernacled" among us. God just wants room in our tent, our frail, finite, transient, insignificant tent with all its limitations and imperfection. Then in 2 Samuel 7 God does something remarkable.

God establishes a covenant with David in which He identifies with His people. He reinforces the Immanuel principle, being with David. He connects "house" as both dynasty and dwelling-place, promising a perpetual dynasty of David. He makes two pivotal promises, one concerning the line of David and the other concerning appointing a place for God's people and the locality of Jerusalem. He then establishes a father-son relationship: "I will be your God and you will be My son." This relationship culminates in Christ, the son of David, the son of God. (Psalm 2, Romans 1.3, 4, Hebrews 1.5) And then God does something wonderful.

God establishes the sure mercies of David. After David's death, God will set up his seed after him, establishing his throne and kingdom forever.

I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: but my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you: your throne shall be established forever. 2 Samuel 7.14-16

David and his descendents are assured of mercy. He will not die but live. Under Abraham the uncircumcised male was cut off. Under Moses the disobedient would not enter God's rest. Under David the sinful king would be beaten with the rod and chastised but continue.
Jesus Christ satisfied in Himself all the obligations of covenant. He was circumcised, kept the Law, bore in Himself the chastening judgments deserved by David's seed through covenant violations, and assured that the Davidic covenant would come to fulfillment. Where the King is, so is His Throne. (Acts 2.30-36)

With this in mind, we turn to Isaiah 55.1-3:

Ho, every one that thirsts, come to the waters, and he that has no money: come, buy, and eat; yes come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do you spend money for that which is not bread? And your labor for that which does not satisfy? Hearken diligently unto Me, and eat that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live: and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

This is a call to life. The Davidic covenant of kings and kingdoms is being offered to everyone that thirsts. Isaiah had used the word "Ho" in connection with judgment; but here the language of judgment turns into blessing. Are you paying money for water? Are you in a desperate situation, unsatisfied, laboring yet always hungering? Do you feel dead even while you stand on your feet? Is your mouth so parched that even the little water you drink doesn't begin to quench your thirst? Are you in exile, far from the King and His kingdom? Do you want to delight yourself in abundance, in the Lord Himself?

Here is an offer of covenant blessing given directly to the people and not just to the Davidic line within Israel. Listen up! Draw near to God! God is doing something remarkable in offering to everyone who thirsts the richest of fare, a time of great joy and peace. God is offering in an eternal covenant a secure salvation as an everlasting testimony to the greatness of His name. (Is 55.3, 13; 61.8) Your soul shall live. The soul that sins will surely die (Ezekiel 18.20), but here, with the promises of this covenant, your soul shall live.

God is saying to end your separation from God's presence. Leave the place where you are and come to the place where God is. Come to the waters and live. Seek the Lord and you will find yourself chosen, loved, brought near, consecrated, secure and satisfied. Share in the blessings of God's gracious covenant.

The Davidic covenant was confirmed by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Acts 13.34) The resurrection of Christ shows that God can keep His promise of unfailing covenant kindness to David. No matter what the circumstances, the covenant promises to David will be fulfilled. Even the death of Jesus was overcome by God's sure word of promise. God is not bound. The promises of an eternal kingdom, an eternal king, peace and righteousness, abundant prosperity, justice, and equity, are secure, sacred, sure, and steadfast. God is faithful. David was a witness to the covenant as God began to fulfill His plan through him. Jesus is witness that nothing can cut either Him or His people off from God's covenant promises. "The resurrection is both a seal and fulfillment of the promises and also a pledge of the indissoluble character of the everlasting covenant of grace." (Walker, Thomas, Acts of the Apostles, Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, page 326) Jesus, through His life and words as He proclaims the truth to the nations, this One whom God appoints is a witness both against sinners (Malachi 3.5) and on behalf of the truth (John 18.37).

Isaiah 55, the gospel of grace in the OT, stresses the urgency of this window of opportunity. Don't delay in responding to God's call. Seek and call upon the Lord of Hosts. This is the time of your deliverance. Believe the Word, change your thinking, pray expectantly while God is about to act on your behalf. Don't judge the Lord by the standards of your experience. Don't resign yourself to exile or to wandering in the wilderness or to pessimism or weakness or bondage or disobedience. Repent and believe, and then act in faith.

The wicked and those who are living in disobedience need to abandon their life style choices and their plans. Return to the Lord and He will show mercy and forgive. God is offering an unconditional covenant promise to you, the sure mercies of David, a promise just like the reliable covenant promises He made to David. Look. God made David a witness to nations, a ruler and commander of nations. He raised Jesus from the dead. Nothing can stop the sure Word of the Living God. God's Word is effectual. It can't be set aside by anything or anyone. Take captivity captive and turn the tables on the enemy of your soul. Let your soul live and not die and proclaim the excellencies of Christ and God's covenant of grace. Instead of capitulating to your circumstances, step out by faith into the sure mercies of David. (Isaiah 55.4-11; cf Psalm 89)

Pastor Jim and I thank you for your continued support of MCM. Our Barnabas distribution is June 21st. We are approaching 15 years as an organization. God has blessed and blesses all those who have joined us as we carry the gospel of Christ around the world and across backyard fences.

A team is preparing to go into the Israel, Egypt and Jordan later this year. We have the call, the commission, the commandments (our orders), and God's commitment. We have received about one-third of the funds we need. Please continue your generous support and help us go! People are being touched by God's grace, by His gospel. Their lives are being transformed as God heals them, sets them free, and saves them to the uttermost. Our new Monday night thing is growing! Check out www.craighouse.org for details.

Living in the sure mercies of David,

Mary Craig

P.S. Order books from our Catalog section, using PayPal Worship with us 4:30 p.m. Sundays. Grow and flourish in small group ministry at Craighouse®, located in the Pompano Plaza at 114 E. McNab Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33060. Log on to www.craighouse.org for a map and more events and Bible studies. New studies include "Heaven: Beyond the Horizon" and "The Tabernacle: How to Enter the Holy of Holies and Establish God's Presence in Your Life." Reach MCM at 954-491-7270. Send in your prayer requests.

The Sure Mercies of David