The Children Whom God Has Given to Jesus [2026.03.14 Pastoral Letter and Hopewell Herald]

Hopewell Herald – March 13, 2026

Dear Congregation,

The Lord has blessed us with a new covenant child (pun intended!) in the congregation, and we look forward to her baptism soon in the public worship of God.

Last week, in the course of the M’Cheyne reading plan, we had the following passage:

Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

Luke 18:15–17

Jesus gives a two-fold rationale command to bring the children to Him:

First, children are members of the kingdom already. "Of such is the kingdom" means that the kingdom is comprised of such as these children.

Second, everyone in the kingdom of God must receive it as a little child. This applies to children and adults, both. Those who have the first birth must have the second in order to see the kingdom (cf. Jn3:3–8). So, "kingdom" is being used with reference to the visible church in v16, and the invisible/elect/eternal church in v17.

One of the reasons that Jesus insists that children are members of His church, and be brought to Him in all of the privileges of that membership (i.e. the means of grace!), is so that they can learn to receive the kingdom as little children. And one of the reasons that Jesus brings adults into the visible church is so that they can learn to receive the kingdom as little children.

So, dear reader, how have you received the kingdom as a little child? Or, haven't you? God grant unto us all to be true children.

When describing Christ’s leadership of our public worship, Hebrews 2 puts these precious words on His lips:

“Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”

Hebrews 2:13

Looking forward to coming to God together in the public worship, through His only-begotten Son, as His true children,

Pastor

Audio lessons to help you prepare for the Lord’s Day:

▪Theology Simply Explained — CC43, Covenanted to God in Christ 
▪Theology Simply Explained — WSC20, The God Who Is Pleased to Save
▪Song of Songs 6:4–13, “Blessed RE-Assurance”
▪Deuteronomy 31:9–13, “Means of Generational Grace”
▪Mark 1:1–11, “Why the Gospel Is Good News”
▪Nahum 1:2–6, “Wrestling with the Reality of Wrath”
▪Song of Songs 7:1–9a, “The Bride's Crowning Beauties”

LORD'S DAY – March 15, 2026 

9:50 a.m. Breakfast Line Opens

10 a.m. Sabbath School
We are preparing our minds and hearts for public worship by studying our Confession of Faith from Scripture, affirming that Scripture is our only ultimate authority, but also discovering that what we confess is thoroughly Scriptural.

11 a.m. Public Worship

▫Children’s Catechism for March 15. Q43 With Whom did God the Father make the covenant of grace? With Christ, His eternal Son. [CC 43 Simply Explained: “Covenanted to God in Christ”]

▫Shorter Catechism for March 15. Q20. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery? God having, out of His mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer. [WSC 20 Simply Explained: “The God Who Is Pleased to Save”]

▫Songs for public worship on March 15: ARP45B [mp3], ARP108A [mp3], ARP94A [mp3]

Scripture Text for first portion of worship service
Song of Songs 6:4–13

Scripture Readings and basis for confession of sin and petition for help
Deuteronomy 31:9–13
Nahum 1:2–6

Sermon Scripture text and topic
We will be hearing the sermon from Nahum 1:2–6 about “Faith in the God of Vengeance”

Lord’s Supper! (Please see the section at the end of the Worship Booklet on how rightly to prepare for and take it).

1 p.m. Coffee Fellowship and Catechism Class

1:30 p.m. Fellowship Lunch

▫Memory Verse for March 15, Nahum 1:3, YHWH is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. YHWH has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.

3:00 p.m. Evening Praise and Preaching
We will be singing at least ten Psalm selections and hearing the sermon from Song of Songs 7:1–9a about “The Heavenly Glories of the Bride ”

 

Hopewell this Month

Hopewell’s Presbytery Prayer Focus for March
New Days ARP in Duluth, GA

March Psalm of the Month
ARP108A God, My Heart Is Steadfast

Upcoming Events

• Saturday, March 14, Shower for Lowry and Abby, 10:30a in the Fellowship Hall
• Wednesday, March 18, Midweek Prayer Meeting. 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel. We will hear a sermon from Proverbs 22:17–21 then pray until 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 18, Session Meeting, 8 p.m. in the Pastor’s Study
• Saturday, March 21, Memorial Service for Susan Dobbins, 4p in the Chapel
• Saturday, March 28, Men’s (and future men) breakfast, 7a in the Fellowship Hall
• Saturday, March 28, Church Workday, 8:30a
• Thursday, April 2, Diaconate Meeting, 8 p.m.

Wrestling with the Reality of Wrath [Family Worship lesson in Nahum 1:2–6]

What would God have us do, now, with His wrath? Nahum 1:2–6 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord would have us mindful of the reality and nature of His wrath. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2026.03.14 Hopewell @Home ▫ Nahum 1:2–6

Read Nahum 1:2–6

Questions from the Scripture text: Who is jealous (Nahum 1:2a)? Who avenges? Who avenges and is furious (verse 2b)? What will YHWH do (verse 2c)? What does HE reserve for His enemies (verse 2d)? To what is YHWH slow (Nahum 1:3a)? In what is He great? What won’t He do (verse 3b)? Where does YHWH have His way (verse 3c–d)? What are as the dust of His feet (verse 3e)? What does He rebuke (v4Nahum 1:4)? With what effect? What does He make to quake (Nahum 1:5a)? With what effects (verse 5b–d)? What rhetorical question does Nahum 1:6a ask? With what implied answer? What rhetorical question does verse 6b ask? With what implied answer? Why can’t anyone endure His wrath (verse 6c–d)?

What would God have us do, now, with His wrath? Nahum 1:2–6 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord would have us mindful of the reality and nature of His wrath.  

It’s about the Lord, Nahum 1:2. The book of Nahum is written about Nineveh, and often addresses Nineveh, but it is given to Judah. Judah isn’t just in a bad place politically and militarily, having been oppressed by Assyria for around a century. Judah is in a bad place spiritually, halfway through the reign of Manasseh, with idolatry, and other immense but lesser evils running amok. 

So, even the way that this little book begins is telling. It is the burden against Nineveh, but their name doesn’t even appear again until Nahum 2:8, about halfway through the book. YHWH’s Name, however appears five times in the first two verses of the actual prophecy (Nahum 1:2-3). God’s vengeance is not nearly as much about Judah as it is about YHWH. Nineveh (and the wicked in Judah!) are HIS adversaries (Nahum 1:2c), HIS enemies (verse 2d).

Here is comfort for the faithful in Judah: the greatness of YHWH’s vengeance flows from the greatness of His jealousy (Nahum 1:2a), His commitment to His own glorious Name. Surely, every wrong against them will be avenged with unimaginable intensity. But, here is a warning for the unrepentant in Judah: YHWH will take vengeance upon them in the same divine fury.

Take comfort by faith, and repent by faith, Nahum 1:3a–b. These two lines are a summary of Exodus 34:6–7. And they explain “what is taking so long” in the judgment of Assyria. YHWH acts on His own schedule. His agenda centers upon saving those whom He is bringing to repentance (cf. Romans 9:22–24), so His timetable is marked by slowness to anger (Nahum 1:3a). But this must not be taken either as an inability to act (YHWH is “great in power,” verse 3a) or unwillingness to act (YHWH “will not at all acquit,” verse 3b). 

So, we must not walk by sight. When the wicked seem to be safe for a very long time, we must remain sure of what He says about Himself in His Word, and sure of His vengeance and wrath upon them. And, when we seem to have “gotten away with” our sins, we must remain sure that He hates our sin—and that we are in desperate need of the atoning blood of Jesus Christ for our guilt, and the resurrection power of Jesus Christ for our walking in newness of life. These certainties come when we walk by faith in His Word, rather than misjudging by the small sample-size of what we think we have seen so far. The mercy of His patience toward us should move us to repentance (cf. Romans 2:3–11).

Understanding His wrath, Nahum 1:3-5. So His Word, here, teaches us several things about His wrath. His wrath appears suddenly; it arises like a whirlwind or a storm (Nahum 1:3c–d). His wrath is inscrutable; those clouds that are so far above us are the dust that is beneath His feet; we cannot begin to comprehend His wrath (verse 3e). The effect of His wrath is instantaneous; just a rebuke instantly dries up the sea and the rivers (Nahum 1:4a–b). It is like the fire of God burning up the water in 1 Kings 18:38; when Jesus does this in the boat, the disciples are right to be very afraid of Him, for He identifies Himself as YHWH from Nahum 1:4! The effect of His wrath is immense; lush Bashan, mighty Carmel, and flourishing Lebanon are all made barren by this rebuke (Nahum 1:4c–d). Finally, the whole world is subject to God’s wrath: mountains (Nahum 1:5a), hills (verse 5b), and all the earth (verse 5c)—they quake at His presence. He is everywhere present in His wrath! But it is not just the world, but especially “all who dwell in it” that are subject to this glorious wrath (verse 5d). 

Preparing for His wrath, Nahum 1:6. Why put us in mind of all of these truths about His wrath? To press upon us the questions in verse 6a,b. There is no more important or practical question for life or eternity. Wrath breaks into this world in events like the destruction of Nineveh (verse 6c–d). But greater wrath waits for all of the wicked when they leave this world. We must each ask: can I stand before His indignation? Can I endure the fierceness of His anger? By ourselves, the answer is a resounding, “No!” Be sure, dear reader, the answer to verse 6a–b is “none but Christ”! Attempting to hide in anyone or anything beside Christ is even worse! But, if we kiss the Son, and trust in Him, we will escape that wrath and find ourselves to be blessed forever.

How often are you mindful of the wrath of the Lord? How is it a comfort to you in the face of the evil that is on the earth? How has it been sending you, in reinvigorated faith, to the Lord Jesus for refuge? How has it warmed your heart in evangelism and prayer to those who are not ready for the last day?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for the book of Nahum. Thank you for reminding us of Your wrath. By Your Spirit’s blessing on Your Word, when it comes to Your wrath, please don’t let it be “out of sight, out of mind” for us. We praise You, God of vengeance, for You will not at all acquit the wicked. We thank You, God of grace, that You are slow to anger. By Your great power, hide us in Christ, that we may stand before You in Him now, on the last day, and forever, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP49A “God, the LORD from Whom Is Vengeance” or TPH2B “All Authority and Power”

The Bride's Crowning Beauties [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 7:1–9a]

How much does Jesus adore and enjoy the church? Song of Songs 7:1–9a prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord Jesus is captivated with delight in His bride. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional presents the church as the beloved bride of Christ, emphasizing her beauty in the divine actions and spiritual qualities that reflect His grace. It unfolds a theological vision where the church’s feet—her godly actions—are celebrated as beautiful footprints of divine workmanship, the work of Christ’s own skillful hand. Her nourishing ministry, depicted through wine and wheat, reflects the means of grace through which Christ sustains His people, while her watchful purity, likened to ivory and royal towers, underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance and doctrinal integrity. The devotional culminates in the bride’s adorning beauty—her godly character, modesty, and worship—portrayed as surpassing earthly splendor, with her hair like purple and her stature like Mount Carmel, signifying her royal identity and spiritual fullness. Ultimately, Christ goes to great lengths to delight not only in the church’s works but especially in her worship, where her breath is like apples and her speech like fine wine, affirming that true worship is the highest expression of her love and the greatest delight to her Bridegroom.

2026.03.13 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 7:1–9a

Read Song of Songs 7:1–9a

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the Bridegroom praise (Song of Songs 7:1a)? What does He call her (verse 1b)? What does He praise in verse 1c–d? In what way? What two things does He praise in Song of Songs 7:2? In what manner? And what, in Song of Songs 7:3? In what manner? What does He praise in Song of Songs 7:4a? How? And in verse 4b–c? How? And in verse 4d–e? How? What does He praise in Song of Songs 7:5? In what manner? How does He summarize His praise in Song of Songs 7:6-7? And how does He describe His desire to delight in her (Song of Songs 7:8-9)? 

How much does Jesus adore and enjoy the church? Song of Songs 7:1–9a prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord Jesus is captivated with delight in His bride. 

Not only have His expressions praise of her, and desire for her, not diminished, but now we see that they have even greatly increased. She had praised Him from head to toe in Song of Songs 5:10–15, and now He literally mirrors it, praising her from feet to head in Song of Songs 7:1–5. 

It is this composite that is the main force of the passage, but without becoming creative, we are to learn from some of the details of His adoration and affection. 

Living by grace, Song of Songs 7:1. The feet and thighs are an obvious place to start, because He has just described her as dancing “the dance of the two camps.” Indeed, the word in Song of Songs 7:1a is more literally “steps,” and the curving in verse 1c may well refer to motion rather than shape (the word for “jewels” only appears in the singular elsewhere, and the plural here may also imply motion). The bride is lovely not only in herself, but especially in her actions. And we see two more beauties in these actions: her status (prince’s daughter, verse 1b) and their source (the work of the hands of a skillful workman, verse 1d). Her beauty is not her own; it comes by her royal (re!)birth, and it comes as the skillful work of Another. How beautiful is the work of the Spirit in those who are God’s children.

Means of grace, Song of Songs 7:2-3. Song of Songs 7:3 reprises Song of Songs 4:5, lacking that the twins feed among the lilies. But, taken with Song of Songs 7:3, the bride’s beauty in provision is much richer than nourishment. There is the wine for refreshment and celebration, and the wheat for energy and strength. And not just wine, but mixed/spiced wine (Song of Songs 7:2a–b). And not just wheat, but heaps of it, and adorned with lilies (verse 2c–d). She is equipped for all that the saints need, and she is beautiful in her provision of it. Of course, as with the wine and bread of the Lord’s Supper, the point is not the means of grace, but the Lord of grace Himself.

Guarded by grace, Song of Songs 7:4. He praises her preciousness and purity (white) by the ornamental tower of ivory in Song of Songs 7:4a. The purity and peace of her eyes has been communicated by the figure of a dove before, and the pools by the gate in verse 4b–c convey the same idea. The nose is another tower, keeping vigilant watch in the direction of Damascus (verse 4d–e). The implication is diligence against enemies, especially the greatest enemy of sin. Taken altogether, the images of verse 4 focus upon her purity and peace, maintained by watchfulness. 

Adorned by grace, Song of Songs 7:5. Finally, the description arrives at her head and her hair. This part of her adornment has been compared twice to a flock of goats, must recently in Song of Songs 6:5. And on those occasions, we have noted that the true adornment represented here is modesty and good works (cf. 1 Timothy 2:9–10), and a gentle and quiet spirit (cf. 1 Peter 3:3–4). In this case, there is greatness and glory of this adornment, as indicated by the mountain and the purple. 

Delighted in by the Groom, Song of Songs 7:6-9. The last thing He says about her tresses is that a king is held captive by them (Song of Songs 7:5c), and now the section concludes by His demonstrating that she has indeed captured His heart. He summarizes her as “fair and pleasant,” bringing together words that He has already used to describe her, but the image of the palm tree is brand new. He zooms out to take her in as a whole. The palm is tall, straight, and slender. Exalted dignity. And there is a focus here on the breasts, that by which she would nourish their children. The image is not meant to be physical or sensual, as he switches from twin gazelle babies to clusters of dates and clusters of grapes. The abundance of her provision for the saints is sweet to Him like dessert. He puts forth great effort (“taking hold of its branches” (Song of Songs 7:8b) means a climb to the top of the tree) to take delight in her ministry of teaching and praise—her breath (verse 8d) and her palate (Song of Songs 7:9a).  

As the Bride, and members of her, it should be our delight to be delightful to Christ. God give us to live godly, attend upon His means in the church, be spiritually watchful, and adorned with modesty, gentleness, and good works.

What acts of obedience and service do you do, unto the delight of Jesus? What use do you make of the means of His grace? How do you maintain watchfulness for purity and peace? How is your life adorned by humility and gentleness?

Sample prayer:  Lord, come and delight in Your bride. Delight in her feet, her movements that are the result of Your own skillful work. Delight in the nourishment that she provides—the pure milk of the Word, and the bread and wine of fellowship with Christ. Delight in her purity, like ivory, and her peacefulness like pools. Delight in her nourishing her offspring, and enjoy the sweets of her mouth. We are amazed that You, the all-glorious King would take such delight in us. Come, by Your Spirit, and make us to take delight in delighting You, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH403 “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” 

Why the Gospel Is Good News [Family Worship lesson in Mark 1:1–11]

Who is the Messiah, and what did He do? Mark 1:1–11 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus, the Son of God, came as the Christ Who would pour out His Spirit, and take away people’s sins. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Mark’s Gospel opens with the proclamation of good news: Jesus is the divine Savior, the Anointed One, and the Son of God, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy through His identity, mission, and divine nature. In Jesus’s baptism, His sinlessness is affirmed by the Father and the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, marking Him as the one who baptizes with the Spirit and brings forgiveness, cleansing, and divine union. This event reveals Jesus as the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King. The call is not merely to acknowledge these truths, but to respond in worship, repentance, and daily reliance on Christ as Savior and God, Who has brought us into union and communion with Himself.

2026.03.12 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 1:1–11

Read Mark 1:1–11

Questions from the Scripture text: Of what is this the beginning (Mark 1:1)? Whose gospel? Whose Son is He? Where had this been written (Mark 1:2)? Whom would the Lord send before His face? What would this messenger do for Him? What does Mark 1:3 call the messenger? Where would he be found? What did he cry to do? Where did John come (Mark 1:4)? What did he come doing? What was he doing, besides baptizing? What did he preach? What sort of baptism did he preach? Who went out to him (Mark 1:5)? Who, specifically? What was done to them by John? Where? Doing what? With what was John clothed (Mark 1:6)? What did he eat? What (Whom!) did he preach (Mark 1:7)? How does this One’s strength compare to John’s? How does this One’s worthiness compare to John’s? With what did John baptize them (Mark 1:8)? With Whom will the One baptize them? Who came, in those days (Mark 1:9)? From where? What was done to Him? By whom? Where? From where did He come up (Mark 1:10)? What did He see happening to the heavens? What did He see descending upon Him? Like what? What came from heaven (Mark 1:11)? What did it call Him? What did it say about Him? 

Who is the Messiah, and what did He do? Mark 1:1–11 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus, the Son of God, came as the Christ Who would pour out His Spirit, and take away people’s sins. 

Immediately, in Mark 1:1, Mark tells us that he is writing a gospel. It’s like placing a headline, or a cover page on the book that announces GOOD NEWS. So, one thing that we may want to do, as we read through this book, is to ask ourselves frequently, “how is this good news?”

That question is actually answered in at least three ways before the verse is over. (1) His Name is Jesus. Why was He called Jesus? He saves His people from their sins(cf. Matthew 1:21). (2) His title is Christ. This is a Greek translation of the word, “Messiah,” or “Anointed One.” Jesus is the promised forever-king of 2 Samuel 7, the promised forever-priest of Psalm 110, the promised great prophet of Deuteronomy 18 (cf. Acts 3:22-23).  (3) His identity is that He is the Son of God. God Himself, the Son, has come as our Savior, King, Priest, and Prophet

Mark goes on to show the faithfulness of God, His perfect reliability. God promised that He Himself would come, and that He would first send a messenger (Mark 1:2-3). And John came, exactly as God promised (Mark 1:4-7).

But there’s a huge difference, here, between the messenger and the Messiah. What did John baptize with? The messenger baptized with water, a symbol of the people’s need for repenting from sin and being forgiven of sin. 

And in Mark 1:8, with what does John say that Jesus will baptize? Again, we can see that Jesus must be not just a man but God Himself, for He pours out God Himself—the Holy Spirit—upon those whom He baptizes. Jesus’s baptizing gives the repentance and forgiveness that John’s baptizing could only tell them that they needed.

This makes Mark 1:9 wondrous and amazing: Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan. Interestingly, Mark does not tell us that John at first refused to do this. Instead, he emphasizes God’s own testimony that Jesus did not need to be baptized for His own sin. 

God identifies Jesus not as a son of Adam (needing repentance and forgiveness) but rather “My beloved Son,” deserving of honor and glory and kingdom and power and praise. Then, God makes it doubly clear that Jesus has no sin of which to repent or be forgiven: “in Whom I am well pleased.” Jesus is identifying Himself with sinners, but He most certainly is not one Himself.

Mark is a fast-paced gospel. And already, its news has been very good: God Himself has come as a man. He is not a sinner, but He has identified Himself with sinners. And His Father has responded to Jesus’s receiving this baptism not with rebuke but with affirmation! Identifying Himself with sinners, and pouring out His Holy Spirit upon them, is exactly what Jesus has come to do.

What active, day-to-day difference does it make for you that Jesus is your Prophet? Where and how do you hear His words? And what do you do with them after you hear? What difference does it make that He is your Priest? To whom do you go for forgiveness? How do you come near to God? What difference does it make that He is your King? How have you responded to God the Son, Who has identified Himself with sinners in their sin? Is He your Savior? In what current situation do you most need the comfort of remembering the Jesus has identified Himself with you? What is your plan for reminding yourself of that in that specific situation? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving Your Son, Who needed no repentance, to be the sacrifice for our sins. And thank You for giving Him to us as the One Who gives us Your Spirit for life and faith and union with Christ. Forgive us for our many sins, for His sake. And, forgive us for how forgetful we are of His glory and His grace. Grant that by that very grace, we would remember Him and live by faith in Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH492 “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds”  

2026.03.11 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

To tune in for the Prayer Meeting, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

Means of Generational Grace [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 31:9–13]

How do covenant blessings come from one generation to the next in God’s visible church? Deuteronomy 31:9–13 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that covenant blessings come from one generation to the next in God’s visible church by means of the public hearing of all of His Word. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The central message of the devotional is that God’s Word, faithfully read and heard in corporate assembly, is the primary means by which His people are renewed in reverence, obedience, and faith. Rooted in Deuteronomy 31:9–13, the passage emphasizes that the public reading of the Law every seven years—during the Feast of Tabernacles—was designed to cultivate a generational fear of God, ensuring that all, including children and strangers, would hear, learn to fear Him, and live according to His commandments. True obedience flows not from legalistic pride but from a heart humbled by the holiness of God’s Word, received with meekness and applied in gospel-centered action. The weekly gathering of the Church on the Lord’s Day fulfills the Old Testament pattern, with the goal of proclaiming the whole counsel of God so that believers and their children may grow in humility, reverence, and faithful obedience. Ultimately, the devotional calls the church to steward God’s Word with holy seriousness, trusting that the Spirit uses it to produce lasting spiritual fruit across generations.

2026.03.11 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 31:9–13

Read Deuteronomy 31:9–13

Questions from the Scripture text: What did Moses do with the law (Deuteronomy 31:9)? To whom did he deliver it? What did they do? To whom else did he deliver it? Then what did Moses do them (Deuteronomy 31:10)? About doing something how often? In what particular year? At what time of year? Who will do what at that time (Deuteronomy 31:11)? And what must the priests and elders do before all Israel at that time? Which of the people are they to gather (Deuteronomy 31:12)? That they may do what? And learn to do what? So that they ultimately do what? Who else will benefit from this (Deuteronomy 31:13)? By being enabled to do what two things? For how long?

How do covenant blessings come from one generation to the next in God’s visible church? Deuteronomy 31:9–13 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that covenant blessings come from one generation to the next in God’s visible church by means of the public hearing of all of His Word.  

The substance of the sermon of Deuteronomy 5–26 wasn’t just for one particular day and circumstance in the life of God’s people. It was for their ongoing instruction. Every seven years, there was to be a release from debts and slavery. But the real freedom is found in belonging to the Lord and being enabled to observe his commandments. 

All Israel. God’s Word is the means that He uses to do His gracious work in all of His people. This is emphasized in Deuteronomy 31:11, Deuteronomy 31:12. The reading is for “when all Israel comes to appear” and to be done “before all Israel in their hearing.” Particularly, this is to include “men and women and little ones, and the stranger.” None are to be left out

The Means Used: His Word. Twice, we see the mechanism described: “that they may hear and that they may learn to fear YHWH your God” (Deuteronomy 31:12), and “may hear and learn to fear YHWH your God” (Deuteronomy 31:13). YHWH uses the hearing of the Word to produce in them the fearing of the Lord. Here is something to aim at, and to seek from the Lord, as you listen to His Word or read His Word: that He would work in you the fear of YHWH.

The Fruit Produced: Obedience. The fear of YHWH produces what our English version describes as “carefully observe” (Deuteronomy 31:12). In the original, it is “keep in order to do.” When we “receive with meekness the implanted word” as a gift from God “to save your souls” (cf. James 1:21), we must “be does of the Word, and not hearers only” (cf. James 1:22). We keep the Word of God in order to do what it says.

Throughout Their Generations. The Lord establishes the public reading of His Word, at a great assembly, with the children there, in order to make an impression especially upon them. “Every seven years” would ensure that each child would experience this twice during his lifetime, and at least once when able to comprehend well. 

This hearing, fearing, and keeping to observe is something that the Lord commands to convey from one generation to the next “as long as you live in the land which you cross the Jordan to possess” (Deuteronomy 31:13). That is to say: throughout the generations of the visible church, as she enjoys the blessings that belong to her in covenant with God.

There is no longer an annual feast of tabernacles, but there is a weekly Lord’s Day. In it, let the congregations of the church publicly assemble and hear God’s Word read. And, let them not shun to declare “the whole counsel of God” (cf. Acts 20:27). But, with a view to the souls of all, but especially to the children, let them hear the Word, in order to fear the Lord,  that they may both keep all of His words to do them, and teach yet another generation. 

How strongly do you prioritize assembling with the church each Lord’s Day? What does it look like to fear the Lord, Whose Word we hear? By what habits of meditation, vowing, and paying those vows, do you put into practice the words of God? How strongly do you prioritize the training of children to hear, and fear, and obey? What are you doing to facilitate this? 

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for giving us the public assemblies of Your church on Your day. And thank You for giving us Your living, active, saving Word. And thank You for granting that, in those assembles, we and our children would hear that Word. Forgive us, for when we have missed those assemblies when we could have attended. And, forgive us, for when we have heard the Word, but not unto the fear of You. And, forgive us, for when we have not sought to put Your Word into practice. Finally, forgive us for how lightly we have taken the duty to make sure to do this with our children, with the whole counsel of God. Truly, You have greatly blessed us, but we have taken that blessing for granted. So, by Your Spirit applying to us the grace of Christ, please forgive us and help us, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP34C “O Sons and Daughters, Come” or TPH173 “Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast”