Matthew 12:1-14 long sat neglected in the teaching of the church, but during the COVID-19 pandemic it was dusted off and used to justify the cancelation of services in the name of mercy. David and the showbread, “Mercy and not sacrifice", and the ox-in-the-ditch were all asserted as examples of what it means to observe the spirit of the law over the letter of the law. The implications of such reasoning and a respect for God's Word demand a careful examination of Matthew's message.
Geared toward the layman and scholar alike, Covenant Faithfulness provides an in-depth introduction to the challenges of Matthew 12:1-14 while introducing the topics of intertextuality, progressive revelation, narrative interpretation, typology, and biblical hermeneutics. Yet rather than merely providing a stimulating academic discussion of a much-debated text, Covenant Faithfulness seeks to provide real-world application in the midst of a global pandemic. We pray that Covenant Faithfulness proves faithful to Scripture, provides clarity in times of chaos, demonstrates compassion toward those who are suffering, and ultimately glorifies God.
Reviews:
Nathan’s scholarly treatment of Matthew 12:1-14 is by far the best I have read. Instead of assuming the typical situational-ethics view, he provides a thorough exegesis that is consistent with both the contextual theme of Matthew and the integrity of the Lord Jesus. Especially important is Nathan’s examination of Old Testament passages relevant to the Lord’s defense of His disciples. Anyone who has struggled with this difficult passage will find this book a tremendous help. - A. K. Richardson
Many brethren struggle with whether the COVID-19 crisis negates God’s command for Lord’s Day congregational worship. Nathan Battey reminds us that our response to this pandemic must not be founded on fear of disease or government, man’s fallible view of mercy, or the false idea that “love trumps law.” In this edifying and easy-to-read book, Brother Battey puts the focus precisely where it belongs: God’s infallible, all-sufficient word. - Brandon Stephens
Brother Nathan Battey has provided a very good work for the Lord’s Church. He has fulfilled the obligation of I Timothy 4:6 as a “good minister of Jesus Christ”by establishing his views within “the words of faith and of good doctrine.” This is a stressful period of time where Hebrews 2 reminds us we labor under the lifetime bondage of fear and death. However, our obligation is to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Brother Nathan makes the Son shine through the cloudiness of human opinion in this study of Matthew 12:7. Men have muddied the water, and this passage has been abused as a license to sin. Brother Johnny Elmore once told me, “Don’t ever forget muddy water looks deep!” Anyone feeling tension between their present stressful circumstances and the law of God must reconcile their choice to the law of God. Foolish statements such as “I just don’t think God will hold it against me if…” or “We are doing the best we can” are often dangerous justification. If we have missed the mark, we need to fix it with God and move on. The message of the Son of God is “He who hath ears to hear let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches” (Revelation 2:7). Revelation 2:10 outlines faithful obedience even to death. God is our Father and has proven longsuffering, gracious, and merciful. I Corinthians 13 requires all that we do be done in love. Kindness and love must be joined with steadfastness in our public and private allegiance to God’s revealed word. I commend this book and pray that it will bring blessing to the brotherhood. - Cullen Smith
Many brethren struggle with whether the COVID-19 crisis negates God’s command for Lord’s Day congregational worship. Nathan Battey reminds us that our response to this pandemic must not be founded on fear of disease or government, man’s fallible view of mercy, or the false idea that “love trumps law.” In this edifying and easy-to-read book, Brother Battey puts the focus precisely where it belongs: God’s infallible, all-sufficient word. - Brandon Stephens
Brother Nathan Battey has provided a very good work for the Lord’s Church. He has fulfilled the obligation of I Timothy 4:6 as a “good minister of Jesus Christ”by establishing his views within “the words of faith and of good doctrine.” This is a stressful period of time where Hebrews 2 reminds us we labor under the lifetime bondage of fear and death. However, our obligation is to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Brother Nathan makes the Son shine through the cloudiness of human opinion in this study of Matthew 12:7. Men have muddied the water, and this passage has been abused as a license to sin. Brother Johnny Elmore once told me, “Don’t ever forget muddy water looks deep!” Anyone feeling tension between their present stressful circumstances and the law of God must reconcile their choice to the law of God. Foolish statements such as “I just don’t think God will hold it against me if…” or “We are doing the best we can” are often dangerous justification. If we have missed the mark, we need to fix it with God and move on. The message of the Son of God is “He who hath ears to hear let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches” (Revelation 2:7). Revelation 2:10 outlines faithful obedience even to death. God is our Father and has proven longsuffering, gracious, and merciful. I Corinthians 13 requires all that we do be done in love. Kindness and love must be joined with steadfastness in our public and private allegiance to God’s revealed word. I commend this book and pray that it will bring blessing to the brotherhood. - Cullen Smith
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