Resource Manager Posted October 1, 2015 Report Share Posted October 1, 2015 01 October 2015 1 Chronicles 15Ezekiel 27Luke 24 “SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE …” What is it to be "slow of heart"? It is minds that are exposed to lots of evidence – yet are unable – or unwilling – to fit it all together to see what it proves and so creates a real sense of conviction in their minds. In recent generations, the evidence has multiplied of the miraculous way the natural world functions and multiplies. There is a wondrous intricacy and harmony in it, yet the minds of those who do not want to believe it all points to their being an all-knowing all-seeing Creator remain closed. They have convinced – themselves – that they are their own 'god'! Their vision is limited to this life – death is their end – and they will then vanish into nothingness for ever. Quite apart from the way the incredible wonders and intricacy of the world of nature convince us there must be a Creator, those who examine the history of the 1st Century, see that the reality of what happened almost 2,000 years ago made an indelible impact on at least some who experienced them. Some of the secular history of that era written by Josephus and Roman historians, such as Tacitus illuminate the testimony of writers like Luke, whose gospel we finished reading today. These writings are such that they increase the challenge to doubters to believe a wondrous event – the resurrection – really occurred. Luke’s final chapter, describes the astonishment of those who came to find the tomb empty. We need to put the 4 gospels together it we wish to get a comprehensive picture of that incredible day. We are fascinated by the account of how the risen Jesus, unrecognised, joined two his followers (they were not part of the 12) who were walking to Emmaus. The conversation Jesus had with them made their "hearts burn within" them. [Luke 24:32] How did this happen? Do our 'hearts' ever 'burn'? They later reflected how "he talked to us ... he opened to us the Scriptures". These scriptures of course would be parts of the Old Testament. They would have known these scriptures, but they had been like a jigsaw that would not properly fit together. Jesus had said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!" [Luke 24:25] How "slow of heart" may we be – even today to "believe all that the prophets have spoken!" Let us read ever more carefully and diligently to see how the 'jigsaw pieces' fit into place as world events unfold before our eyes each passing day, week, month and year – so that we are not "slow of heart." -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 02 October 2015 1 Chronicles 16Ezekiel 28Galatians 1; 2 "FROM EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING" What a thought provoking and inspiring set of readings we have today. 1 Chronicles 16 contains David’s Psalm of thanksgiving when the ark is finally brought into Jerusalem – which he had recently made his capital. David had made a new tent (Tabernacle) which he “had pitched for it.” [1 Chronicles 16:1] 1 Chronicles 16:8-36 are a remarkable Psalm of thanksgiving that David must have then composed, both for the ark of God’s presence and for the blessings of God upon the nation – his words project forward to God’s ultimate blessings. The words the people are to sing begin, “Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name ... let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!" [1 Chronicles 16:8,10,11] May we seek his presence continually – and “rejoice” as we do so. As we read on the impression increases that this is also a Psalm/hymn the righteous will sing in the kingdom age. "He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. Remember his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations ..." [1 Chronicles 16:14,15] Surely, at that time, the nations will be taught to sing it too! These words made us meditate on how much the wonders and way of life to come are far beyond our minds to grasp at present. The words David was inspired to put together are remarkable - and the vision the LORD inspires in him pictures the time eventually coming when all will "worship the LORD in the splendour of holiness" and "tremble before him ... yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved." [1 Chronicles 16:29-30] How inspiring is the way the Psalm concludes, " Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!" Then all the people said, "Amen!" and praised the LORD." [1 Chronicles 16:36] Surely we are getting close to the time when this "everlasting" era will begin - but only God knows. But let us follow the example of Paul, expressed so meaningfully in his words we also read this morning: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." [Galatians 2:20] So when "the Lord comes ... to judge the earth" - we will be "on the Lord's side" (see Exodus 32:26) and will be “everlasting” in singing praises to him.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 3, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2015 03 October 2015 1 Chronicles 17Ezekiel 29Galatians 3; 4 "GOD HAS SENT THE SPIRIT OF HIS SON INTO OUR HEARTS" We have 3 fascinating readings today; we could write pages of thoughts! First, in 1 Chronicles 17 we see how " the word of the LORD came to Nathan" the prophet [1 Chronicles 17:3] to take to David a profound message that God "will make for you a name, like the name of the great ones of the earth." [1 Chronicles 17:8] Then God added this further promise! "I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more." [1 Chronicles 17:9] The nation did become great under David and Solomon! But the promise is not yet completely fulfilled! It obvious to us that the wondrous fulfilment of this promise needs an eternal king, far greater than these two! Clearly the promise points forward to our Lord Jesus who is constantly addressed as "The Son of David" in Matthew's gospel. The people were anticipating this "Son." One outcome of his wondrous healings was that "all the people were amazed, and said, "Can this be the Son of David?" [Matthew 12:23] The final words from the LORD that Nathan conveyed to David were, "I will establish his throne forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son ... I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.'" [1 Chronicles 17:12-14] Ezekiel brings to us the prophecy of God's judgements on Tyre whose king and people had played a prominent role in supporting Solomon in the building of the Temple – but then their faithfulness had faded – rather like the faithful and genuine worship of God and his Son faded after the death of the disciples. Our Galatians chapters [Galatians 3; 4] provide us with Paul's message to 1st Century believers to maintain and remain faithful to the wonder of the relationship they have with Christ: to resist the influences of those who wanted them to seek salvation by keeping the Law of Moses. Paul pours out his heart in writing; "I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!" [Galatians 4:19] It is vital, says Paul, that they recognise the wonder that, "because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" [Galatians 4:6] Do we fully recognise the wonder - and the privilege – of being expected to address the Creator of all things as "Our Father"? In their language – this was “Abba.” Have we got to the stage of taking this privilege for granted? If we have then is "the Spirit of his Son still in our hearts? Go back to our Chronicles chapter and see how David was completely overawed by God's promise of the future! He says, ""Who am I, O LORD God ... that you have brought me thus far? ... You have also ... shown me future generations, O LORD God!" [1 Chronicles 17:16-17] What has he shown to us – through His word! Shouldn't we have a similar reaction and feel - in our hearts - completely overawed by the prospect before us! Has the “spirit” of God’s Son … really penetrated “into our hearts”? Let us maintain our faith until the end – and how close are we now to when our faith is turned to sight! -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2015 04 October 2015 1 Chronicles 18; 19Ezekiel 30Galatians 5; 6 "... ONLY FAITH WORKING THROUGH LOVE" The word “faith” is special to the New Testament. Where it occurs in the Old Testament, it is most often about breaches of trust. The contrast between the Old and the New, is the need, under the Mosaic Law to observe the rules of the Law in the right spirit, and this they largely failed to do except when they had a righteous king, especially under David and Solomon. In the time of Jesus, the Pharisees had turned the precepts of the Law into rituals to be observed. When Paul, after his conversion went out preaching he started his message in the local synagogue when there was one which there usually was. Most of the converted Jews, although accepting Christ as the Messiah were putting a lot of emphasis on still keeping the Law and observing circumcision. In counteracting this, as we read today in Galatians Paul challenges them, “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness" [Galatians 5:4-5]. The Law keepers, and they included the observance of circumcision, knew nothing about “grace” – they ‘earned’ salvation through their observances. The next verse [Galatians 5:6] is, in a sense, Paul’s ‘punch line.’ – “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” This reminds us of the words in Isaiah, “If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.'" [isaiah 7:9] That is, about anything in life, you will be driven here and there by the winds of opinion, which is what is happening in our world today – and there is a kind of parallel in a lot of Christianity. Christ’s followers are ‘free’ from the need to observe the ritual of the Law. Paul tells them, “for you were called to freedom brothers” and then makes a vital point, “do not use that freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” [Galatians 5:13] Let us all do that today. Our Lord set the example in doing that, may our lives constantly demonstrate our “faith working through love.”-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2015 05 October 2015 1 Chronicles 20; 21Ezekiel 31Ephesians 1; 2 "... MADE US ALIVE TOGETHER WITH CHRIST" What a thought challenging set of readings we have today! First, in 1 Chronicles 20; 21 we saw the failure of David to maintain his spiritual vision and integrity. We have to put these chapters alongside 2 Samuel 11; 12 to get the full picture of the interaction of events after "David remained in Jerusalem." [1 Chronicles 20:1] This was the time when he committed his sin with Bathsheba - a lesson for us to never relax our work for the Lord. David became momentarily a ‘Satan’, as the Apostle Peter did [Mark 8:33] David had the inclination to 'boast' of how many people were under his rule; let us beware ourselves of any inclination to list and boast of what we have achieved. The word 'Satan' means 'adversary, as it is sometimes translated. (see 1 Kings 11:14,23,25 – where it occurs 3 times, but is always translated as ‘adversary’ – it illustrates the failures of Solomon in his old age. We must never relax our commitment to the Lord, even in our old age, lest we do things that are 'adverse' to his will.) Ezekiel 31 is a message to "say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his multitude: ‘Whom are you like in your greatness?’ " [Ezekiel 31:2] Assyria is used as an illustration of a nation which has boasted of its greatness, but God will "surely deal with it as its wickedness deserves. I have cast it out." [Ezekiel 31:11] Assyria had destroyed the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes – now it is to go into oblivion – the true God was not acknowledged! Soon it would be Egypt’s turn! A modern example could be the British Empire, so extensive, until 75 years ago when I was young – but now virtually no more. Is it significant that most of its churches are now closed? How lacking, of any meaningful form of Christianity, the whole world has become. Many generations have now passed since the Bible was widely possessed and read. There is very little genuine spirituality anywhere in the world today. Then we came to read the first 2 chapters of Ephesians – they are truly inspirational if we read them carefully! Paul makes many points, a vital one is that the Ephesians "once lived in the passions of the flesh ... and were by nature (because of this) children of wrath, like the rest of mankind." [Ephesians 2:3] All mankind, more than ever today, deserves 'God's wrath.' But Paul writes to the believers at Ephesus, words which we pray apply to us today! "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ ..." [Ephesians 2:4-5] We are "alive" – the rest of the world is "dead" – in God's eyes – and as long as we stay "alive" he will "in the coming ages ... show the immeasurable riches of his grace" [Ephesians 2:7] How close are we now to the start of "the coming ages"!? Let us stay "alive ... with Christ" – spiritually – until he come. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 6, 2015 06 October 2015 1 Chronicles 22Ezekiel 32Ephesians 3; 4 "SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE" Our 2 chapters today in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reveal that the situation among the believers there had become quite dysfunctional: Paul makes an impassioned appeal for them to regain their vision of the true way of belief and faith in Christ for there is only “one hope … one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” [Ephesians 4:4-6] He urges them to be “no longer children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning … Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way … into him who is the head, into Christ.” [Ephesians 4:14-15] That’s the first and greatest commandment isn’t it, “to love the Lord thy God” with all our facilities, being in utter awe of what God must be. We can know what is true belief and it is sad that many do not; but that true knowledge must then be motivated by genuine “love.” Sadly over the many Centuries since Paul’s time there have been many winds of doctrine. How vital it is to grasp Paul’s point that we must “grow up in every way” “into” Christ. And then. “the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so it builds itself up in love” [Ephesians 4:15-16] This describes the ideal! Read it again - are you doing your part properly? Paul told them to live “with all humility and gentleness, with patience bearing with one another in love …” [Ephesians 4:2] – these are vital factors in “each part working properly.” In contrast, the unbelievers around them (and us), Paul says, “walk … in the futility of their minds … alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them … they have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality … but that is not the way you learned Christ! … assuming you … were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus ..” [Ephesians 4:17-21] Today, we must not let the spirit all around us, influence us. Sadly, the truth as it is in Jesus, is taught less and less these days – which makes it harder for “each part” to work properly. Paul appeals to them “to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created … in true righteousness and holiness.” [Ephesians 4:23-24] Let us make sure we are “speaking the truth in love” and making ever greater efforts to be renewed in the spirit of our minds.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2015 07 October 2015 1 Chronicles 23Ezekiel 33Ephesians 5; 6 "... THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND IN THE EVIL DAY" Today we read the concluding chapter of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians – and his advice to them is so appropriate for us today as he writes of the “evil day.” It seems certain we are living in the final “evil day” before Christ returns. “Day” of course, is not used in the sense of 24 hours – but of a time period, usually a very short one. Paul’s encouragement to them is straight to the point – no beating about the bush as some of us would say today. “Finally,” he writes “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God [Ephesians 6:10-11] And what is this armour? It is the kind of armour that enables us "to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." [Ephesians 6:13] Paul develops his point further "Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth" [Ephesians 6:14]. If we do not stand on what is true – and for what is true – thinking we are standing will be all self-deception – and will later be seen as tragic! It will be too late! Paul next says we need to have, "put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." [Ephesians 6:14-15] What kind of "peace" gives us this “readiness”? Isaiah's words to God about his involvement in our lives illuminates for us the wonder of this! "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." [isaiah 26:3] It is peace of mind – arising from a genuine relationship that is creating real “trust” – day by day – because we are increasingly “working together with him.” [2 Corinthians 6:1] day after day! How wonderful were the words of Jesus to his disciples! John recorded them in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." Back to Paul's words: "In all circumstances take up the shield of faith" [Ephesians 6:16] How much we need this 'shield' in our minds today - as total godlessness surrounds us in so many forms. We must have on [Ephesians 6:17] "the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God ... that you may be able to withstand in the evil day." We should also add that we must engage in "praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance ..." [Ephesians 6:18] By this means - more than anything else - we will "be able to withstand …the evil" of the days in which we are now living - and be “ready” to meet our Lord. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2015 08 October 2015 1 Chronicles 24; 25Ezekiel 34Philippians 1; 2 "WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION WITH ... " Today we started reading Paul’s letter to the Philippians. We remember the events at Philippi where he and Silas were arrested and thrown into the town jail because they healed a demented girl whose ‘owners’ were making money out of her [Acts 16:12-40]. But a strong enough earthquake occurred about midnight! The events which followed led to the conversion of the jailer and his family; they probably became foundation members of the ecclesia there. Paul’s letter to them is more positive than any of his other letters – the only thing he had to warn them about was that some were preaching with unworthy motives [Philippians 1:5]. He writes, " my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." [Philippians 2:12] That is “fear” in the sense of “awe” in sensing what God and Christ must be. How much must their behaviour have stimulated Paul - as well as their material support sent to him [Philippians 4:15] His next words are profound, they are words we do well to meditate on, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." [Philippians 2:13] Those who conscientiously "work out" their "own salvation" are truly "working together with God" [2 Corinthians 6:1] – rather than the other way round. Paul obviously did not see himself as working with God - but it was really – God "with" him and with them! Let us sense the wonder of the same happening with us. Now – in 2015 – this is surely the time of the final ingathering. The parable of Jesus comes to mind - see Luke 14:17-23 – where the Lord’s instruction is " bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame ... that my house may be filled" Back in Philippians Paul's prayer for them – see Philippians 1:9 – should be our prayer. "it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment" Let us make sure that our prayers for each other are the same – we specially note Paul's next words – "so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness ..." As we each "work out" our "own salvation" we must check on the "fruit" we have produced – today – and make plans as to how we can produce more. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2015 09 October 2015 1 Chronicles 26Ezekiel 35Philippians 3; 4 “OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN” After writing about “the enemies of Christ” [Philippians 3:18] and saying “their end is destruction ... and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things," Paul declares, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body." [Philippians 3:19-21] Paul then uses the word "therefore" – indicating that – 'because of this vision of your future' – "Therefore, my brothers (and sisters) whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord." Let us all “stand firm” – and, as opportunity arises, help each other to do this. This lovely and inspiring epistle of Paul ends, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." We think of him as meaning – our spirit – and how our minds should be constantly sensing our Lord’s gracious forgiveness of our weaknesses – and be developing an ever greater desire to "overcome" any influence "the enemies of Christ" have on us. We have ‘strength’ to do this because "our citizenship is in heaven." May the succinct words Paul penned to the Romans inspire us – today – and every day while "we await" our "Saviour." Paul wrote, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” [Romans 12:21] And when we have achieved this, we can fully embrace the words of John in the last chapter of his first epistle – that “everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the worldour faith.“ [1 John 4:4] which we possess because “our citizenship is in heaven.” -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2015 10 October 2015 1 Chronicles 27Ezekiel 36John 1 “IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD” Today we start reading the Gospel of John, which is one of the more challenging books of the Bible to understand. But the Bible would soon lose our continuing interest if its meaning was immediately plain as we read it. Often we have to carefully think about what we read to get to its real meaning. This is God’s wisdom in causing it to be written the way it is. The problem is made greater in a few cases because the translators have had a fixed idea in their minds as to its meaning. John’s Gospel begins by using the word ‘WORD’. “In the beginning was the WORD” In the Greek this is the word Logos. It is sometimes translated as saying (e.g. John 4:47,49) and the lexicon says it primarily means ‘spoken word’ Genesis 1 is all about what God said to create life on earth. All that the people heard in the wilderness was God speaking from the top of the mountain. God was known by his WORD, no one saw God he was only known by his voice. The translators confuse us in John 1 when they start to use the word “Him” The earliest translations (Tyndale) use the word “it.” The best way is to use the noun instead of the pronoun. “All things were made through a word, and without a word was not anything made that was made” [John 1:3] But there is a greater meaning here, a spiritual meaning – that is, that the words of Jesus had the power to bring eternal life to those that accepted them and acted on them. The Jews [John 1:11] did not accept his words “But to all who did receive him, who believed his name, he gave the right to become ‘children of God’ [John 1:12] Do we want to become children of God? Or just live and die as animal beings so that in the end we are no better than other animals? -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2015 11 October 2015 1 Chronicles 28Ezekiel 37John 2; 3 "FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD" Following on from yesterday’s thoughts, today [sunday] in John 3:34 we read “for he whom God has sent utters the words of God” Jesus does not speak of himself, he represents God, but many churches make the mistake of saying that he is God! We read that Jesus is the “word (that) became flesh” [John 1:14] – that is God’s messages came to us through “flesh” – his son – and not through an angel or a voice from the top of mount Sinai. So we have in today’s reading those words so often quoted, but again often not correctly understood, “for God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” [John 3:16] Notice what we have put in italics. If you don’t believe in Jesus, and your actions show this, you have no future apart from what this life offers, and all who do this, when they die they perish. But, wonderfully, if we believe in Jesus, we joyfully do what Jesus asks and show that we believe in him. Let us not feel it is in some way ‘unfair’ of God not to provide a middle way This is what Jesus told Nicodemus, the ruler of the Jews who came to him in the night, “Truly, truly, I say unto you, unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God” [John 3:5] We are born of water through baptism, and then – we are transformed in our attitudes as we develop an increasingly wonderful spiritual relationship with God – and sense the utter commitment of mind Jesus developed in offering himself as the ultimate sacrifice for us, so that we become adopted sons and daughters of the Creator of all that exists. All those who have been reborn have responded to how “God so loved the world” by developing a new attitude of mind, praying and feeding on God’s word every day - being ever more conscious of the words of Jesus that his followers should “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come” [Luke 12:35-36] -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2015 12 October 2015 1 Chronicles 29Ezekiel 38John 4 "... WORSHIP THE FATHER IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH" How do we worship? We have seen individuals in Hindu Temples seeking out some particular idol that they believe is able to help them over some particular problem. We have talked to a Roman Catholic in Dublin who was doing penance – and praying each day to Mary for a set number of days – with a confident expectation of some particular blessing! We may inwardly ‘smile’ at such superstition, but let us make sure we ourselves really understand – in our hearts – what is an acceptable attitude and place of worship – one that our Saviour and our God, his father will recognise and accept. Our thoughts were provoked into following along this line of thinking as we pondered the reply of Jesus to the statement the Samaritan woman made to him that we read today in John 4. Jesus told her, “the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father .... true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him." [John 4:21,23] That “hour” came when Jesus died on the cross. Paul told the Corinthians, in his first letter, “I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scripture” [1 Corinthians 15:3] Those words really challenge our minds! Worship is to be done in 'spirit' – in our hearts – and as our hearts focus on the absolute wonder of what the Creator of all things must be the 'vision' we can sometimes develop in our minds can become overwhelming! The other word Jesus used was 'truth.' The ultimate source of all that is genuinely true is only found in God's word - the Bible. Paul in his final letter, the 2nd one addressed to Timothy, told him, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." [2 Timothy 2:15] Let us make sure we do the same - for it is the only sure guide – and inspiration – for us – a light in a dark place – and our world is getting darker and darker. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2015 13 October 2015 2 Chronicles 1; 2Ezekiel 39John 5 "HOW CAN YOU BELIEVE, WHEN ..." John is inspired to record in intimate detail the conversation Jesus had with the religious leaders who challenged him. They thought they knew all the answers! The same spirit exists today – not on religious matters – but in so-called scientific knowledge as to the ‘natural’ origin of life – the need for a ‘Creator’ is left entirely out of the picture. Jesus challenged them, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life ... you refuse to come to me that you may have life." [John 5:39-40] Jesus bluntly told them, "I know that you do not have the love of God within you." [John 5:42] Genuine love – is total commitment – and this leads to a wonderful relationship. How challenging are the words of Jesus in John 5:44, "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" This pinpoints the underlying weakness in all human thinking – the aim, consciously or sub-consciously, to achieve self-glory: we all have this weakness in some measure and have to strive to overcome it. Do we realize Jesus experienced this!? We will read an instance of Jesus resisting, indeed, fleeing from, this in John 6 tomorrow. After the miraculous feeding of the of the 5,000, the one miracle recorded in all 4 gospels, the resultant attitude of the people led them to say "This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!' What happened then!? Jesus "Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself." [John 6:14-15] But Jesus was to become king! But not this way! Let us learn the lesson and constantly seek to give all the glory to God – and keep none for ourselves. Let us fully appreciate the point made in Hebrews 4:15, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." One of our more subtle temptations – is to do the 'right' thing – the 'wrong' way – not in God's way! This was the temptation before Jesus. Our world is full of people seeking their own 'glory'. Let us imprint into our minds our Master's words, "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" [John 5:44]. These words are 'food' for our careful meditation, let us offer David's prayer, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" [Psa. 139:23-24].-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2015 14 October 2015 2 Chronicles 3; 4Ezekiel 40John 6 "THE WORDS ... I HAVE SPOKEN ... ARE SPIRIT AND LIFE" We have some really challenging chapters today. First in 2 Chronicles 3; 4 we have the details of the Temple Solomon built – and all the gold that was used; it must have been completely awesome to go inside! Sadly, few in the succeeding generations were affected in that way. This was because their sense of the reality of God – and his presence – became ritualized: it was no longer a place where they could draw near to God and sense his unseen presence all around them. Instead it became a place where the religious leaders could exalt themselves – instead of God. The way the Temple Herod built was used in the time of Jesus illustrated this. The parable Jesus told about 2 men in the Temple is very much to the point – see Luke 18:9-14. We must ask ourselves: is it possible for the reading and knowledge of the Bible to lead to this attitude? The answer is ‘Yes’ – if our reading and developed knowledge of God’s word feeds our own ‘ego’ as it did the Pharisee.. In Ezekiel we began a sequence of 9 chapters that describes “the visions of God” [Ezekiel 40:2] that came to the prophet; visions in detail of the ultimate temple that will be built – in the kingdom age. Finally, the 71 verses in John 6 challenge us to correctly perceive the meaning of the teaching of Jesus. We may wish he had spoken in plain English (or whatever our native language is)! Jesus declares, "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." [John 6:63] The form of words he uses is not given to us like a plate of food – ready to be eaten and digested! If they were, our Bibles would soon end up on the shelf gathering dust! Those who wanted a 'ready to eat' meal are disillusioned! He had said "whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me." He had also said "my flesh is true food" [John 6:55] and that any who feed "on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." [John 6:54] How close are we now to “that day”? Then in John 6:61 we read "Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, 'Do you take offense at this?'" How many take "offense" at the Bible today? Yes, they do – and the result is the same as then – "after this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him." [John 6:66] Today, so few even begin to walk with him! Those who continued with him realized more and more the wondrous truth of Jesus' saying, The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life."-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2015 15 October 2015 2 Chronicles 5; 6Ezekiel 41John 7 GRANDEUR Most human beings put great importance on outward appearance. Some people will spend great amounts of money on how they look and in their endeavours to keep looking young! New buildings have to look something special, each generation tries to start a new fashion Now this is where there is a distinct difference between the Old and New Testaments. We read today in 2 Chronicles 5; 6 of the grandeur of the Temple as Solomon dedicated its’ use and worship in it began. This was wonderful, but it proved to be transient because of human nature; human attitudes are so temporary. Solomon was succeeded by a son and grandson who were disasters. Our final chapters in Ezekiel contain the detail of a future temple to be built, but that will not be until Jesus, great David’s greater son, is king over all the earth. This grandeur will not be destroyed by the folly of human beings – and will be matched by that inner greatness in the hearts of those who truly worship God. Thus, Hebrews 8:10-12 will be fulfilled, “I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts … for they shall all know me …” That 4 letter word ‘know’ is a key word and has a power of meaning in the way it is often used in Scripture. We all need tell ourselves, ‘I need to know God now – if I am to be there.’ When Jesus spoke of the Temple he said that the day was coming when not one stone would be left upon another [Mark 13:1-2]. His disciples were shocked at this forecast of its total destruction. Jesus had been misunderstood when he spoke of destroying the temple and rebuilding it in 3 days – we read of this a few days ago [John 2:19-21]. Those who hated him picked up this saying, for extreme jealousy creates hatred, they used this saying against him at his trial and later cat-called about it when he was on the cross [Mark 14:58; 15:29]. Imagine how utterly shattered those still alive would have been at the Temples destruction 40 years later. Things which are outwardly grand dominated their thinking, it is no different today, there is a time coming when the whole world will feel utterly shattered. In a few days we will read Daniel 2 and the interpretation Daniel provides to the king’s dream – the time (how soon now) when “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever” The world will then be filled with eternal grandeur! Are you living now so that you will be there?-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2015 16 October 2015 2 Chronicles 7Ezekiel 42John 8 "THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE" Today’s long chapter in John’s Gospel [John 8] is most challenging. Jesus said, “Whoever is of God knows the words of God, the reason you do not hear them is that you are not of God” [John 8:47]. Of course they were hearing what he said, the point was that they could not make sense of his words, they could not see what he meant because their minds were so fixed in their legalistic way of thinking. Does not the same problem exist today? There were some listening who did want to believe and understand what Jesus said. To them he says, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” [John 8:32] This confuses them! Free from what? As descendants of Abraham, they say, we are not “enslaved to anyone, how is it that you say, ‘you will become free?’ ” [John 8:33] Jesus then makes the point, “everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin … if the Son sets you free. You will be free indeed.” [John 8:36] Most of his listeners fail to get the point. The essential point is whether they are “of God” – or not. If they are “of God” they will listen and seek to understand the words of God. It is clear to us – what the essential point is! It could be that some, or many, of his listeners would later hear Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost [Acts 2] and were among those who “were cut to the heart” [Acts 2:37] and were ready to receive the truth and be made free. Their freedom was accomplished that day, when they accepted “the truth” – and were baptised! They had heard Peter quote from the Psalms, “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence” [Acts 2:28] There are just two paths – of life – or of death. All begin by walking on the path of death, but all have the opportunity to be set free from that path by seeing “the truth” that is revealed in God’s word, first through the men of God, the prophets of old – and later by Jesus and the apostles. The situation is just the same today. All can read God’s word and search out what Jesus really meant, illustrated by the inspired words and writings of the apostles after he ascended to heaven. The challenge then is to decide whether to respond! Those who want the ‘freedom’ to enjoy the lively paths this world offers see no value in “the truth.” It all depends on whether we have a clear vision of “the truth” that “will set you (us) free.” -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2015 17 October 2015 2 Chronicles 8Ezekiel 43John 9; 10 “WHY THIS IS AN AMAZING THING” We are now reading some of the most thought provoking – and personally challenging – chapters in the whole of Scripture. John records in detail the conversations of Jesus. On Tuesday we will read the words of Jesus to the disciples that they are going to receive, “the Holy Spirit ... the Father will send in my name, ... (which will) ... bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." [John 14:26] The translators interpret the Greek pronouns the wrong way – God’s spirit is a "power" not a person – see Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4. Our chapter today [John 9] describes in great detail the intense discussion which followed his healing of the man born blind. They put him out of the synagogue [John 9:34] because he refused to agree with them that Jesus must be a sinner. In declaring Jesus "is a sinner" [John 9:24] they say "We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." [John 9:29] As a result the healed man declares, "Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes." [John 9:30] We can draw a parallel here – men (claiming to know everything, like the Pharisees did) have convinced themselves there is no God, no creator – and that all the amazing wonders of life scientists have been discovering more and more about – that these wonders – miracles - all happened by 'chance' in an endless series of 'accidents.' As we realize and learn more and more how wonderfully all the aspects of nature depend on each other, the vegetation, the birds, the animals, the circle of the seasons, &c. then we cannot help but think and say 'Why this is an amazing thing' – it is utterly impossible that everything that exists is the result of an endless series of purely 'chance’ happenings. A final thought – one that is a great invitation to each one of us. John 10 contains Jesus' wonderful illustration that he is "the good shepherd." John has been inspired to record in detail the shepherds' "voice" which the sheep hear. Let us make sure we are among the sheep who hear, who "go in an out and find pasture" [John 10:9] every day by reading – and then – digesting his word.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 18 October 2015 2 Chronicles 9Ezekiel 44John 11 "IT IS FOR THE GLORY OF GOD" Today we reflected on the things which display God’s glory – including the ways in which we should seek to do this. We read previously the words of Solomon and the glory that came to him because of his attitude and service to God. Today in 2 Chronicles 9 there is the account of the Queen of Sheba being overwhelmed by the magnificent glory she witnessed in Jerusalem. We noted, as we know some others have, that each year Solomon received “666 talents of gold” [2 Chronicles 9:13]. The only other place in Scripture that refers to ‘666’ tells us it is “the number of the beast.” [Revelation 13:18]! Gold, as the most valuable currency in the world, corrupts those who worship it instead of God [Matthew 6:24] and at the end of his life [1 Kings 11:4] Solomon’s heart was “turned away”. God had tested him by the abundance of the things he gave him! Many of us live among relative “abundance” today – we must be aware how this is testing us. In Ezekiel’s vision of the future Temple [Ezekiel 44] he says, “I looked, and behold the glory of the LORD filled the temple of the LORD. And I fell on my face” [Ezekiel 44:4]. We meditated on the overwhelming sense of awe at this vision – of seeing the actual evidence of God’s presence! We must soberly meditate on that familiar text about those who “will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” [Luke 21:27] In today’s reading in John’s Gospel, there is a abundance of ‘food’ for similar thoughts! Jesus comes to Bethany to the grieving sisters, their beloved brother Lazarus had been dead four days. As they travelled to Bethany Jesus told his disciples, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son God may be glorified through it.” [John 11:4] Outside the burial place of Lazarus, all are weeping and even “Jesus wept” [John 11:35]. He was totally tuned in to their emotions, the power of the Spirit to know all thoughts as well as hear all words must, on many occasions, be an overwhelming experience. Jesus says, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God!” [John 11:40] What did they see? Some saw this wondrous event, only to run and tell the Pharisees [John 11:46]! Others saw – and believed! [John 11:45] Today we see and know more of the absolute marvels in nature! Less and less do people see these as the glory of God’s creative handiwork? Paul told the Corinthians to, “do all to the glory of God” [1 Corinthians 10:31]. Let us follow his exhortation to them – and the small things matter just as much, if not more, than Solomon’s glory.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 19, 2015 19 October 2015 2 Chronicles 10; 11Ezekiel 45John 12 "IF ANYONE SERVES ME ..." We live in a world in which everyone serves their own interests. There was an advertising slogan many years ago: ‘The most important person is me’. This is what modern advertising is about more than ever – an appeal to the basic human instincts and desires – it is focused on pandering to “the flesh.” In John’s gospel today we have considerable detail about the teaching of Jesus after he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey – John 12:18-19. The popularity of Jesus was at its’ height. But was there substance to it? The events in coming days were to prove how fickle it was. We must each ask ourselves, ‘Is there real substance to my faith? Once again we see the ‘2 ways’ portrayed! The narrow way requires true ‘love’ and commitment to Jesus, a commitment to use and develop whatever talents we have been blessed with – to put them to use in serving him. In John 12:25 Jesus makes a most challenging comment! "Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." Once again, the fact there are only 2 ways for us to live is plainly spelt out. The next verse [John 12:26] is wonderfully significant, "If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also." Then our Lord expands on this with another very significant point. He again says – "If anyone serves me” – and then, wonderfully, he says – "the Father will honour him." We meditate further on this heart searching challenge – that our service needs to be genuine – and then – as a result – the incredible wonder of the "honour" that is in prospect in the kingdom. Let us, each one, use our talents and opportunities to "serve" our Saviour – now – and then we will be in the kingdom – to serve him in many wonderful ways that are surely far beyond our present comprehension. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2015 20 October 2015 2 Chronicles 12; 13Ezekiel 46John 13; 14 "BECAUSE I LIVE, YOU ALSO WILL LIVE" Today’s and tomorrow’s chapters in John’s Gospel are several of the most meaningful in the whole of the Bible. We must not make the mistake, as sadly some do, of plucking a few of the words out of their context. An essential theme in these chapters is to see that Jesus is talking about relationships: firstly, his relationship with his father – and then with those who truly believe. The result of fully believing in him leads to belief and a relationship with the Father. This leads to a relationship with the Spirit of God which we notice is 3 times called “the Spirit of truth” [John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13]. When Jesus said, “Because I live, you also will live” it is evident that he was not talking of normal human life. His resurrection will reveal that, it will turn their hearts from utter despair – to absolute wonderment! We notice the future tense, “you also will live”! In what way? He had already said, in telling them of his own future “in the new world when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” [Matthew 18:28] A specific promise to the faithful disciples. Let us understand the link between this and his promise to them as we read John 14:1-3? Many misunderstand his words, “Let not your hearts be troubled … In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” We are told in so many places in Scripture more details of “the new world” – it is clear the whole world becomes “the Father’s house’ In a sense it always has been “the Father’s house”, note how the LORD caused Isaiah to write of himself as the one who “formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): ‘I am the LORD, and there is no other.’” [isaiah 45:18] These are some of the Scriptures which give the same message from God – of his purpose with the earth: Daniel 2:44; 7:18,27; Zechariah 14:9; Psalms 2:6-8; 22:27. We are reading in Ezekiel of a wondrous future house or temple. We should remember how earlier in John we read of Jesus condemning the Jews in the temple that then existed, saying “do not make my father’s house a house of trade” [John 2:16] Through Ezekiel we have a picture of a far greater house the Father will cause to be erected – and the resurrected disciples will one day occupy rooms in that house as they judge the 12 tribes of Israel. Jesus is saying to all who listen to him through reading his word, “Because I live, you also will live” Are you listening?-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 21 October 2015 2 Chronicles 14; 15Ezekiel 47John 15; 16 "AS I HAVE LOVED YOU” There are so many points in John 15; 16. As we read it this morning that a whole book could be written (and have been written) seeking to draw out as fully as possible the lessons Jesus taught. One of these is, “This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 15:12] Talking about love is common in today’s world; for example, one can sing songs like – “I first loved you when …” There’s an abundance of similar songs, In contrast the love that the Bible speaks about is the special nature of a relationship that can exist between human beings. Jesus says he has demonstrated this by the love he has shown to his disciples. How did he demonstrate this? What did he do? He showed understanding and encouragement when their faith was frail; he washed their feet as an example of humility and of serving one another. At one stage his disciples were excited at the thought of becoming important and asked him, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom …” He called a child and “put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom …” [Matthew 18:1-3] At the end of today’s reading notice how Jesus responds to their declaration that “we believe that you came from God”. He asks a significant question, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home … I have said these things to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:30-33] Peace? The nature of “in me you may have peace” is far beyond normal human experience. True love brings true peace. We need to notice when we come to read the letters some of the disciples how they use the word “peace.” James wrote, “a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” [James 3:18] Are you helping to sow “peace” – so as to create this “harvest”? Peter wrote, “May grace and peace be multiplied to you” [1 Peter 1:2]. Then he urges, “long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation – if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” [1 Peter 2:2-3] Growing up? How? Tasted? Can you ‘taste’ in other ways? Obviously! More food here for our thoughtful meditation, indeed, deepest meditation. Reading and meditating on John’s Gospel is a rich source of spiritual nutrients and helps true believers to genuinely believe – and as a result to – love each other “as I have loved you.” It is a ‘belief’ in which our hearts are fully involved – it is far and above intellectual understanding. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 22 October 2015 2 Chronicles 16; 17Ezekiel 48John 17; 18 “WHAT IS TRUTH” Today, John’s gospel provides us with 2 challenging chapters to describe the climax of the teaching of Jesus to his disciples on the final night before his arrest. A particular highlight of this teaching is that the disciples will become “one” – there will no longer be any rivalry [Luke 9:46; 22:24] among them as to who would be “the greatest.” The prayer of Jesus that we read today is answered, "that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me." [John 17:23] And so they did – after his resurrection and ascension – an example for us. John 18 today describes in detail the arrest of Jesus - and John was the disciple (almost certainly the youngest) who was an eye witness to these events and describes them in the most detail. What intrigues us is his account of our Lord’s contact with Pilate and Pilate's reaction. When Pilate asked," "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." [John 18:37] And for us – we should say – reads what he taught! This leads Pilate to utter his final comment – [John 18:38] "'What is truth?' In the past we always assumed that when Pilate said, "What is truth?" it was a question, but now we think it was most probably an expression of despair – no one ever told him the whole truth and nothing but the truth. But we notice how Pilate accepted – in some sense – the kingship of Jesus – for the next thing he does is to go out and say to his accusers – "I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?" [John 18:39] Luke's' account is interesting, obviously gained from interviewing eye-witnesses, we read, "Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!" A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him." [Luke 23:20-22] But the final comment is "... their voices prevailed." There are a multitude of voices that prevail today – how few are interested in what is the real "truth"!? A multitude of voices say life all originated from an endless – and timeless - series of chance happenings – and for nearly all "their voices (have) prevailed." May our minds not be overwhelmed by the "voices" that are all around us, but read – and absorb – God's word – the source of all truth – every day. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2015 23 October 2015 2 Chronicles 18; 19Daniel 1John 19 "THEY WILL LOOK ON HIM WHOM THEY HAVE PIERCED" These words from Zechariah’s prophecy [Zechariah 12:10] are quoted in today’s reading in John 19. John is completing his intimate account of the final hours of Jesus and the dying commission of his Master to him to look after his mother as they stood together near the cross. John was “the disciple whom he loved” [John 19:26] As to the others “they all left him and fled” [Mark 14:50] apart from Peter – and we know well the heart ache of his ultimate denial. We specially note the two Old Testament prophecies that John quotes as having been fulfilled at this time. The first, that “not one of his bones will be broken” is an unexpected application of the Divine command to Moses that they were not to break the bones of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:46, reaffirmed in Numbers 9:12). We conclude that this command had this ultimate application in mind – after the sacrifice of Jesus the Passover feast had fulfilled its purpose. Now the other prophecy John mentions is just as interesting! “They will look on him whom they have pierced” [Zechariah 12:10]. This prediction of their act of looking “on him” must occur when Jesus returns. How awesome, indeed, utterly overwhelming, will be their feelings. The complete prophecy is, “I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn …” [Zechariah 12:10; John 19:37] When this occurs, those who caused him to be pierced will obviously be raised to be there. At the resurrection not all will receive the “spirit of grace” and their “pleas for mercy” will not be heeded for Jesus had warned them in his teaching, “When once the Master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock … you will begin to say, We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets. But he will say … Depart from me … there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out” [Luke 13:25-28]. Food for much thought. Is it possible he will say to some. ‘You owned and read a copy of God’s word – but what difference did it make to your life? What will be said to me, to you? -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2015 24 October 2015 2 Chronicles 20Daniel 2John 20; 21 "UNLESS ... I WILL NEVER BELIEVE" We have an inspiring, indeed, heart searching set of stimulating chapters today; it is doubtful there is another set of readings like it in the whole year. We might be inclined to overlook the lessons in 2 Chronicles 20 with its detail of Jehoshaphat’s desperate prayer and its dramatic answer. The Moabites and Ammonites combined as “a great horde …” but a prophet is sent to tell him, “You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD ... Do not be afraid ... the LORD will be with you." [2 Chronicles 20:15,17] Is there not a parallel in this, to some extent, with the experiences awaiting us in these very last days? Then, our next reading is the well-known chapter Daniel 2 and it is evident to us we are living "in the days of those kings (when) the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever" [Daniel 2:44] And finally we have the marvellous last 2 chapters of John's gospel, his intimate account of the resurrection of Jesus and his appearances to prove he is alive. When he appears to the disciples, Thomas is absent. When the others testify to him they have seen the Lord, he declares, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe." [John 20:25] We could say the same, yet we believe - what is the foundation of our belief of our convictions? The events of history make no sense unless the resurrection happened leading to the wonderful transformation of belief and hope that spread through the ancient world. The disciples changed from being a frightened group of distressed men into the very opposite! They were totally committed for the rest of their lives. John in particular wrote of his inspiring experiences, finishing with 3 very meaningful epistles. How challenging is his conclusion of John 20 today! His point is challenging! "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." Let us "believe" and speak and act in ways which show this every day. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted October 25, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2015 25 October 2015 2 Chronicles 21; 22Daniel 3Acts 1 "BUT YOU WILL BE BAPTISED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT" Today we started reading the book of Acts. So many things in it are relevant to our efforts to serve Christ today, but it is important that we read it carefully; regrettably some read God’s word mainly to find evidence for what they want to believe and are therefore liable to misunderstand it. Luke compiled the book of Acts as you will see when you compare the start of the book with that of his gospel. It begins with a summary of the final days of Jesus before he ascended up to heaven “after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the Apostles whom he had chosen” [Acts 1:2]; it was a period of 40 days. [Acts 1:3] We notice how “he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the father … you will be baptised by the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” [Acts 1:5] To whom was he making this promise? These 12 Apostles were now only 11 because of the tragedy of Judas Iscariot, so Peter says [Acts 1:21-23] that they must find a replacement “to take the place of this ministry and apostleship” [Acts 1:26]. To do this they end up casting lots and the last verse reads “and the lot fell to Matthias and he was numbered with the eleven Apostles.” It is clear that only the 12 received the promised Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. When the day came it was just the 12 who were standing up before the people [Acts 2:14] which some sceptics were accusing of being drunk [Acts 2:15] because of their speaking in other languages [Acts 2:11]. Recall last week’s reading in John’s Gospel where Jesus was promising them the “spirit of truth”, a “helper” that would be “sent to you from the father” [John 15:26; 16:13]. This Spirit, says Jesus, “will guide you into all the Truth.” It “will declare to you things to come” and will “bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” [John 14:26]. It is obvious that this Divine source of help is specially for the twelve, they are to be “baptised” into it by having this divine power come upon them. As we read on in Acts 2 we will learn that a “gift” was promised to the converts, but required the presence of one or more of the disciples for it to be given [Acts 8:14-17]. Finally, and most importantly, in today’s chapter we see that the disciples were hoping the kingdom would be established right then [Acts 1:6]; but no, they were to be witnesses, beginning “in Jerusalem … to the end of the earth.” [Acts 1:8] Only now has this commission been completed, altho’ we cannot say this is absolutely the case even yet. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts