Jump to content

TFTBR - November 2016


Resource Manager
 Share

Recommended Posts

01 November 2016

 

2 Chronicles 30

Daniel 10

Acts 10  

 

“GOOD NEWS OF PEACE”

 

We first read today in 2 Chronicles 30, about the great Passover that King Hezekiah organised; he sent letters to the ten northern tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh in particular: most “mocked” [2 Chronicles 30:10] but “some … humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.” [2 Chronicles 30:11], Soon these tribes were to be taken into captivity, probably a youthful Ezekiel was among them.

 

Then in Daniel 10, the now aged prophet is with “Cyrus king of Persia” [Daniel 10:1] who had overcome the Babylonians. Daniel has a “vision” and “had understanding” and “was mourning for three weeks.” [Daniel 10:2] and then “one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, "O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage." [Daniel 10:18-19]. Let us develop the same spirit. There follows revelations to him which challenged his (and our) understanding, especially about “the time of the end” in Daniel’s last 2 chapters.

 

Acts 10 gives us the thought challenging experience of Peter, of a vision which led him to travel to Caesarea and meet with “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man” [Acts 10:22] who had, “about the ninth hour of the day … a vision, an angel of God” [Acts 10:3] telling him to “send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter.” [Acts 10:5] Peter also has a vision, and, when Cornelius’ messengers arrive, he interprets his vision as meaning he should go with them to see this Roman Centurion..

 

Cornelius had developed the habit praying and was astonished, he tells Peter, when “a man stood before me in bright clothing and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God.” [Acts 10:30,31] “Now therefore we are all here, in the presence of God, to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord." [Acts 10:33]. So Peter tells him all about “the good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)” [Acts 10:36]

 

We meditate on the nature of that “peace” in the circumstances then – and now! Each of Paul’s letters starts with, “Grace to you and peace”! This is surely peace of mind in knowing what is true, in a world in which God’s truth is now virtually unknown! As we read 7 of Paul’s letters in the 2nd half of this month, let us absorb his use of the word ”peace” and the nature of the “good news” he describes to his readers!

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

02 November 2016

 

2 Chronicles 31

Daniel 11

Acts 11; 12  

 

“FAITHFUL IN KEEPING THEMSELVES HOLY”

 

What a challenging set of readings we have today! 2 Chronicles 31 details the extensive work of Hezekiah after the success of the great Passover we read about yesterday. “All Israel,” we read today, that had participated in this Passover “went out … and broke … down the high places … until they had destroyed them all” [2 Chronicles 31:1]

 

Hezekiah is so dedicated we can see him, at this stage in his life, as a type of Christ. We are in awe of what Christ will do when he returns to set up his kingdom. We read of “the enrolment of the priests” [2 Chronicles 31:17] and how “they were faithful in keeping themselves holy.” [2 Chronicles 31:18] and we can see this renewal as foreshadowing the dramatic events which must surely take place when Jesus returns to establish his kingdom!

 

How wonderful then to be among the resurrected – or “changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet…. When … death is swallowed up in victory." [1 Corinthians 15:52,54]

 

Daniel 11 describes in challenging and awesome detail events “at the time of the end” when a particular aggressor who has … come into the glorious land” [Daniel 11:40-41] and camped “between the sea and the glorious holy mountain … shall come to his end, with none to help him.” [Daniel 11:45]. The end of the chapter should be ignored, the chapter break is unfortunate, Daniel 12 starts, “At that time … there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been” [Daniel 12:1] and then the resurrection takes place.

 

After this our reading of Acts 11;12 seems almost an anti-climax; but dramatic events are described! We read of the conversion of the first Gentile – to the great surprise of Peter - and the first disciple killed, James. However, “the word of God increased and multiplied.” [Acts 12:24] Sadly, we can see little of that today, but “the “faithful” must keep themselves holy” facing the challenges of the “time of trouble such as never has been” that seem to be almost upon us! Our minds must embrace the words of the Psalmist, “The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.” [Psalm 37:39]

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

03 November 2016

 

2 Chronicles 32

Daniel 12

Acts 13  

 

“BE ASTOUNDED AND PERISH”

 

As we proceed in reading the book of Acts we see the challenges Paul and Barnabas faced in spreading the good news about the true God and his Son Jesus; we see the kind of opposition they attracted. "Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.” [Acts 13:26] How few today, “fear God”! Many do not even believe there is a God!

 

To those who did, Paul said, “we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus” [Acts 13:32-33] and quotes the promises in the Psalms. To the Jews who rejected the wonder of this happening he gave a warning, “Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: “'Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.'" [Acts 13:40-41] And today we can say, ‘even if it is given you to read.’

 

Tragically many Jews perished as Jerusalem and their Temple was destroyed. Today, the same judgement is hanging over the non-Jews – surely God is angry with them! We note that Paul said, “the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" [Acts 13:47] This has happened in our days, God’s message of “salvation” has reached “the ends of the earth.'

 

In past generations, especially when God’s word was first available for people to read in their own language, God’s offer of “salvation” was embraced by many. But now most Gentiles have become “scoffers” – and when Jesus returns – and how close are we now (!?) to that astounding event - many Gentiles, we fear, will “be astounded and perish.” Let us read God’s word ever more fervently – and let it ‘infect’ our hearts, so that there is the same reaction in us as when Paul’s preached to the Gentiles!

 

We read, when they “heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” [Acts 13:48] May we be among the “appointed.”

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

04 November 2016

 

2 Chronicles 33

Hosea 1

Acts 14; 15  

 

"SAVED THROUGH THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS"

 

In our New Testament readings we start to encounter the word “Grace” which in the original Greek is the word charis. We encounter it but rarely in the gospels and not at all in Matthew and Mark, the first two gospels to be written. It starts to appear regularly in Acts as Paul starts preaching to the Gentiles. Often it occurs as Paul encounters opposition from the Jewish believers in Christ who wanted the growing number of Gentile believers in Christ to also observe Moses’ law and also be circumcised, as we read today in Acts 15:5.

 

As a result the Apostles and elders came together in Jerusalem and had “much debate” [Acts 15:6-7]. We read some details about this debate, and James’ summing up is of the greatest interest. This James is almost certainly the half brother of Jesus, because John’s brother James had already been martyred by Herod [Acts 12:2]. James referred to the conversion of the Roman Centurion Cornelius by the act of God shown by giving them the Holy Spirit. He said, God “made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith” [Acts 15:9]. Is our faith such that it results in a cleansed heart? 

 

He referred to the Mosaic Law as being “a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear” [Acts 15:10]. Now note his final words, “but we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” [Acts 15:11]. 

 

Sadly human nature is such that it can abuse the loving forgiveness of God. Today, as they did then, some speak and write as though God’s grace is endlessly given in every human situation! “Once save, always saved” is the catch-cry. Paul had to write warning against this, “are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it.” [Romans 6:1-2]

 

Our aim is to “walk in newness of life” [Romans 6:4] and with prayer we will grow in spiritual strength to become more and more like our Lord. (Note Proverbs 4:18) God has always been ready to show mercy and forgiveness, which is part of grace. It is not just a New Testament teaching as our Chronicles reading today illustrates.

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

05 November 2016

 

2 Chronicles 34

Hosea 2

Acts 16; 17

 

“WHILE HE WAS YET A BOY" 

 

We learn from today's readings in Chronicles that the reigns of the son and grandson of Hezekiah were disastrous: the Jewish nation went into 57 years of steep spiritual decline.  The 10 tribe northern nation went to captivity into Assyria. Then the final good king in Jerusalem comes on the scene. There was chaos in the land when his father was murdered and then the murderers were killed and Josiah was made king when he was only 8 years old.

 

“And in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father (ancestor) and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem …” [2 Chronicles 34:3].  Do we sense that some teenagers today delay making their commitment to God?  Do some think they can indulge in worldly pursuits first for a while?  How foolish – all that we feed our minds on makes a mark of some kind on us.  Josiah is an example of this, as was Joseph and other young men - and women, such as Mary. 

 

Josiah grows up to be a man of action from the age of 20.  His reign is the final good reign in this era of God’s kingdom. At this time Jeremiah and Ezekiel had their youthful preparation for their later service of God. We also noted that although the northern kingdom had gone into captivity, Josiah also had zeal to act in breaking down the objects of false worship that remained in that area, see verses, 2 Chronicles 34:6-7.

 

In our Acts reading there is the first mention of Timothy; it is obvious he was fairly young but “Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him … as they went on their way through the cities” [Acts 16:3-4] The rest of the chapter is about the journeys of Paul and Silas, but later, when Paul goes and stays in Athens after their adventures in Phrygia, Galatia, Troas, Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea, brethren “conducted Paul as far as Athens” [Acts 17:15] and at that time Paul gave a command “for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible.” So this had been a training time for young Timothy who, it seems most likely, was with them in all these experiences “while he was yet a boy” or a very young man: an example for the youth of today and how they can and should seek for opportunities to develop their lives in Christ. 

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

06 November 2016

 

2 Chronicles 35

Hosea 3

Acts 18; 19  

 

FROM TRIUMPH TO TRAGEDY 

 

Our Chronicles reading today tells us of how a Passover celebration was organised by King Josiah (recall our thoughts yesterday) and that “No Passover like it had been kept in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet” [2 Chronicles 35:18] Josiah was highly thought of, but 13 years later he got unwisely involved in a conflict between Assyria and Egypt and was fatally wounded. There was great sadness, “Jeremiah also uttered a lament for Josiah.” [2 Chronicles 35:25]. Jeremiah must have been a young man then.

 

After his death it took less than 23 years and the reigns of 4 weak and unspiritual kings before Jerusalem and the temple were utterly destroyed. Is there an underlying reason for this collapse of spirituality?  The nation and the people had seemed to reach such spiritual heights with such a Passover and righteous King! 

 

The probable answer lies in the detail of today’s chapter.  In keeping that impressive Passover, it was the King, the priests and the Levites who provided the sacrificial offerings which totaled 37,000 lambs and 3,800 bulls, Josiah himself providing most of them “from the king’s possessions.” [2 Chronicles 35:7] 

 

So this great Passover did not cost the ordinary people anything! Was it no more than a great free feast for most of them? Prophets, led by Isaiah had repeatedly warned the people that they must have the right attitude in approaching God, “You meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways. Behold … all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment,” wrote Isaiah. [isaiah 64:5-6]  After Josiah’s death the people were led by kings all of whom “did evil in the sight of the Lord” [2 Chronicles 36:5,9,13] “and the people likewise were exceedingly unfaithful.” [2 Chronicles 36:14] 

 

God provided his son Jesus as a sacrifice for us – how fully do we appreciate this? Does it affect our conscience, our hearts?  If our appreciation is only intellectual, a ritual in which our heart is not meaningfully involved, the final outcome will be as great a disaster as it was in those days!  We will not be delivered from the disaster facing our world today - and how soon will that be?

------- 

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

07 November 2016

 

2 Chronicles 36

Hosea 4

Acts 20  

 

“... I WILL CHANGE THEIR GLORY TO SHAME ...”

 

Hosea, whose prophecy we are presently reading, prophesied in the tragic final days of the northern kingdom. It was a time when God’s people were pursuing fleshly activities and, at best, giving him only nominal worship. Because the idols of the surrounding nations encouraged immorality they were attracted to worship them. Look at the stern messages God caused him to speak and consider how much they apply to life today!

 

“The LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love and no knowledge of God in the land; there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing and committing adultery” [Hosea 4:1,2] He continues, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (of God) … I will change their glory into shame … because they have forsaken the LORD to cherish whoredom (immoral sexual acts), wine and new wine which take away understanding” [Hosea 4:6,7,10]

 

But in Hosea 3 we read a remarkable prophecy, “The children (children means the people, they were God’s children) of Israel shall dwell many days without a king or prince, without sacrifice … afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the LORD their God and David their king, and they shall fear (be in awe of) the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.” [Hosea 3:4,5]

 

The last part of that message would put joy into the prophet’s heart. This time is surely about to begin! The people of Israel are back in their land but they are yet to have their king, a temple and offer sacrifice. God reveals the end long before it happens (as we count time). Will we be part of that “end”? Or are we simply going to live blind to Gods’ awareness of our lives, as Israel did in Hosea’s time? A final time of great trouble is very near and we will need clearness of vision and faith in God. There will be no neutral position, Jesus said, “Whoever is not with me is against me” [Matthew 12:30] The Kings of Israel and Judah are described as either “good” or “evil” To be “lukewarm” spells disaster, look at Revelation 3:16.

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

08 November 2016

 

Ezra 1; 2

Hosea 5

Acts 21; 22  

 

“UNTIL THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR GUILT”

 

Today we started reading the book of Ezra. It begins by telling us that “the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation” [Ezra 1:1] that the LORD has “charged me to build …him a house (Temple) at Jerusalem …” [Ezra 1:2] There is no indication as to what prompted him to do this, but we are inclined to conclude, as we will read at the end of this month in the account of Esther – and her involvement with Ahasuerus, who had “The army of Persia and Media [Esther 1:3] that what happened in the life of Esther, created the foundation for when “Cyrus, king of Persia made (this) proclamation.” The books are not in chronological order.

 

Then we turn to Hosea 5 which starts with the LORD declaring – “Hear this, O priests! Pay attention, O house of Israel!” [Hosea 5:1] “Israel is defiled. Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. For the spirit of whoredom is within them, and they know not the LORD.” [Hosea 5:3-4]

 

That spirit, of ‘knowing not’ fills the world, including Israel, today. However, the ending of today’s chapter is challenging! The LORD says, “I will return again to my place, until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me.” In the outworking of the life of Esther they did “earnestly seek” God.

 

Then to Acts 21; 22 we see how the Jewish zealots, dedicated to their Law, had Paul arrested in the Temple and were “crying out, ‘Away with him” [Acts 21:36] And today, nearly all Jews are blind to the fact that Jesus is their Messiah – indeed – it is sad that most Jews appear to be atheists.

 

But Zechariah prophesied that the LORD “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] And then they, with us, will be ready with joy to welcome and serve the Messiah. But we are not ‘perfect’ – we need his grace – so let us “acknowledge” our shortcomings, and seek each week, each day, to make them less and less.

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

09 November 2016

 

Ezra 3; 4

Hosea 6

Acts 23; 24  

 

BENDING THE TRUTH 

 

There is an oath in which people promise to say the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth - in a court of law! The fullness of that wording is interesting as it tries to counter the common human tendency to bend the truth, sometimes to the extent that it becomes an outright lie. It has been said that “half truths” are more dangerous that lies. 

 

We have examples of this in both our Old and New Testament readings today. In Ezra we are reading of the struggles of the first contingency of Jews who returned from captivity to Jerusalem with the purpose of rebuilding the temple. Nebuchadnezzar in destroying it, was so thorough that even the foundations were wrecked. The non-Jews who, were transported to the area from Assyria, [Ezra 4:20] take offence when the Jews forbid their involvement in the work. The result is they try to stop the work. 

 

When a new King comes on the Persian throne they write a letter to him saying, “Be it known to the king that the Jews … are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city … if this city is rebuilt and the walls finished they will not pay tribute, custom or toll and the royal revenue will be impaired …” [Ezra 4:12-13] 

 

This is a total distortion of the facts, really a lie. It is astonishing how often money is made an issue – the most important factor in human decision making. 

 

In the New Testament we read of the arrest of Paul in Jerusalem. After Paul’s arrest by the Romans, the outcome of a riot the Jews provoked, they allege before the Roman Governor that Paul is “one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world … he even tried to profane the Temple, but we seized him.” [Acts 24:5-6] 

 

Testimonies as to the true cause of a situation are so often biased through the prejudices of the one making the testimony. Paul refuted these claims [Acts 24:12-13] and says, “I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man” [Acts 24:16]. 

 

Do we always take pains to have a clear conscience? God knows whether we bend the truth. Do we have a clear conscience in the way we teach what God’s word says? If we followed the current U.S. Presidential election at all, we may have noticed how much the candidates bent the truth - in their statements! 

 

Paul tells Timothy, in the last letter he wrote, “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] It is a particularly dangerous thing to bend God’s “word of truth.” 

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 November 2016

 

Ezra 5; 6

Hosea 7

Acts 25; 26  

 

“PERFORMING DEEDS IN KEEPING WITH THEIR REPENTANCE”

 

Every time we read Paul’s speeches in defending himself after his arrest, we are moved by his total conviction of mind and commitment. What a transformed man he was after his intensely dramatic encounter with the risen Christ outside Damascus. He has turned himself right around! We can say that in turning right around he is now facing wondrous light – instead of total darkness. How blind he had been to that light! How great the blindness today!

 

What an example to us! How much were we conscious of the darkness before we were baptised? Have we really turned ourselves right around since then? How many have ‘resisted’ baptism, not because they have no sense as to what is the true meaning of life, but because their faith is not ‘real’ enough. 

 

The spiritual darkness in the world is now nearly total – how much is this affecting us? We are surrounded by those who do not believe in God – although there are some who have ‘watered down’ thoughts that there is some kind of God – but he is not at all ‘real’ to them. We are not ‘judging’ but simply making an observation; trying to make sure we are not influenced by their attitudes.

 

Let us carefully focus on the example of Paul. We read today a remarkably detailed account of the climax of his preaching, We notice the use of the word “we” – for e.g., “When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.” [Acts 21:17]; this indicates that Luke, the writer of Acts, was with him, his gospel was “the first book” referred to in Acts 1:1. “Luke” was with him as “the beloved physician.” [Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11] But, as with John in his gospel, he does not mention himself.

 

Returning to Acts and Paul’s defence before king Agrippa, we read how Paul describes his ‘vision’ outside Damascus and declares, "Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then (in many other places)… that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.” [Acts 26:19-20]

 

Our minds must pick up a key point here! It is wonderful to believe and repent and be baptised as Paul was in Damascus – but then Paul sets us the example in of fully committed service to his Lord. How great had been his forgiveness! We must remember that Jesus said, “he who is forgiven little, loves little." [Luke 7:47].” What is our sense after seeing the “light of the world” and of being forgiven so that we no longer walk in darkness? Recall the teaching of Jesus, “he who is forgiven little, loves little." [Luke 7:47] Let us ponder the question, ‘How well are we “performing deeds in keeping with (our) repentance?”

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 November 2016

 

Ezra 7

Hosea 8

Acts 27  

 

“THEY SHALL REAP THE WHIRLWIND”

 

Our chapter yesterday, Hosea 7, was an awesome prophecy the Almighty gave him of his judgements on Israel because “they do not consider that I remember all their evil.” [Hosea 7:2]

 

God remembers! And we are commanded to do the same! Paul challenged the Thessalonians, “Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? [2 Thessalonians 2:5] We do not have Paul visiting us, but we should have God’s word in our hands every day.

 

We read today in Hosea 8 that “they cry ‘My God, we ­Israel ­know you.’" [Hosea 8:2] But what is it to “know” God? In the Bible sense, it is to have a relationship with Him. We read in Hosea 5, “For the spirit of whoredom is within them, and they know not the LORD.” [Hosea 5:4] Sadly we fear that can be said today of many who like to think they are ‘christian.’ Let us make sure that this is not the case with us.

 

Hosea conveys a blunt message from God and warning to them Hosea 8:7 “For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind” What they sow, is talk, just words, it is not from their heart, because they have no genuine relationship with God. “Israel is ... as a useless vessel” [Hosea 8:8], that is why they are about to “reap the whirlwind.” What is our world about to “reap”?

 

There is a strange and awesome comparison with this in Acts 27 also read today. They are about to “reap the whirlwind” - but the presence of Paul saves them. He is travelling, as a prisoner, toward Rome ­ the vessel is caught in a “whirlwind” an awesome storm that is so great that “all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned” [Acts 27:20] Our world is approaching the time when, we suspect, our “ship” will be enveloped in a “whirlwind” of anxiety because of events! This godless world will reap what it has sown. 

 

We will read next week an awesome prophecy that the LORD gave to Joel. “For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon are darkened … But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold … So you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion” [Joel 3:14-17] As our world “reap(s) the whirlwind of God’s judgements, let us have faith that we have a “stronghold” a place of “refuge” because we are “his people”. It may even be the lot of some of us ­ to be like Paul on the way to Rome, who, as we read today, was told “Do not be afraid, Paul … you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' So take heart, men, for I have faith in God …” [Acts 27:24-25] Let us make sure our faith is real.

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 November 2016

 

Ezra 8

Hosea 9

Acts 28  

 

“I WAS ASHAMED TO ASK"

 

Today’s reading in Ezra [Ezra 8] does not look at first very interesting with all its detail about those returning from captivity in Babylon. It appears that Ezra himself wrote this chapter and the next. He led a company of Levites who were returning to Jerusalem and they had with them a great quantity of gold and silver, as detailed in Ezra 7; this was the what Nebuchadnezzar had plundered from the Temple about 100 years before.

 

The Persian King is motivated to send it back to the Temple that had now been reconstructed. It is just possible that this King was the son of Queen Esther of whom we are going to read in a couple of weeks’ time. Ahasuerus is mentioned Ezra 4:6 and Daniel refers to a king of this name in Daniel 9:1: a connection would explain the action of this king Artaxerxes (see Esther 7:21)

 

These Levites are carrying a cargo of enormous value, the 20 gold bowls [Ezra 8:27] alone contained 250 ounces of gold! What a target for robbers what a challenge of faith for Ezra and his fellow Levites.

 

Ezra proclaims a fast [Ezra 8:21] before they set out “that we might humble ourselves”. He then said, “For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, ‘The hand of our God is for good on all those who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all those who forsake him’.”

 

Scripture shows that sometimes God leads us through the valleys for our ‘long term’ good – that we grow and gain the full assurance of faith: these are times of testing to teach us to even more earnestly commit our lives to God. If we are ‘soldiers for Christ’ there are journeys to be undertaken and tests to be endured; we will read examples of such in Paul’s letters from tomorrow as we have just finished reading in Acts. As we grow spiritually stronger we must not be ashamed of professing our faith and never be ashamed to ask in prayer for our Lord's help.

 

When Ezra reaches Jerusalem he says, “The hand of our God was on us and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way.” [Ezra 8:31] As we complete the journey of our own lives may we say the same – or when it is evident that our Lord is returning and the ‘virgins’ are going forth with their lamps and are seeing “the power of his wrath … against all those who forsake him” [Ezra 8:22]

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 November 2016

 

Ezra 9

Hosea 10

Colossians 1  

 

"BEARING FRUIT"

 

For the rest of this month our New Testament readings are the letters of Paul. It was a most remarkable time; the religious thinking of a great number of people was turned upside down in many countries in just a generation or two. We are now reading about the ecclesia at Colossae. This city is in an area of south western Turkey. 

 

It is interesting that it was not established by Paul, it is not mentioned in Acts. It is in the district Phrygia, which is mentioned. [Acts 16:6; 18:23] Epaphras [Colossians 1:7] is the main preacher that had taught them the gospel. 

 

It is easy to get the impression that Paul led the way in all the preaching in that era. 

 

But having heard of their commitment to the Gospel Paul says, “we have not ceased to pray for you” And what does he pray for? “asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” [Colossians 1:9-10]

 

Those words leave little more to be said except to stress that the foundation for us to succeed in bearing fruit is in our being filled with the knowledge of God’s will, results in to the works we do in living our lives for Christ! In Paul's time, he could write, “the gospel which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world, it is bearing fruit and growing” [Colossians 1:5-6]

 

Today, the opposite is happening, in Australia the gospel is being largely ignored, except by those who are really thinking about the meaning of life – and they are bearing fruit with difficulty. The USA used to be quite a christian minded country, but not today, judging by the kind of President they have just elected.

 

May we not be ashamed to prayerfully ask Christ for help in this godless world, he is our King, he knows the challenges we face.

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 November 2016

 

Ezra 10

Hosea 11

Colossians 2  

 

“IF WITH CHRIST YOU DIED TO …”

 

First, on the final chapter in Ezra, we read how he arrived in Jerusalem. We recall how in Ezra 7 we read that, “Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law …and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him.” [Ezra 7:6] On arrival he learns that many of those who had returned had become corrupt - and today’s final chapter starts by telling us how “Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping …before the house of God”

 

As the leaders among those who had returned “gathered to him … and … addressed Ezra,” they said, “We have broken faith with our God and have married foreign women …” [Ezra 10:1-2] Ezra tells them to, “make confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign wives." Then all the assembly answered with a loud voice, "It is so; we must do as you have said.” [Ezra 10:11-12]

 

We can a comparison in this to Paul’s challenge to the believers at Colossae who were largely, if not entirely Gentile converts . Paul reminds them they were “once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds” [Colossians 1:21] He then asks them, using that little but significant word “IF.” In Colossians 2:20 we read, “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations ­"Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" Then in the last verse, “they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”

 

We are presently reading the dramas of about 500 years ago – and the challenge of Martin Luther about all the regulations and rituals that the R.C. church practiced! We see some comparisons which, in some measure, have continued to today. The break between Colossians 2; 3 is unfortunate, the beginning of Colossians 3 poses a challenging question – with another “IF”!

 

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above … Set your minds on things that are above” This is result “if with Christ” we have genuinely “died to” all the attractions of the fleshly things that surround us day after day. Let us make sure we have.

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 November 2016

 

Nehemiah 1; 2

Hosea 12

Colossians 3; 4

 

"FOR THE GOOD HAND OF MY GOD ..."

 

The book Nehemiah wrote is one of the most stimulating in the Bible. It is his intimate account of his relationship with God and his deep concern for the city of God: so when he receives news that the people are “in great trouble and shame” and “the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire” [Nehemiah 1:3] he “sat down and wept and mourned for days” [Nehemiah 1:4] and prays. “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments. Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant” [Nehemiah 1:5,6]

 

Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the Persian King, a very trusted role. The King senses his depression and says, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” [Nehemiah 2:2] Nehemiah then reacts within himself, “Then I was very much afraid” - the King was all powerful, what should he say? 

 

He tells the king, “Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ graves lies in ruins…” [Nehemiah 2:3] Then the king says, “What are you requesting?” The next words in the text are, “so I prayed to the God of heaven” [Nehemiah 2:4]. This is a moment of instant prayer, a moment at the crossroads in the course of one’s life. Because Nehemiah was already a most prayerful man his prayer was answered, he was, in a sense, given the words to say to the king. This led to him being sent to Jerusalem with letters from him [Nehemiah 2:7,8] for “the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.” 

 

There is opposition from the non-Jews in Jerusalem, but Nehemiah “replied to them, ‘The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build …” [Nehemiah 2:20]. The next few chapters are especially inspiring.

 

How prayerful are we? Our prayers to God prove whether we have a real relationship with heaven so that we “can with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” [Hebrews 4:16] 

------

- DC  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

16 November 2016

 

Nehemiah 3

Hosea 13

1 Thessalonians 1; 2  

 

“… WHO DELIVERS US FROM THE WRATH TO COME”

 

Nehemiah 3 is a wonderful illustration of the team work Nehemiah inspired – for the rebuilding of the broken down walls of Jerusalem. But what of the broken down walls of this world – that has allowed godlessness to come flooding in! What teamwork, dare we imagine, will be involved in rebuilding the broken down “walls” of this world that are all around us - when “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” [1 Corinthians 15:52]

 

The event is beyond our comprehension, but then – we go on to imagine what is to follow, the divine work to change – rebuild - the world, starting with Israel. God revealed to Zechariah, “I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness." [Zechariah 8:8]

 

These thoughts dovetail in with some of the words of Paul we read today in his 1st letter to the Thessalonians. Paul praises their “faith in God … and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” [1 Thessalonians 1:9-10].

 

Can we imagine the awesome drama at the return of Christ – and the nature of our deliverance!? Furthermore can we imagine the ongoing work of our Lord after his return? 

 

The prophets give us some glimpses – look at Isaiah 51. "Give attention to me … I will set my justice for a light to the peoples … my salvation has gone out, and my arms will judge the peoples …” [isaiah 51:4-5] Interesting the use of plural here – “arms”! Surely those who have been “changed” – have degrees of responsibility in that awesome but wondrous future time! Finally Isaiah 51:7 is a prophetic message for us today who anticipate, in faith, deliverance “from the wrath to come” Through Isaiah God tells us to “Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed …” [isaiah 51:7] at “the wrath to come.”

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

17 November 2016

 

Nehemiah 4

Hosea 14

1 Thessalonians 3; 4  

 

"I WILL HEAL" 

 

Today completes our reading of the prophet Hosea. Nearly all the messages that God gave to his people through this prophet are severe warnings of judgement coming on them because of their idolatry. 

 

However the prophet completes his scroll by receiving from God a positive message. God says of Israel, “I will heal their apostasy, I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them, I will be like dew to Israel … they shall return and dwell beneath my shadow; they shall flourish like the grain; they shall blossom like the vine … [Hosea 14:4,5,7]

 

We can reach no certain expectation of the immediate future for Israel today from the words of Scripture, but their ultimate end is clear. They have returned, miracles of deliverance have occurred; to a considerable degree they have flourished and it appears they have dwelt beneath God’s protection.

 

The final climax will come for them and us at the time God has appointed – Joy for all who possess the true precious faith - but for God’s nation? Zechariah’s prophecy will be fulfilled, “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] But the outcome of that mourning is that their Lord “will heal”. 

 

Coming back to Hosea we note the very last verse. “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things … for the ways of the LORD are right and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them” Those words sum up the principles of life in the sight of God in a nutshell. Israel have had their time of stumbling, but those among them who sought to serve their God, and that covers a long period of time, will be there. 

 

Let us renew our efforts to walk uprightly! We will all need God’s mercy, but those who, despite their failings, sincerely seek to be “upright” – God says, “I will heal … I will love them freely.” 

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 November 2016

 

Nehemiah 5; 6

Joel 1

1 Thessalonians 5  

 

"THEN SUDDEN DESTRUCTION WILL COME”

 

Today we completed reading Paul’s First letter to the Thessalonians. On several occasions the opening verses of 1 Thessalonians 5 have been applied to situations in my lifetime. “You yourselves are fully aware”, writes Paul, “that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night; when people are saying ‘there is peace and security’ then sudden destruction will come …” [1 Thessalonians 5:2-3]

 

A big example of this occurred when I was just a child. The British PM returned from an urgent meeting with the German leader Adolf Hitler. They had made a peace treaty and he returned waving the treaty and saying ‘It is peace in our time.” Within months Hitler broke the agreement and there was all out war in Europe for the next 6 years and something like 12 million died – and probably as many or more than that were injured, maimed for life! 

 

Our focus of attention since 1948 has been the Middle East with the establishment of the nation of Israel. War repeatedly broke out in earlier years; “Peace” agreements of a sort were made but do not last. Today world leaders more than ever believe there just has to be peace, but they are unable to make any real progress toward an assured peace situation, especially in the current ISIS/Syria situation. Notice that the verses in Thessalonians are not saying when there IS peace, but when they are saying “Peace” and there is some belief in it and the threat of destruction easing; but it does not cease. 

 

Paul is pointing forward to a particular event, an ultimate “day of the Lord” the climax of the ages of human rule on this earth! Many of the Old Testament prophets we caused to write about this climax - and we will see how Paul writes more about this in his second letter to the Thessalonians. There is to be an utterly awesome climax “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.” [2 Thessalonians 1:7-8]. 

 

The key verse in today’s chapter for genuine believers is 1 Thessalonians 5:4, “But you are not in darkness brothers for that day to surprise you like a thief”. That surely is the day when “sudden destruction will come.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8-10 are ones we should memorise. We must all ask ourselves whether we have really “put on the breastplate of faith.”

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 November 2016

 

Nehemiah 7

Joel 2

2 Thessalonians 1; 2  

 

“VENGEANCE ON THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW GOD”

 

Our thoughts flow on from those of yesterday! What is it to “know God?” This is surely distinct from believing in a Creator ? We quoted yesterday from today's’ 1st chapter of 2nd Thessalonians that Christ’s return will be to inflict “vengeance on those who do not know God” [2 Thessalonians 1:8] - adding, “and on those who do not obey …”

 

This indicates that some people will say they believe there must be a God, a Creator – but feel it is impossible to “know” anything about him so as to achieve a relationship with him. So what happens to such people “in that day”?

 

Paul says that Christ “comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed” [2 Thessalonians 1:10] And what marveling this will be! Imagine it; it will be far beyond our present comprehension! We read on and see the profound simplicity of Paul’s next words.

 

“To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him …” [2 Thessalonians 1:11-12]

 

Is this happening to us – within us? Are we surrounded by such committed believers – who strengthen each other? If we are not let us seek for this; praying about this. There is no middle way. The rest will suffer! We must really overcome the godlessness that surrounds us, we must fully realize there is no middle way.

 

Jesus said, "Woe to the world for temptations to sin!” [Matthew 18:7] We can only conclude – ‘Woe to today’s world’ even on those who pay ‘lip-service’ to believing there is a God, because they make no effort to make themselves fully resist the temptations and “worthy of his calling.” Let us make sure we”know God” and his Son as fully as possible – the heart felt nature of our prayers are wonderful evidence of this.

-------

- DC
Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 November 2016

 

Nehemiah 8

Joel 3

2 Thessalonians 3  

 

"TO MAKE GREAT REJOICING BECAUSE ..." 

 

It never ceases to surprise us when doing the daily Bible readings to notice things we had never really noticed before. Our chapter in Nehemiah describes the events after the Temple had been rebuilt and the city walls and gates made secure. We noted in Nehemiah 4:6 that “the people had a mind to work.” Today’s chapter [Nehemiah 8] starts by telling us how “all the people gathered as one man into the square below the Water Gate. So they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the LORD had commanded …” [Nehemiah 8:1] 

 

The initiative came from the people! Now don’t let us see the 5 books of Moses as purely a set of commandments to be observed like the laws of our country. The Jews call these books the Torah – the Hebrew word for Law. Look at Psalm 119 where David uses the word Torah 25 times. “Let your mercy come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight” [Psalm 119:77], “Great peace have those who love thy law; nothing can make them stumble.” [Psalm 119:165]

 

Ezra’s generation were learning about their entire heritage and these included the powerful exhortations of Moses just before his death; this is the substance of the book of Deuteronomy. The people requested Ezra to “read from it … from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and women and all who could understand what they heard …” [Nehemiah 8:3]. There is a list of 14 Levites [Nehemiah 8:7] who helped the people to understand. “They read … clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading” [Nehemiah 8:8]. We are told “all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law” - but they were told by Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” [Nehemiah 8:9]

 

Reading God’s word should challenge our thinking and our emotions. It should challenge us to think about our own personal relationship with God and with his Son, our Saviour. 

 

So they “calmed all people, saying ‘Be quiet, for this day is holy, do not be grieved.’ And all the people went their way to eat and drink … and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.” [Nehemiah 8:11-12] 

 

Understanding the word of God should cause us great rejoicing. Let us make sure it does, but it is a different kind of rejoicing to that indulged in by the rest of the world. 

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 November 2016
 
Nehemiah 9
Amos 1
1 Timothy 1; 2; 3  
 
“THE AIM OF OUR CHARGE IS …”
 
We all have aims in life, what we hope to do and achieve. If these ‘aims’ are ‘alongside’ our aims in service to our Master, our Lord Jesus, then we have a wonderful spiritual foundation – on which to build a worthwhile life. The reality of this is made increasingly plain by the Christlike character we are developing.
 
Today we started reading Paul’s two letters to Timothy, Paul’s words are ideal in causing us to recognise the aims we must have clearly in view in our lives. We need to regularly check we are going in the right direction to achieve our aims. Paul tells Timothy to teach the Ephesians to turn from their “speculations” and concentrate on “the stewardship from God that is by faith.’ [1 Timothy 1:4]
 
Do we see ourselves as ‘stewards; working for our Master, making sure we understand and do his will?
Our Master, the Lord Jesus, set us the example of how to do this. Let us be continually mindful of his example and now, as we read Paul’s words, we must feel ‘inspired’ to see that “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” [1 Timothy 1:5]. Let us memorise this verse - and meditate on the ‘fullness’ of its meaning. Paul urges Timothy to “wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience.” [1 Timothy 1:18-19]
 
When we come to  1 Timothy 6 Paul’s comment on the “warfare” will jump out at us! “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” [1 Timothy 6:12] - we note that phraseology – “take hold”! How firm is your grip, how clear is your vision? Let us fully accept (with ‘no holds barred’ as the saying is) that “The aim of our charge is love that issues from …” And what does it issue from? Let us each carefully check the source and foundation and inspiration that motivates our “aim” in life.
-------
- DC
Link to comment
Share on other sites

22 November 2016

 

Nehemiah 10

Amos 2

1 Timothy 4; 5  

 

“TRAIN YOURSELF FOR GODLINESS”

 

We constantly see and hear reference to athletes and other sportsmen being in training. For many, it is something they do daily, especially just before a competition, so as to build up their muscles or other skills and bring them up to peak performance. During our lifetime we have seen new records being set again and again.

 

We thought of this as we read Paul’s advice to Timothy, “Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life that is to come” [1 Timothy 4:8], We must read over that verse again and fully absorb and see the reality of Paul’s point – indeed, memorise it.

 

How much effort do we put to that challenge to train ourselves for godliness? How do we do it? Many will answer ‘by reading the Bible every day’ True, but how do you and I read?

 

God’s word is food for the mind, it needs to be chewed over and its meaning fully absorbed – and then put into practice. The more we read, thoughtfully, meditatively, the more we realize the breadth of thought our minds and hearts need to absorb.

 

How much do we skim over it? It is so easy to do – and we do not notice spiritual malnutrition nearly so quickly and easily as physical malnutrition. Paul also told Timothy, “be a good servant of Jesus Christ being trained in the words of faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed” [1 Timothy 4:6]

 

Athletes compare their abilities with each other, but that could, in a spiritual context be like comparing “lukewarm” attitudes. Our comparison should be with men like Titus and Timothy or women like Mary and Dorcas.

 

Finally, and most importantly, the “race” we are running is one in which we help each other, so that all receive the prize (read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

-------

- DC
Link to comment
Share on other sites

23 November 2016

 

Nehemiah 11

Amos 3

1 Timothy 6  

 

“FLEE THESE THINGS. PURSUE …” 

 

Today we completed reading Paul’s first letter to Timothy who was his “true child in the faith.” [1 Timothy 1:2] There are so many lessons for us for our days in these 2 letters; they reveal the wonder of a genuine spiritual relationship. 

 

In today’s final chapter Paul details warnings to Timothy – “if anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ …” [1 Timothy 6:3] he or she, in reality “understands nothing” [1 Timothy 6:4] that really matters. Let us realize that the “doctrine” referred to by Paul here is unChristlike attitudes and behaviour, rather than wrong intellectual perceptions; but of course such perceptions are often a foundation for such behaviour: for example Paul says, “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” [1 Timothy 6:10] 

 

Paul calls Timothy “a man of God” [1 Timothy 6:11]. What a challenging thing to be called! Dare we call each other – a man (or woman) of God? As a “man of God” Timothy is to set the example to other believers, and that surely includes ourselves. Timothy is to “flee these things” and instead, “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” [1 Timothy 6:11]. We ponder what a thought-challenging word is the word “pursue”! To effectively “pursue” something – you need to have your eyes fixed on it - if you are to have any real expectation of catching it!

 

Paul sees it as something you “fight” for – he tells Timothy to “Fight the good fight of the faith.” Did we have to “fight” for our faith?  

 

Paul then tells Timothy to, “take hold of the eternal life to which you were called …” [1 Timothy 6:12]. We have to “pursue” it, in order to effectively “take hold” of it. In doing the same, let us learn to “flee” all other “things” in the process. Those who wage a successful “fight” are, Paul tells Timothy, genuine believers who are, “storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” [1 Timothy 6:19]. In this way they make sure they keep themselves “free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Timothy 6:14] And how soon will that be!?

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

24 November 2016

 

Nehemiah 12

Amos 4

2 Timothy 1  

 

“FOR I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED”

 

This is what Paul declared in 2 Timothy 1:12. This is the final letter of Paul’s life and he writes with utter conviction. It becomes obvious as we read these 4 chapters that Paul is writing from his heart; this is both because of his special affection for Timothy and because he is aware from his heart that his mortal life is nearly complete. He tells Timothy “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner” [2 Timothy 1:7-8] Note that – he “gave us” not just Paul.

 

This is a challenge to us as our world becomes ever more godless; indeed, increasingly – ungodly – that we should “do not be ashamed” of our faith and our convictions of the incredible meaning of life and of the wondrous events that seem sure to happen – and seem more and more likely – to happen soon.

 

Let us echo the words of Paul – from our hearts! “Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord … who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace … manifested through the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel … I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day” [2 Timothy 1:8-10,12]

 

When Paul says, “I know” we can clearly see – there is no shadow of doubt in his mind. Can we say this – with the same conviction? We must develop this – more and more – and be able to say with Paul, “I know whom I have believed” and “follow … in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” [2 Timothy 1:13], our manner of life showing this day after day, being conscious of the words of our Master, “whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes.” [Mark 8:38]

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

25 November 2016

 

Nehemiah 13

Amos 5

2 Timothy 2  

 

“WHO DESIRE THE DAY OF THE LORD”

 

In Amos we read “Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! Why would you have the day of the LORD?” [Amos 5:18] This verse provides food for much thought. We desire the day of the LORD! Why? We long for the day when our Saviour comes when he reigns over all the earth and controls the nations as we will read in Micah next week [Micah 4:1-3]. 

 

What kind of people “desire the day of the Lord” – when they should not? They were only hearing half the message of the prophets, just like they do today, when many churchgoers think God is purely a God of love. 

 

A contemporary of Amos was Obadiah whose short message we will read next Wednesday. He wrote “For the day of the LORD is near upon all nations” [Obadiah 1:15]. Many of the people in Israel were looking for that day to come – so that their enemies would be destroyed, blind to the fact that they deserved destruction too!

 

Only those truly trying to walk righteously in the sight of God should “desire the day of the LORD”- knowing it will be a time of distress for all nations. The words of Jesus in Matthew 24 are challenging! “But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short … For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” Matthew 24:22,27. 

 

It will be the greatest shock our world has ever had! A shock for believers, the elect? What does Jesus tell us? He tells us, “He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect …” [Matthew 24:31]

 

The day of the Lord that was coming on Israel in those days was to particularly affect certain classes of people. Ponder what the LORD inspired Amos to write, “Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and stretch themselves out on their couches … who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp … invent for themselves instruments of music, who drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the finest oils …” [Amos 6:4-6] 

 

The words of Amos are very appropriate for way many live today, they live for the here and now, they find it impossible to believe in any long term future. 

 

Let us make sure we desire the day of the LORD for the right reasons - being fully aware of what is to take place in that ultimate day when Jesus returns and the final utterly wondrous “day of the LORD” occurs. Remember how we were very conscious of this in our reading of Joel’s prophecy a few days ago!

-------

- DC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...