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TFTBR - April 2017


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01 April 2017

 

Numbers 15 

Proverbs 11 

Luke 24  

 

"DID NOT OUR HEARTS BURN …"

 

Today we completed our reading of Luke's Gospel and it is Luke who gives us the fascinating account of the two disciples who were walking to Emmaus. They had heard news that some women had gone to the tomb early that morning and had found it empty and claimed they had seen a vision of angels who said Jesus was alive. As they talked and puzzled over this report, it is obvious they had no faith in this report. 

 

Jesus drew near to them as a fellow traveller on the road, but "their eyes were kept from recognizing him … and they stood still, looking sad" [Luke 24:17]. Jesus asks what things are concerning them. They presume he has only just arrived in Jerusalem, so they tell him about "Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet, mighty in deed and word" [Luke 24:19] and how they "had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel" but he had been killed by the leaders. But "this morning … some women of our company amazed us," they went to the tomb early and claimed remarkable experiences.  

 

Then the stranger starts talking, "O foolish ones and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken" and "he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself" [Luke 24:25,27]. Later, after they realize it is Jesus as he breaks the bread and then vanishes, they say, "did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures" [Luke 24:32]. Now there are times when we suddenly see what the scriptures mean, so that our hearts thrill; we could say, "burn" with spiritual excitement. This depends of course on our spiritual zeal as we read. Have you experienced words suddenly coming "alive" on the page!  

 

Reflect on what happened to cause them to recognize Jesus! What was happened at that moment? We read, "He took bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them" [Luke 24:30] Visualize this, as his hands move to give them the broken bread they would have seen those hands. What hands! What had happened to them!  What a stunning shock to realize who he was! Imagine if you and I had that experience!

 

How long now before we have the greatest experience any mortal being can have - to witness the unimaginable drama of events as Christ returns. Many, we suspect, will be like the men appointed to guard the tomb! When Jesus rose, they became "like dead men"!  

 

But for us, the experience of his return, will cause "our hearts (to) burn" - our very being will be on "fire" – imagine it! It is beyond our imagination! But how soon now?

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- DC

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02 April 2017

 

Numbers 16 

Proverbs 12 

Galatians 1; 2  

 

"TURNING TO A DIFFERENT GOSPEL"

 

In the opening chapter of his letter to the Galatians Paul writes of his astonishment "that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel." [Galatians 1:6]. 

 

He goes on to say that "if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received let him be accursed" [Galatians 1:9]. He says further, "the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel … I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ" [Galatians 1:11-12].  

 

Why were people trying to change it? In Galatians 2 he writes of "false brothers secretly brought in – who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery" [Galatians 2:4]. 

 

He means slavery to keep the law with its priesthood system and rules like keeping the Sabbath, circumcision and tithing, they wanted this to be observed by every Gentile convert. This would have corrupted the gospel and destroyed what Christ died to achieve.

 

Now we noted that Paul was astonished that this was happening so soon – and we are similarly astonished in our reading in Numbers today that Moses very soon has a fresh problem with the people. This time it is not among the tribes; the bad report of the 10 spies had been dealt with. This time it is among the Levites; the priests. 

 

Korah, Dathan and Abiram challenge Moses and Aaron saying, "Why do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?" [Numbers 16:3] Moses responds, "Is it too small a thing for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do service in the tabernacle?" [Numbers 16:9]  

 

All too often the desire for pride of place is the root cause of problems, so, despite all the evidence of the divine presence, this folly is committed and they are destroyed because of it. It reminded us of the proverb we read yesterday, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom." [Proverbs 11:2] Let us in humility make sure we believe and teach the same gospel as Paul and are not guilty of "turning to a different gospel" as it seems some must be – or there would only be one church.

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- DC

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03 April 2017

 

Numbers 17; 18 

Proverbs 13 

Galatians 3; 4  

 

"GOD HAS SENT THE SPIRIT OF HIS SON" 

 

In his letter to the Galatians Paul reminds those who have responded to his teaching and become believers - of what they had been previously when they did not know the true God. Some have little trouble in letting previous beliefs and associated practices fade from their minds, but obviously not all were doing so. Paul makes the point, "when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods." [Galatians 4:8]  

 

Amongst the Galatian believers there were some who had a diminishing sense of appreciation of what it was to know the true God, and of how meaningful this was compared to their previous idol worship. 

 

The Jews who were converted to Christ had a different, but still difficult problem in this regard. Now, it is true to say that if we ourselves have been brought up to believe in the Bible and the true God and his message it is different! But the sharp edge of the spiritual excitement of conversion has probably not been experienced.

 

Christ came, writes Paul, "to redeem those who were under the Law, so that they might receive adoption as sons." [Galatians 4:5]. This applied to those of a Jewish background – but not entirely, those from a Gentile background equaally had to learn (in their hearts, not just in their heads) that, "... because you are (now) sons, God has sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba, Father'" [Galatians 4:6]

 

What is this Spirit? It is a spiritual perception of the presence of the one and only God who is now "Our Father"! Paul told the Athenians, "he is actually not far from each one of us, for  'in Him we live and move and have our being'" [Acts 17:27-28] 

 

Back in Galatians 4 we see how Paul challenges the converts, "now that you have come to know God, or rather be known by God how can you turn back again to …" [Galatians 4:9] what you were before? Knowing God is having a real living relationship with him day by day, sensing "the spirit of his Son" in our hearts.  

 

Paul is distressed at what was happening to many of the converts he had made in Galatia, he writes, "my little children for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ be formed in you" [Galatians 4:19]

 

And now in 2017 we have some modern "gods" which occupy the minds of so many; they come in various forms, things many can hold in their hands! They love to see, think and talk about these to the exclusion of any spiritual perceptions and thoughts. 

 

We cannot say this does not have at least some effect on us, and the degree of that affect is evidence as to whether Christ really is "formed in us"! Can we can truly say (to ourselves) I do "know God"! A final thought -Paul told the Galatians, "I am perplexed about you" [Galatians 4:20] – how sad if he was alive and wrote the same about you or me!

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- DC 

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04 April 2017

 

Numbers 19

Proverbs 14

Galatians 5; 6 

 

"LET US NOT GROW WEARY OF DOING GOOD"

 

There are so many challenging, indeed bad situations, in our world. It was so in Paul's experiences, as his comment to the Galatians in today's chapter shows. If any of them are near us – and we can help the situation, we should "let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, continues Paul, "let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

 

In this country the Government has many laws in place to help those who fall into difficulties – but it is disappointing that many take this for granted and do not really appreciate this. But the Government, for the most part, can only give money, or put people in hospital.  

 

What is needed, just as much, is personal help, support and encouragement. This is where, as in today's readings, we need to read the closing chapter of Paul's letter to the Galatians – because it is very much to the point.

 

"Let us not grow weary of doing good" writes Paul, "for in due season we will reap …" [Galatians 6:9-10] Living for Christ, because we have chosen of our own free will, to belong to him, is far more than acquiring correct "head knowledge" of what God's word means. Of course, "head knowledge" lays the foundation for our life in Christ – but, as with physical buildings, foundations are put in place – for building upon. How is your building progressing?

 

We are surrounded by so many whose focus in life is "taking" – rather than giving and this environment can cause us to, at least sometimes, "grow weary" – so we must redouble our efforts to (as our previous verse [Galatians 6:8] tells us) to be "one who sows to the Spirit (who) will from the Spirit reap eternal life."

 

"Spirit" is the opposite of "flesh" – there is no middle way. Let us make sure we are firmly on the narrow way, remembering that Jesus said, "the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." [Matthew 7:14] How blessed we are to find it! "Let us not grow weary." 

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- DC

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05 April 2017

 

Numbers 20; 21

Proverbs 15

Ephesians 1; 2  

 

"BECAUSE YOU DID NOT BELIEVE"

 

This is what the LORD said to Moses! We prove whether or not we believe God means what he says by what we do! We show whether we have listened carefully to his word by how we act! Near enough, is not good enough! Now, it is important that we understand why the LORD said "Because you did not believe" - to Moses which we read today in Numbers 20.

 

Once again, nearing the end of their wilderness journeying, the Israelites are put to the test, God tested them by causing a lack of water for themselves and their flocks. They fail the test. After all their experiences of God providing for their basic needs they should have known better than to complain bitterly about the lack of water. They say to Moses, "Why have you made us come out of Egypt to this evil place? … there is no water to drink." 

 

So the glory of God appears and the LORD speaks to Moses, "Take the staff and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water. So you shall bring water out of the rock for them and give drink to the congregation and their cattle." [Numbers 20:8] 

 

So they gather before the rock, it must have been a huge one, and Moses says, "Hear now you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?" and Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly …" [Numbers 20:10-11]

 

Now Moses had not done exactly what he had been told to do, he had been told to speak to the rock! Nor had he credited this miracle to God. This is what caused God to say to Moses, "Because you did not believe in me to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people … you shall not bring this assembly into the land." [Numbers 20:12].

 

God expects us to do what he says and surely the same principle applies when it comes to matters like baptism. Those who say it is sufficient to sprinkle water on the forehead should heed the example of Moses' mistake. 

 

There would only be one church if those who believe in Jesus – and the Father - would fully apply our minds to God's words and the words he inspired men like the apostles to write, but it seems these things have to be in order to fully sift the wheat from the chaff. Are you ready to be sifted? 

 

Surely the day is near – and we will be told "Because you …"?

 

What will be the rest of what we will be told?

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- DC

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06 April 2017

 

Numbers 22; 23

Proverbs 16

Ephesians 3; 4 

 

"THAT IS NOT THE WAY YOU LEARNED CHRIST" 

 

The chapters in Ephesians today are a passionate plea by Paul to the believers there to see their behaviour does not slip back to what it was before they believed in Christ. Life in those days, like life today was full of distractions, it certainly is today. 

 

He tells them, "you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and given themselves up to sensuality …" [Ephesians 4:17-19]

 

These words also accurately describe the atmosphere in which most of us live today, it is the attitudes probably nearly all of us see around us. Modern technology highlights these attitudes, making them worse and more appealing in many cases. Paul then writes, "But that is not the way you learned Christ!" [Ephesians 4:20] He seems to doubt that their learning of Christ had effectively led to a change of behaviour for he continues, "assuming that you have heard about him and were taught … to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires" [Ephesians 4:21-22]. 

 

How "deceitful" our desires can be! It is vital "to be renewed in the spirit of (y)our minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." [Ephesians 4:23-24] Tragically it is possible to be converted in our head, intellectually, while our hearts still have a great amount of fleshly inclinations. 

 

Paul then says, "do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by which you were sealed for the day of redemption." [Ephesians 4:30]. We have on one or two occasions in past years attended those Pentecostal type services where they convince themselves they have some special gift that enables them to have visions; it is most unconvincing! 

 

The point Paul makes here is that we should recognise that the Holy Spirit possesses us, rather than the other way round. This is the point we have seen several times in Proverbs. We read in Proverbs 15 yesterday that the "eyes of the LORD are in every place keeping watch ..." [Proverbs 15:3] Surely this is the case with those who have been "sealed by God's Spirit through the renewal of their minds - having learned Christ the right way."

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- DC

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07 April 2017

 

Numbers 24; 25

Proverbs 17

Ephesians 5; 6 

 

"AS IS PROPER AMONG SAINTS"

 

What a challenge it is to realize that all those who really believe in God and Jesus Christ are called "saints". The Greek word translated as saint, means, "holy, set apart." Saints set themselves apart from worldly, godless ways of thinking and doing. Paul's letters are addressed to saints, "the saints who are in Ephesus" ... "saints … who are in Philippi" [opening verse in each letter]. 

 

So all true believers are "saints" in God's eyes, and therefore inspired writers like Paul send encouraging letters to them. The tactic of venerating "saints", as practiced by the Church, is nonsense. 

 

Now we must note what Paul says "is proper among saints" [Ephesians 5:3]. He writes, "But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness, nor foolish talk, no crude joking." [Ephesians 5:3-4] 

 

Something which is "named" is something which is mentioned and talked about; yet we are confronted with such things so often if we watch much television! Paul's "punch line" in the message is ­ "you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous, that is an idolater, has not inheritance in the kingdom of God." [Ephesians 5:5] 

 

We have idolaters today! Think of the things people idolize, things that are the focus of their thinking or admiration! It can be something we own, or covet and want to own, and that thing (as one example, a motorbike), takes centre stage in our thinking, pushing godly thoughts into the background or even swamping them completely.

 

The way our minds work is often devious so that we avoid being honest with ourselves and so prevent ourselves from feeling uncomfortable, or even guilty about a matter; we put in our conscience to sleep. 

 

We can do that as we read what Paul has written, discounting what he really means. But note he then writes, "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience it is shameful even to speak of the things they do in secret. [Ephesians 5:6,12] How soon now, before the wrath of God comes? What "is proper among saints" today? The signs are that 2017 is a most significant year! 

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- DC

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08 April 2017

 

Numbers 26

Proverbs 18

Philippians 1; 2    

 

"HE HUMBLED HIMSELF BY BECOMING …"

 

Paul, in the first 2 chapters of his letter to the Philippians we read today, draws some utterly powerful thoughts, that is, spiritually powerful, from his contemplation of the "mortal" life of our Lord Jesus. Paul tells them to "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." [Philippians 2:3] 

 

Our world today operates on the principle of everyone competing with each other ­ in order to see who is the best! But what does Paul tell them? "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." [Philippians 2:4] He then makes the powerful and wonderful point, one that we need to fully absorb.  "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant …" [Philippians 2:5-7]

 

Then we read ­ the wondrous result. "… he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death … therefore God has highly exalted him" [Philippians 2:6-9] 

 

Jesus set the example of the kind of mind God is looking to see. This is the kind of person we should aim to be in the process of becoming. Some people are confused by the point Paul makes here. Why, because they have been taught that Jesus is a part of God! Scripture reveals he became part of God because of his obedience to God's will. Remember how he prayed, "not my will but thine be done" [Luke 22:42]

 

Now in tomorrow's Philippians reading, we will see how we can become, in a sense, part of God, if we humble ourselves in our mortal lives. Paul writes of true believers, that their "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 3:20] and so become, in the Kingdom that is coming, on earth, as described in Revelation, "priests of God and of Christ and they will reign with him …" [Revelation 20:6]  May we aim to the uttermost to be "humbled … by becoming obedient …"

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- DC

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09 April 2017

 

Numbers 27

Proverbs 19

Philippians 3; 4

 

"REJOICE IN THE LORD"

 

Today, more than ever before people, especially the young, love to enjoy themselves. Looking for means of enjoyment is often the pre-occupation of those in "the western world." They seek situations in which they can have fun, play games, watch shows and much more. Planning for weekends, especially Easter and holidays are special times to rejoice. 

 

Our thoughts on this were sparked by the number of times Paul uses the word "rejoice" in his letter to the Philippians. What kind of rejoicing is he writing about? It is a contrast to most of the rejoicing today. We read yesterday about Paul sending back to Philippi a brother from there that had been with Paul and he had been "ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, but not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow on sorrow. I am the more eager to send him therefore that you may rejoice at seeing him again." [Philippians 2:27-28]. What a good reason for rejoicing!

 

Philippians 3, today, starts with, "Finally my brothers, rejoice in the Lord". We can ask, rejoice about what? From when Paul was converted many troubles came into his life but, but he writes, "I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord … forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think in this way … let us hold true to what we have attained" [Philippians 3:8,13-16]. Are we among the "mature."?

 

In all these things Paul rejoices, summing up this attitude in his final chapter, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice" [Philippians 4:4]. In writing to the Romans he put it in just 3 words, "Rejoice in hope" [Romans 12:12] But what hope is this? 

 

Peter answers this question. He writes of "salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice" [1 Peter 1:5-6] But Peter lived in difficult times and this could soon be our situation, if it is not so already, so note his words, "do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you but rejoice insofar as you share in Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." [Philippians 4:12-13].

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- DC

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10 April 2017

 

Numbers 28

Proverbs 20

John 1 

 

"BUT TO ALL WHO DID RECEIVE HIM ..." 

 

Today we start reading John; this is a gospel which challenges us to think very carefully and make sure we harmonise our thoughts about various passages of Scripture. The Gospel starts, "In the beginning was the Word" What beginning? 

 

The very first words in the Bible In Genesis are "In the beginning God created …" The original Greek in this place for "word" is "Logos" ­ a word translated several ways, a particular sense is "a word that has been spoken" - see for example John 18 where it occurs in both John 18:9 and John 18:32 "this was to fulfil the word that he had spoken".

 

We recall that at the beginning of the world God spoke at the start of each day and certain acts of creation took place. We have God's word through Isaiah, "so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose" [isaiah 55:11] This happened at creation. It is a challenge to note and absorb Peter's words in his first Epistle - that Christ "was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for your sake who, through him, are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God." [1 Peter 1:20-21]

 

We read today, "And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" [John 1:14]. God's word of foreknowledge had "become flesh" ­ it was all God's doing. What in the beginning was God's word, his plan, brought life and light to the world and ultimately it was made flesh in the person of his Son who came to speak God's message as we will see most clearly as we read John's Gospel this month.

 

John the Baptist testifies of Jesus, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" [John 1:29] The world is about to celebrate (?) Easter, but for most it is a meaningless celebration. But for those who know his voice. They will say, as Nathaniel said to him, "… you are the Son of God! You are the king of Israel" [John 1:49] And one day (how soon now?) he will return to be king, not just of Israel, but of the whole world. 

 

We must take into our hearts the point made in John 1:12, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." Let us receive him and the way we start (or have started) is to confess our faith ­ from our hearts, not just our head, and be baptised. 

 

Let us build up our faith, and, as we will soon read in Isaiah, "Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction" [isaiah 57:14] that we may "receive him" with all our heart.

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- DC

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11 April 2017

 

Numbers 29; 30

Proverbs 21

John 2; 3

 

"WHOEVER DOES WHAT IS TRUE …"

 

In John 3 we have the start of the teaching of Jesus ­ and how profound ­ and challenging are many of the verses. "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] Are the words too familiar? Too simple? Then in John 3:19 we read, "… light has come into the world" And what is our reaction to the light? 

 

Many know the saying - "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned …" [John 3:17-18] 

 

Yes ­ "whoever believes" ­ but surely - belief must be shown by actions ­ not just words. Jesus further said, "and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light …" [John 3:19-20]

 

What is the value (and the result) of the right reaction to the light? John 3:21 gives us the answer ­ an answer that should inspire us and be a guiding principle in our lives. "But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God."

 

These are words to be memorised ­ and put into practice! Are our "works … carried out in God." In finishing, let our minds be drawn to the words of David we read in Psalm 139 last month! "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!" [Psalm 139:23-24] 

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- DC

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12 April 2017

 

Numbers 31

Proverbs 22

John 4

 

"EXECUTE THE LORD'S VENGEANCE"

 

Today's chapter in Numbers [Numbers 31] tells us about the death of Balaam and of those who accepted his counsel that the only way to combat the Israelites ­ was not by force ­  but by seducing them into immorality. They took his advice and put it into practice and it had worked! But now God acted!

 

Our chapter starts, "The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 'Avenge the people of Israel ...'" Leading Moses to say, "Arm men from among you for war, that they may go against Midian to execute the LORD's vengeance" [Numbers 31:1-3] The result is the kings of Midian are slain "and they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword". 

 

We then read that it was "on Balaam's advice" [Numbers 31:16] that the Midianites had sent in women that "caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the LORD … and so the plague came among the congregation …" So Balaam is killed and all those immoral leaders as Moses acted to "execute the Lord's vengeance." 

 

This "vengeance" is seen many times in the Old Testament both against Israel's enemies and against Israel itself when they themselves lapsed into immorality. The same applies to spiritual Israel. that is, those who claim to follow Christ but whose way of life brings dishonour to Christ's name, just as unfaithfulness by natural Israel brought dishonour to the LORD's name. 

 

How easy it seems to be for both Jews and Christians to deceive themselves into thinking God will not deal with them when they slip into immoral ways of living. Balaam of all people, who had had such contact with God, as we read in Numbers 22-24, should have had a fear of God! But "No"!  

 

Sadly the history of Christianity shows too many examples of similar failures. Look back at some blunt words of Paul we read last week in Galatians! "Do not be deceived God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." [Galatians 6:7-9] 

 

Balaam sowed the seeds of his own destruction although he had had so much contact with the true God. Lesson to us ­ what are we sowing? What will we reap? What will this world reap ­ for his word is available in every language!? It used to be read ­ but so few do so today ­  especially in the "western" world. How soon now ­ "The Lord's vengeance"?

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- DC

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13 April 2017

 

Numbers 32

Proverbs 23

John 5

 

"AN HOUR IS COMING WHEN ..."

 

In our reading today in John 5, Jesus speaks of the dead hearing his voice! However, note how he says this twice – and the meaning is different! These quotes are in John 5:25-29. The first time [John 5:25] he says, "say to you, an hour is coming and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the son of God and those who hear will live" – but a few verses further on we read he said, "an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgement" [John 5:28-29]. 

 

Now these are two different situations; the hour that is "now here" is today and the "dead" Jesus is talking about are those who "were dead in trespasses and sins" as Paul wrote to the Ephesians [Ephesians 2:1] rejoicing that "God who is rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses (evil ways), made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved." [Ephesians 2:4-5] 

 

Paul is writing of what Jesus said, as John record's it in his gospel, "those who hear will live" – they prove they have heard by how their lives change now, it's a re-birth!  

 

Two days ago we read of Jesus conversation with Nicodemus, "unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" [John 3:3]. He then explained further, "unless one is born of water and the spirit he (or she) cannot enter the kingdom of God" [John 3:5]  

 

Born of water is baptism and born of the spirit is explained in what we read yesterday of the conversation of Jesus with the Samaritan woman; the need to "worship him (God) in spirit and in truth" [John 4:24]. Our minds must undergo a rebirth as we direct our thinking toward God.  

 

Take note also, as we will read tomorrow. that Jesus said, "the words that I have spoken unto you, they are spirit and life." [John 6:63] Accepting them brings about a spiritual re-birth. With this re-birth in water and spirit we will be among those in the tombs who "will hear his voice and come out" when the hour comes for Jesus to return! Or, it maybe we will still be alive for Paul writes of that hour "we shall not all sleep (die), but we shall all be changed" [1 Corinthians 15:51]. How far away is that hour? Are you ready?

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- DC

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14 April 2017

 

Numbers 33

Proverbs 24

John 6  

 

"YOU HAVE THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE" 

 

Today's chapter in John [John 6] is particularly challenging – for our meditation. It needs deep thought for the depth of its' meaning to truly come alive in our minds. Many of his disciples found his words too challenging, too difficult to grasp - and "many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him." [John 6:66] And today, how many still have Bibles – but no longer read them!

 

His challenge ends with the statement, "…I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." [John 6:65] To what kind of person is this "granted"? 

 

Peters' declaration "jumps out" to our minds, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God." [John 6:68-69]. 

 

We meditate on his phrase, "and have come to know." As we read God's word day after day - have we "come to know" - the wonder or the relationship we can – and should be – developing - with Jesus?  

 

We "have the words of eternal life" in our hands and need to feed on them more urgently every day! We do not feed on them urgently if the godlessness that surrounds us is starting to suffocate our minds! The Easter break that is now starting gives us the opportunity to refresh ourselves and "come to know" with greater certainty the wonder of God's word and the judgements of God that our world is facing – and how soon now!? This year?

 

A final thought comes from today's chapter in Proverbs. Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future fear the LORD … do not join with those who do otherwise, for disaster will arise suddenly … and who knows the ruin that will come …" [Proverbs 24:19-22]

 

We "have the words of eternal life" in our hands, let us not neglect them, especially today, which commemorates the day our Saviour gave his life for us – let us show his "words of eternal life" are in our hearts – today – and every day - until he comes – and will that be this year? 

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- DC

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15 April 2017

 

Numbers 34

Proverbs 25

John 7 

 

"IF ANYONE'S WILL IS TO DO GOD'S WILL"

 

The Gospel of John is particularly soul stirring as we read it. We learn much detailed information about parts of the ministry of our Lord, filling some of the "gaps" in the other gospels. We learn that the centre of opposition to Jesus was in Jerusalem and this began quite early, see John 5:1,18.  

 

Today's chapter [John 7] begins by telling us; "after this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him." In Mark we are told how "the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, 'He is possessed by Beelzebul …'" [Mark 3:22] So, because he spent much of his time in Galilee, the growing opposition went out to try to sow seeds of opposition to him there - and anywhere else he went.

 

Today we learn that Jesus returned to Jerusalem in the middle of the feast "and began teaching" and they "marvelled" at his teaching saying, "How is it that this man has learning when he has never studied?" [John 7:15]. This means, he never "studied" as Paul had; Paul had been "educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law" [Acts 22:3] 

 

To this Jesus answers, "My teaching is not mine but his who sent me. If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am teaching on my own authority." [John 7:16-17] How would they know? They would if they had studied their Scriptures (the O.T.) with a genuine searching mind. 

 

We can make a comparison here with Christianity today where Churches have seminaries to train people for the ministry. Yet, in all our own contact with those so trained it becomes apparent that actual Bible reading forms only a minor part of their training: they are unfamiliar with many parts of it. 

 

The end of today's chapter shows that the Jewish leaders argued that "no prophet arises from Galilee." [John 7:52] For this reason they rejected him and all that he taught and the miracles he did. But two of what we call "minor" prophets, Nahum and Jonah, had come from that area – and in any case, to reason that God's prophets had to come from particular places was human thinking.  

 

Today, just as much as in those days, if we are really serious about knowing God and the real truth about "God's will," we must read His word regularly and act upon what we read - after we have digested it carefully to make sure we have a correct understanding. May we aim to be able to say with David, "I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation." [Psalm 119:99] 

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- DC

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16 April 2017

 

Numbers 35

Proverbs 26

John 8  

 

"THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE"

 

What did Jesus mean, "The Truth will set you free?" Free from what?  

 

The 8th chapter of John today contains aspects of the teachings of Jesus that we have to think around and put into context to get the correct meaning.  

 

The critics of Jesus were usually those whose thought processes were mechanical. They thought they had him cornered, if he said the Mosaic law should be observed and the woman taken in adultery should be stoned - they would probably have done so, or got others to, and then blamed Jesus before the Roman authorities because the Jews had no right to put anyone to death. That was the accusation when they brought Jesus before Pilate ... see John 18:31. If Jesus has said something different, they would have denounced him before the people for not upholding the law! His reaction confounded them – and after he said "Let him who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her" [John 8:7] they slunk away from Jesus as he wrote on the ground; no one was without sin among them. 

 

Only Jesus was without sin – and he said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?  She said, "No one Lord".  

 

And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." [John 8:10-11] Notice how she addresses Jesus as "Lord". She saw him as far more than a "teacher" which is how the Jews addressed him.

 

Jesus speaks to all who come to him – in the same words as he spoke to the woman – whatever our failures have been, and the closer we come to "the light of the world" the more we are aware of our failures – but we also learn the truth of his words, "Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." [John 8:12] and all the "darkness" in our character will be obliterated, indeed Christ will then be "formed in you." [Galatians 4:19] 

 

Jesus went on to tell them, "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 8:31-32] The key action on our part is to "abide" in the word of Jesus. John uses the Greek word for "abide" more than 40 times in his gospel and the translators render it variously as "continue",  "dwell",  "remaining" etc. Are you abiding in his word? Is the word "abiding" in you? If the answer is "Yes" – you have been set free!

 

Jesus made the point, "I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin" – ungodlinness has become part of their character. But "if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed" [John 8:36] He told the religious leaders, "…you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you." [John 8:37]

 

May it have found a place in us – in you – or will soon do so. Remember Jesus said, "Whoever is of God hears the words of God." [John 8:47] – and as we read – we must "hear" and be "set … free".

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- DC

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17 April 2017

 

Numbers 36

Proverbs 27

John 9; 10  

 

"FOR JUDGEMENT I CAME INTO THIS WORLD" 

 

John records some of the most thought challenging sayings of Jesus - more than the other gospel writers.  Consider the conversation of Jesus with the man, whose blindness he healed: (he had been born blind so what a healing that was!) The man had declared, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him. 

 

In response Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind." [John 9:39]

 

It is clear that Jesus is talking about spiritual blindness – and our world today abounds with this blindness. What a blessing to be among those who "see"! Do we fully appreciate this?

 

"Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, "Are we also blind?" Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, 'We see,' your guilt remains." [John 9:40-41]

 

We can apply this principle to today's world: we think of those who say, "we see" about everything that exists – that it all evolved! For all such – their "guilt remains" and the "judgement" that Jesus brought "into this world" – they will be condemned because they deny the wonders of the works of God in creation. 

 

Jesus will very soon come again "into this world" and, among other things, condemn it for its "blindness". What "guilt" it will have to acknowledge! We note what the man who was born blind declared! "If anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him." [John 9:31] 

 

Let us make sure that we are worshippers of God and we are doing his will – as Jesus, above all, did! And then when Jesus returns, what Jesus said to Nathanael (as we read in John 1) will be true for us too! Jesus said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." At that time, "for judgement" Jesus will return "into this world." And how evident and awesome will be that "judgement."

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- DC

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18 April 2017

 

Deuteronomy 1

Proverbs 28

John 11 

 

"ELEVEN DAYS JOURNEY FROM HOREB"

 

Today we start reading the book of Deuteronomy. Its message is very appropriate for believers in our days, because it is Moses final exhortation to the Israelites before he dies. He starts by saying, "It is eleven days journey from Horeb (where they camped before the mountain and Moses received the Ten Commandments)…to Kaddesh- Barnea." The latter place is at the edge of their promised inheritance, and from there they sent out the spies! Just 11 days journey; but instead of going on into the land, strong in faith because of all the wonders they had witnessed in escaping from Egypt their faith quickly evaporated and as a result they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.

 

All those 20 years old and over died in that wandering. "Not one of these men of this evil generation shall see the good land that I swore to give to your fathers, except" (the two that had brought back a good report, and their families) [Deuteronomy 1:35-36] Also many of the Levites, who are not counted with the 12 tribes, they also entered the land, such as the younger sons of Aaron; they had proved faithful.

 

The opening 3 chapters of Deuteronomy show Moses recounting their recent triumphs after leaving the wilderness. They defeated all the nations west of the Jordan. But this final leg of their journey saw the death of those caught up in the temptations in Moab; those whose vision was on the flesh, not on the promised land. That was the final purging of the people, only then did God see them as being of a ready mind to enter the promised land. 

 

Now, we can draw comparisons to our days and lessons for ourselves! We are travelling through a spiritual wilderness as this has become such a godless world. How many are losing their faith and falling by the wayside, caught in the passing pleasures of this world? Has the wonder and uniqueness of God's word faded in our minds – and our hearts are no longer aglow with the marvel of it all? 

 

We can take examples from Moses, as surely Jesus did! What do we read in Hebrews? "By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible" [Hebrews 11:27]. We can endure our wilderness journey - if we can see, with the eye of faith, him who is invisible.

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- DC

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19 April 2017

 

Deuteronomy 2

Proverbs 29

John 12 

 

"THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN WILL JUDGE"

 

How challenging are the words of Jesus that form the closing verses in today's chapter of John's gospel! "The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day." [John 12:48]  

 

The 2 verses which follow, the last in the chapter, are equally challenging! Jesus says, "I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me." [John 12:49-50]

 

Oh the wonder of "eternal life"! It is far beyond our comprehension! It is clear there is no neutral position, Jesus declared, "Whoever is not with me is against me" [Matthew 12:30]. What is our reaction to "the word that" Jesus has "spoken"? So many ignore it today! We cannot do that – we have to do the opposite! 

 

How close are we now to "the last day"? Is this the last year? It is 70 years since Israel became a nation again and soon their Saviour will appear – how astonished they will be! But what about our astonishment! It is all beyond our imagining! Are the words we read at the end of Hebrews 9 true of us? "Christ … will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." Those eagerly waiting will have no fear about how "the word that" Jesus has "spoken will judge" them "on the last day." [Hebrews 9:28]  

 

Let us each examine our hearts to make sure that is true for you and for me.

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- DC

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20 April 2017

 

Deuteronomy 3

Proverbs 30

John 13; 14  

 

"MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU … NOT AS THE WORLD GIVES ..."

 

What is the peace of Jesus? The world is full of restless hearts and minds, many are looking for the next new experience - others are disturbed because their lives are out of control for one reason or another. Those who have a real relationship with Jesus develop "the peace of God which surpasses all understanding" [Philippians 4:7].  

 

Today's chapters in John continue to challenge us to think through them, but that is the wonder of the Bible, it is a book which never ceases to challenge and fascinate. It is not a book which we can put back on the shelf and say I have got my mind right around it all; I just have it there in case I want to check whether my memory is accurate.

 

Jesus promised his disciples that after he is no longer with them they will receive "the Helper, the Holy Spirit" and this Spirit "will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." Immediately after this he says, "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." [John 14:26-27] 

 

In coming hours, the disciples were to be dreadfully distressed, only John remained close to him after he was arrested [John 18:15] and went in to personally witness his trial. He was the one "whom Jesus loved" [John 13:23], evidently the youngest, so age is no indicator of closeness to Jesus. It is John who, through the Holy Spirit, is able to recall and later write down this intimate conversation; part of which we read today. 

 

After Jesus told them not to be afraid he says, "You heard me say to you, 'I am going away and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe." [John 14:28-29] 

 

Events have taken place in our lifetime which the Scriptures have predicted, especially in the Middle East: the world is fearful and the time is surely coming when that fear will "explode" into world-wide consternation. At that time it will be vital for true believers to have the words of Jesus at the forefront of their minds, "My peace I leave with you … let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." 

 

Let us seek to experience that "peace" now – especially in times of personal stress and distress – and be ready for the prophesied "time of trouble, such as never has been" that Daniel [Daniel 12:1] was warned about! But how inspiring are the words of the Almighty in the same verse. "But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book." Surely, those who possess the "peace" that Jesus supplies – now!

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- DC

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21 April 2017

 

Deuteronomy 4

Proverbs 31

John 15; 16

 

"LOVE ONE ANOTHER JUST AS I HAVE LOVED YOU"

 

Love is probably the most common word in both Christian and non-Christian literature. It is used in a wide range of situations with many different meanings. It is usually used in common speech today in a very casual way! Are those who read God's word influenced by this? 

 

If we are - it will undermine our appreciation of what this word means in Scripture? In the Greek there are two different words and the one we focus on is "agape" which occurs so much in the Gospel of John; he uses it 27 times; 9 times in today's chapters [John 15; 16]. 

 

John 13 contains a key statement of the Master, "A new commandment I have given you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." [John 13:34]. So how did Jesus love them? How did he set an example? 

 

What events and words show this? He washed their feet and he used this as an example of how to serve one another; however few of us tramp dusty roads in sandals with bare feet, to make a ritual of this would destroy the lesson as we commented yesterday. It was one example of love and humility toward one another. Jesus said, "I have given you an example that you also should do as I have done to you." [John 13:15]. 

 

Not many hours later he would tell them of the ultimate act of "love" soon to occur saying "greater love has no man than this" [John 15:13] Jesus asked, "Who is the greater, one who reclines at table, or one who serves? I am among you as one who serves" [Luke 22:27] So the love that Jesus showed was one of serving, he came as a servant – but will return as a King. In serving Jesus, we must ourselves seek to show love by what we do. 

 

There will be times when we need to be gentle as he was with his disciples when they faltered, and he said "O you of little faith" [Luke 12:28]; but read Luke 12:22-31 and appreciate the context and our Master's final point, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." [Luke 12:34] We might think of what we want, but our heavenly Father knows what we need. He did not send anyone away, they went away themselves when they found his sayings "hard" [John 6:60,66] 

 

When John, years later, wrote his epistles he made one particular point which echoed these words of Jesus, "let us not love in word or talk, but in deed in truth" [1 John 3:18] or as the NEB version puts it, "love must be genuine and show itself by actions." Let us love one another as Jesus has loved us.

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- DC

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22 April 2017

 

Deuteronomy 5

Ecclesiastes 1

John 17; 18 

 

"EVERYONE WHO IS OF THE TRUTH LISTENS …"

 

Jesus had little to say to the High Priest who first questioned him; he simply told him, "I have spoken openly to the world, I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple" [John 18:20]. Jesus is challenging them; if I have said things that are wrong, you produce witnesses to show this!

 

Ananias passes the problem on to Caiaphas, the High Priest. He in turn sends him to Pilate and the drama starts to reach its climax. When Pilate wants to know what he is accused of, they are evasive saying, "If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you." [John 18:30]. They need Pilate to approve his death; we get the impression they would not stone him and risk the consequences, as they later did with Stephen. 

 

Pilate questions Jesus again, "What have you done?" [John 18:35] Jesus responds, "… my kingdom is not from this world" He means, this world cannot give him a Kingdom, his kingdom will not come as a result of human endeavours. Jesus further perplexes Pilate by saying, "I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth." Then he adds, "everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice?" [John 18:37]. What does he mean?

 

In John 17, we read the prayer of Jesus: "Sanctify them (his true followers) in the truth; your word is truth … for their sake I consecrate myself, that they may be sanctified in truth." [John 17:17,19] To sanctify means to be made holy, set apart from the rest - from those who do not want to make any commitment.

 

Only those interested in what is really true - listens – and act on what they hear. The world is full of half-truths and deceptions; this is evident most of all in politics. The message of Jesus is the only really important truth in the world! Pilate's final question is - "What is truth?" [John 18:38] 

 

We suspect this is asked in a sense of ridicule, but the context gives no clear clue. Given the machinations surrounding him, one can imagine an attitude of derision – nothing is really true, everyone puts their own spin on what they say! Do we really, from the depths of our heart, seek and believe the real truth? Jesus knows!  The way we talk and act – proves whether we do.

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- DC

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23 April 2017

 

Deuteronomy 6; 7

Ecclesiastes 2

John 19 

 

"THIS WAS MY REWARD"

 

The wisest of kings, Solomon, reflects on what his life had really achieved. In reading Ecclesiastes, we perceive his remarkable insight into the meaning and purpose, from a human perspective, of all that we do and all that we possess in our lives. What does Solomon's insight reveal? He sees he has used his wisdom to accomplish everything possible.

 

His second chapter details this, "… my heart still guiding me with wisdom … I made great works, I built houses and planted vineyards "made myself gardens and parks and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. I made myself pools … had slaves … also great of possessions of herds … also gathered for myself silver and gold ... I got singers … many concubines … so I became great at and surpassed all who were before me … whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure … this was my reward for all my toil" [Ecclesiastes 2:3-11]

 

Consider carefully his conclusion! "this was my reward" - but we noted even more his next comment, "then I considered all that I had done and the toil I had expended." And what does he see as the outcome of his considerations?

 

"Behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind." Other versions have, "I saw everything was emptiness and chasing the wind" (NEB) "meaningless" (NIV). Solomon saw that life has no lasting substance, yet we all strive after things we can possess and experience, but at the end of the day there is nothing "eternal" in what we have achieved! Solomon then declares "so I hated life" [Ecclesiastes 2:17]

 

It seems evident he wrote Ecclesiastes near the end of his life. He lacked the vision that his father David possessed. David wrote a Psalm and commented about "men of the world whose portion is in this life" but in the next verse stated, "As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness." [Psalm 17:14-15] What reward we be satisfied with?

 

Ecclesiastes makes humans look in the mirror of their minds and consider what they are accomplishing in life. Do you have a "mirror" in your mind? What do you see when you look in it? What they see makes many read and reflect on God's word more fervently.

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- DC
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24 April 2017

 

Deuteronomy 8; 9

Ecclesiastes 3

John 20; 21

 

"AND THAT BY BELIEVING YOU MAY HAVE LIFE IN HIS NAME"

 

Today we read the climax and reached the end of the gospel of John, and what a challenging climax it unfolds to us. These final two chapters are two of the most heart-warming and heart stirring chapters in the whole of the Bible.

 

The words of Jesus to the disciple Thomas are words which we should be particularly appropriate to us.  Thomas was one of the twelve but was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." 

 

But he said to them, "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 20:24-25]

 

Jesus was "present"[!] to hear his declaration and eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." [John 20:26-27]

 

The final words of Jesus in the chapter are his statement, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." 

 

The chapter ends with the admission by John that "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." May our belief but total! It cannot be anything less!

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- DC

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25 April 2017

 

Deuteronomy 10; 11 

Ecclesiastes 4 

Acts 1 

 

"FOR IF YOU WILL BE CAREFUL TO DO" 

 

What do we all need to "be careful to do"? Our quotation is from the words of Moses; his final address to the generation who are about to enter the promised land under Joshua (and we know what Joshua means!) 

 

Their parents had died in the wilderness – because of their lack of faith, although they had witnessed all the wonders of the powers of the true God as they escaped from Pharaoh in leaving Egypt and then crossed the Red Sea. There followed by the awesome evidence of the nearness of their God, the only true God, as they encamped before the mountain when the 10 commandments were given to Moses.

 

We can, indeed we must, absorb these words, being "fully persuaded" that they are a diving message to us – to keep us strong in these last days – and then we will enter the ultimate promised land – to be established when Jesus returns – and how soon now! 

 

Let us ponder carefully and prayerfully the words of Moses we read today in Deuteronomy 11:22-23 "For if you will be careful to do all this commandment that I command you to do, loving the LORD your God, walking in all his ways, and holding fast to him, then the LORD will …" Are we all "holding fast" to our Lord today – and every day? 

 

Let us redouble our efforts to "be careful" to hold fast, and then, in the kingdom, as Moses promised  Israel in the wilderness of those days, also in the kingdom, "no one shall be able to stand against you. The LORD your God will lay the fear of you and the dread of you on all …" [Deuteronomy 11:25]. In that wondrous day, we, as saints in the kingdom, will possess "the powers of the age to come" [Hebrews 6:5] having been careful to do and follow all the words of spiritual guidance in God's word. Let us "be careful" to be motivated to read and absorb God's word every day.

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- DC

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