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TFTBR - December 2017


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01 December 2017

 

Esther 9; 10

Jonah 1

Hebrews 6; 7  

 

"STEADFAST ANCHOR OF THE SOUL"

 

Anchors are vital in certain situations. Do we realize how much we need them in our journey through life? In some situations, other people can be an anchor, but what is this anchor we are reading about in Hebrews? Well first we noticed when we started reading the book of Jonah today we saw he was in a ship where anchors were obviously useless, so tempestuous was the sea and the water was too deep; however, when we came across the reference to the “steadfast anchor of the soul” in our Hebrews reading [Hebrews 6:19] we began to reflect on how much we need that anchor now! 

 

And the need for an anchor is almost certainly going to increase in the future as the storms of life in the 21st Century increase in this evermore godless world. Lets take special note of the context in which the words occur. “… We who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.” [Hebrews 6:18-19] It is the hope that looks beyond the increasing uncertainty and chaos of these days that is the anchor.

 

The point is also made that “God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love you have showed for his sake in serving the saints (other believers) as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may (be) … imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” [Hebrews 6:10-12]

 

Our work is to serve each other, help each other along the road, for in doing that we serve Christ. Perhaps another example is the rowers in a boat, it was almost certainly the ancient type of ship that used a team of rowers that Jonah was on. How frustrating if some are not pulling their weight. Those rowers were obviously desperately doing so, without success, until God acted. We are called to serve a just God and a Saviour and if we serve him well he provides us with “a sure and steadfast anchor.” 

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- DC

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02 December 2017

 

Job 1; 2

Jonah 2; 3

Hebrews 8; 9  

 

"SHALL WE NOT RECEIVE EVIL?"

 

All 3 readings today give us a mass of things to think about – some deep thinking is involved. Job's reaction to his wife's suggestion that he should curse God and die [Job 2:9-10]. His reaction reveals a very valuable principle, "shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?"

 

Do we expect all life to be smooth and plain sailing - after we decide to serve God? The Bible is full of examples that this is not the case. As one example, look at David's misfortunes after he had slain Goliath!  Learning to live in times of trouble is often a learning curve in building up our character.

 

We read that "the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD and Satan (the ESV has a footnote that the Hebrew word means the adversary) also came among them" [Job 1:6]. It is comparable to the 12 disciples of Jesus and one of them is called a devil [John 6:70].  

 

We considered the phrase "to present themselves before the LORD.". Now we do this every Sunday when we present ourselves at our place of worship – and the Lord sees the nature of all the hearts assembled there, he does more than hear our words. So we can, we suggest, see this incident as God knowing what a man who is envious of Job, is thinking as they gather together, probably before an altar to offer sacrifice.

 

So in one sense we can see this account about the life of Job as a "play" on the thinking in the minds of those involved. Another point, although Job was "blameless and upright" [Job 1:1] there was an element in his character that was lacking. He admits [Job 3:25] "the thing that I fear comes upon me and what I dread befalls me." Job did not have, at this stage, "the full assurance of faith" as we will read in Hebrews tomorrow. [Hebrews 10:22] When we come to read the end of Job, at the end of December, we will see the outworking of all this with his wonderful profession of understanding in what he now "sees." There are meaningful lessons in this for ourselves.

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- DC

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03 December 2017

 

Job 3; 4

Jonah 4

Hebrews 10

 

"... LET US DRAW NEAR WITH A TRUE HEART"

 

"A true heart" – we plucked out that phrase from our reading of Hebrews 10 with a question in our minds – who has a "true heart"? We are conscious that there are many passages in Scripture which emphasize the deceitfulness of the human heart, e.g., Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-22, etc.

 

We finished reading Jonah today and it illustrated the lack of merciful thought in his heart and how God tried to get him to see the situation from the divine perspective. Let us remember the teaching of Jesus on this: read Matthew 5:44-48. Of course, history shows that Nineveh's repentance did not last into the following generations, but that is not the point. When printing was first invented the Bible was the first book available for all to read – and how eagerly it was read – in the Seventeenth Century – but that spirit did not last.

 

In our reading in Hebrews 10 we see how the writer (we presume it was Paul) plucks out 2 quotations from Jeremiah to illustrate the mercy of God: "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more" (from Jeremiah 31:33-34). It is essential we have the right reaction in our hearts to the mercies of God. We next read in Hebrews, "Therefore … since we have a great High Priest (Jesus) … let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" [Hebrews 10:19,21,22].

 

Our hearts must now be "true" and constantly feeding on God's word, and developing a real relationship with our High Priest. As we properly absorb the divine word into our minds we will build up the full reality of that sense of "truth" in our relationship with God. This will lead us to "consider how to stir one another to love and good works" [Hebrews 10:24]. May our daily diligent reading of God's word help in stirring our hearts and minds to remain "true." As a result we will be busy "encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near" [Hebrews 10:25].

 

Our chapter ends with a quotation from what God said to Habakkuk (which we will read next week), God told him "my righteous one(s) shall live by faith, (but) if he (or she) shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him (or her)." 

 

May we all be among "those who have faith and preserve their souls" which are the words which end the chapter – leading to the start of tomorrow's chapter and it's challenging description of real faith as "the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen." Those who develop a "true heart" will also develop that "conviction."

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- DC

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04 December 2017

 

Job 5

Micah 1

Hebrews 11  

 

"THEREFORE GOD IS NOT ASHAMED ..."

 

God ashamed! What is this verse saying? What is it about? Today's reading in Hebrews is that well known chapter on FAITH. We should all be familiar with the words, that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" [Hebrews 11:1]. What are the things we are convinced about ­ things that give reality to our future expectations ­ going far beyond the things we hope to achieve in this life? 

 

Hebrews 11:6 is often quoted as a powerful personal challenge to us, "without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God, must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." It is sad that so few have a real genuine conviction that there is a God ­ and more than that, having that conviction, we can and must have a personal relationship with him, and this creates a totally meaningful prayer life. 

 

What a contrast with most of the Jews in the days of the prophets; they only had a relationship with him as part of a chosen nation and not in a personal sense; and they were proud of being "children of Abraham" [John 8:33] and this satisfied them. Is not this similar to "christians" for whom membership of a church creates a sense of relationship? Yet, as individuals, we ourselves are without excuse if that is all our relationship consists of! 

 

The Psalms of David are outstanding, if we will meditatively read them and see the reality of a personal relationship with God that can be developed ­ and when developed to the full, how wonderful it is, as David reveals in so many Psalms.

 

Hebrews 11:13-16 caused us deep meditation. In the midst of naming significant men and women and the particular acts of faith in their lives, we read, "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised …" Abraham is the greatest example of this. Such men and women of genuine faith "acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." 

 

Such people found it impossible to fit in with "ordinary" humans although they might attempt to, as Jacob did at times. Hebrews 11:16 makes the point "But as it is, they desire a better country that is a heavenly one.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city." And that city is the new Jerusalem! (see Revelation 3:12 ­ the heavenly city to be established on earth).  

 

Because of this, those with real faith desire something infinitely better than what this world offers ­ a world which is "empty" of any vision of the future so that the people today just live for the present, this week, this moth, this year! But those with real faith live so as to develop a real relationship with their Creator - and the Saviour he provided and as a result "God is not ashamed to be called their God." Make sure you develop that faith.

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- DC

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05 December 2017

 

Job 6; 7

Micah 2

Hebrews 12  

 

"FOR THE LORD DISCIPLINES …"

 

After the testimony about men and women of faith we read yesterday in Hebrews 11, we now notice how the next chapter starts with "therefore" and then states, "since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also …" The witnesses are understood as the men and women of faith listed in Hebrews 11, they should be an example and inspiration to us to "… also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus …" [Hebrews 12:1-2].

 

In looking to Jesus what do we see? He is the ultimate example ­ beyond the "cloud of witnesses" of one who "endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." [Hebrews 12:3] The writer (most likely Paul) then quotes from Solomon's Proverbs [Proverbs 3:11-12], "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves …" [Hebrews 12:5-6].

 

He then notes the limitations with human efforts at discipline, but says of God, "but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness" [Hebrews 12:10]. That depends of course on our wise response to that discipline so that it shapes our behavior and resultant character. His next point is, "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness, to those who have been trained by it" [Hebrews 12:11].

 

But some rebel at such training ­ and all struggle with it as we are seeing at the moment in the case of Job  but the time will come when Job will look back on his struggles and perplexities and acknowledge the training they provided ­ and so it should be with us. So the challenge to us is, "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord" [Hebrews 12:14]. 

 

The challenge is made! "See to it that no root of bitterness springs up …" [Hebrews 12:15] What sort of "roots" do you have? What is the soil like in which they are rooted? Think ­ and meditate ­ how wonderful and rewarding when God's word is the main ingredient in that soil. Can we all make sure that is the case with us?

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- DC

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06 December 2017

 

Job 8

Micah 3; 4

Hebrews 13  

 

"CONSIDER HIM WHO ENDURED …"

 

The writer of the Hebrews asks his readers to "Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted" [Hebrews 12:3]. The writer, almost certainly Paul is encouraging his fellow Jews "not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." [Hebrews 12:3-6] 

 

We note Paul's concluding appeal to them and how it could equally apply to nearly every aspect of our lives today ­ surrounded as we are with false values and godless behavior. He warns, "God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you'" [Hebrews 13:4-5].

 

When did God say this? Where is Paul quoting from? It is a surprise to discover that he is quoting from the words of God to Joshua, spoken soon after the death of Moses. God was inspiring Joshua by telling him, "Just as I was with Moses so will I be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and very courageous …. being careful to do according to all the law …" [Joshua 1:5-7].

 

God's word is full of examples and exhortations to live according to the examples we read in the Scriptures, to "consider" them and how they apply to situations that surround us today. The Bible Paul read inspired him ­ and he used it to inspire others ­ what an example to us of how to use God's word and put what we read into practice. Paul's next quotation is from Psalm 118:6, "So we can confidently say. The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" (quoted in Hebrews 13:6), so let us "consider" the example of all those "who endured."

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- DC

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07 December 2017

 

Job 9

Micah 5

James 1  

 

"THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH PRODUCES ..."

 

All faith has to be tested to prove that it is real faith. This is the opening theme of James' wonderful letter that we started reading today – and in our continued reading of Job we see him as an extreme example of testing from God – or that God allowed. Paul wrote, "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" [1 Corinthians 10:13]. 

 

When we come to James 5, we will read, "Behold, we consider those blessed who remain steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful" [James 5:11]. Being "steadfast" is a stronger word than "patience" - which the old A.V. uses, but even the A.V. uses "enduring" for the same Greek word in 2 Corinthians 1:6.

 

James is generally believed to be the half-brother of our Lord, Like Paul, James turned from the rejection of Christ [John 7:5] to acceptance and to play an important role at the Jerusalem conference [Acts 15:13]. Note also Acts 21:18. Looking further at James' epistle: what does he tell us that the testing of our faith produces? The most challenging point he makes is that they (and we) should "count it all joy … when you meet trials of various kinds" [James 1:2]. James had become convinced of what some have called, "The power of positive thinking!" 

 

His next words are, "for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete …" The 21st Century is producing many challenges to our faith, both as to what we believe and also as to whether there is a God at all! How well is our faith surviving in an utterly godless environment?  

 

Jesus told his disciples, "Behold I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" [Matthew 10:16]. Do we understand what he meant? We know well what the first serpent said and how that sowed seeds of doubt in the minds of the first humans. 

 

Believers have to reverse this – and be "wise" in how to produce doubt in the minds of those who believe there is no God, or trust in idols, or in whatever they trust. But, becoming worldly wise is dangerous, for then they (and we) cease to be "lambs."  

 

Spiritual wisdom is the most precious possession we can develop. James says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously but let him ask in faith, with no doubting …" [James 1:5-6].

 

How do you ask God? Prayer of course – and search his Holy Word for wisdom – how wise to do so every day.

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- DC

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08 December 2017

 

Job 10

Micah 6

James 2  

 

"FAITH WAS COMPLETED BY ..."

 

Today we continued meditating on the Epistle of James and the vital observations he makes on the quality of faith that a believer needs to have. The Jews were very good at reasoning and talking, we can see that in the speeches of Job's friends, also in the religious leaders who had encounters with Jesus and had confidence in being "the children of Abraham" [John 8:39]. 

 

It is evident from James' letter that he saw a need to emphasize that having faith is not just something you talk about and discuss to make sure you have a true faith. You then live your life by building on that faith, showing it by actions as well as words. Next week when we read Peter's letters we must note his blunt words, "you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for salvation … if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes … may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ" [1 Peter 1:5-7].

 

James challenges, "Show me your faith apart from your works and I will show you my faith by my works" [James 2:18] He becomes very blunt stating "faith apart from works is useless" [James 2:20]. But what does he mean by works? 

 

Works alone, apart from faith is also useless – in the eternal sense. A lot of  "good works" are encouraged in our part of the world, especially to give money to various charity organisations. These "works" have only value for the here and now.

 

James gives the example of Abraham and all he did in serving God. He did what God asked him to do, even to the point of being ready to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice! Then James makes the point that his "faith was completed by his works" [James 2:22].  

 

James then gives an example which is appropriate today in some countries more than others, but may well become world-wide as more and more human governments fail to function properly. He writes, "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what benefit is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead" [James 2:15-17]. Now we particularly note what Paul writes on this, "… as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" [Galatians 6:10]. 

 

Soon we will be reading the last message of Jesus, the challenging book of Revelation! Let us note Revelation 2:23 "I am he who searches mind and heart and I will give to each of you as your works deserve." That is, "works" done to confirm and complete your faith. 

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- DC

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09 December 2017

 

Job 11

Micah 7

James 3; 4  

 

"MY GOD WILL HEAR ME"

 

This is how the final chapter of the prophecy Micah begins, "Woe is me"! Much of this chapter, as with his previous chapters, pictures the lawless attitudes surrounding the prophet. 

 

His words of lament could just about describe life as it is becoming today around many of us. "The godly has perished from the earth," he writes, and "there is no one upright … put no trust in a neighbour; and have no confidence in a friend" [Micah 7:2,5].  

 

Family life in Israel in his days had broken down, "the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother" [Micah 7:6]. It was similar in the previous chapter, the "inhabitants speak lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth" [Micah 6:12].

 

However - and this is remarkable, as with all the so-called smaller prophets we have been reading in recent weeks, the final message God gives through them ends with a triumphant picture of ultimate blessing. This must have been a great source of encouragement to each prophet – as it is to all those today to those who make sure they spend adequate time reading and reflecting on these God-inspired messages.

 

Micah says, "But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation, my God will hear me" [Micah 7:7]. That is the power of a positive faith, this is the spirit we need and may well need more and more, especially if we feel overwhelmed by events and we are tempted to cry, "Woe is me". 

 

The last verses indicate final blessings for God's people, blessing for those who maintain their faith and also those who have sought repentance after failure. "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance … he will again have compassion on us" [Micah 7:18-19] The remnant of God's inheritance in Israel is back in their land; we must watch events with the greatest interest.

 

May he have compassion on us too - for no one is perfect but if we, with Micah, will "wait for the God of my salvation," we can say with Micah, "my God will hear me." 

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- DC

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10 December 2017

 

Job 12

Nahum 1; 2

James 5

 

"YOU HAVE SEEN THE PURPOSE OF THE LORD"

 

Have you seen it? The context of the above statement we read today in the Epistle of James is most interesting – and challenging! We can say that we have seen the purpose of the Lord in many things, in particular in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but note the particular context in which James makes this statement.. 

 

"As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  Behold, we consider those blessed who remain steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful" [James 5:10-11].

 

The Lord does nothing without a purpose, but do we always recognize that purpose? Our reading of Job illustrates God's purpose with him in developing his character. The prophets all went through a similar development of character, although only in the larger books is this fully apparent. Studies of the lives of Jeremiah and Isaiah are most revealing about this!

 

Now James was writing when the nation of Israel was soon to be destroyed. In James 5:3 today he calls them "the last days" and he has many thoughts very suitable for our last days. Patience and steadfastness were vital qualities. The Greek words could also be translated as endurance. 

 

It is God's will and purpose that we go through trial, look at James 1:2-4. James' life was a huge learning curve. If we accept that, in all probability his mother was Mary (the mother of Jesus) and that Jesus made a special appearance to him after his resurrection [1 Corinthians 15:7] we see that James is writing this as he reaches the climax of his life. Historical records indicate fairly clearly that he was martyred in A D 62. 

 

So James marvelled at the purpose of the Lord in his life and he is exhorting others to see the same in their lives – and so be among those who "remained steadfast under trial" and who followed his exhortation to "establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand" [James 5:8]. 

 

What an appropriate message and example for us as we near the end of 2017 and world events are so unstable with unpredictable leaders. The latter day "purpose of the Lord" is steadily unfolding – and God's purpose will become increasingly clear to those who really know his word.

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- DC

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11 December 2017

 

Job 13

Nahum 3

1 Peter 1

 

"YOU WHITEWASH WITH LIES"

 

When we were young "whitewash" was used a lot, it was a very cheap sort of white "paint" you could quickly put on walls, even splash on and a grubby wall would quickly look good – but it was all for "looking" good, it easily got dirty again and could not be cleaned down. 

 

As we continue reading Job – we see his increasing frustration at what his 3 "friends" are saying; their self-righteousness is evident, and their false representation of the ways of God even more so!  

 

Job is now even blunter in responding to the worldly "wisdom" of these three. "As for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all … Will you speak falsely for God and speak deceitfully for him?" [Job 13:4,7] Their speaking falsely was to say that all bad things are caused by God as a punishment for sin.  

 

This is a dangerous half-truth: it is true that God brought destruction on Nineveh as we read in Nahum today, a "city, all full of lies and plunder" [Nahum 3:1] a sad failure after the previous generation repented at the preaching of Jonah.

 

Job is so committed to his service to God that he declares, "Though he slay me I will hope in him, yet I will argue my ways to his face. This will be my salvation that the godless shall not come before him" [Job 13:15-16]. Yet when God finally reveals himself in conversation and "answered Job out of the whirlwind" [Job 38:1]. Job is almost silenced, Job 38:3-5. Later God speaks of the "friends" and says his "anger burns against them … for you have not spoken of me what is right as my servant Job has" [Job 42:7].

 

Are we speaking of God and his Son "what is right"? Sadly, many use "whitewash" in their self-confident portrayal of what God is; what many talk of as "faith" has no real substance. This took our thoughts to what we read today in Peter's 1st Epistle, he told the believers "if necessary (in the wisdom of God) you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ" [1 Peter 1:6-7]. 

 

May our faith become really genuine, if it is not that way already. May we not deceive ourselves by using "whitewash" in our thinking and ways of talking.

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- DC

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12 December 2017

 

Job 14

Habakkuk 1

1 Peter 2 

 

"IF A MAN DIES, SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN" 

 

As we continue our reading in Job, we came to his question given in our heading. Job struggles to find the answer – but as we read on in coming days, we will find that his mind becomes clearer and his hope in the future more sure. Today we read of his pleading with God, "Oh that you would hide me in sheol (AV 'the grave'), that you would conceal me until your wrath is past, that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me" [Job 14:13]. 

 

After saying this he asks the question we have put in our heading, "If a man dies, shall he live again?" His answer? "All the days of my service I would wait until my renewal should come. You would call, and I would answer you …" [Job 14:14-15] and it would be the time, Job says to God, "you would cover over my iniquity" [Job 14:17]. 

 

These questions and words are a prelude to his declaration in Job 19, "For I know that my redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God. Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold …" [Job 19:25-27]

 

We notice how Job is now giving up reasoning out his thoughts with the 3 "friends" and spends at least part of his responses addressing his thoughts to God. At the end of the book we will see how God dramatically answers him in a most meaningful way. We perceive a sort of parallel we might be having ourselves with our "friends" today, our neighbours, our school or workmates, that their way of thinking, their perceptions of the cause and meaning of life is totally astray! They rarely listen to us so as to take in the points we make.

 

The time comes when we give up trying to reason with them – and concentrate more and more on our own perceptions of – and relationship with - God and His Son. We have found that our meditation can become so deep that we will empathize with Job who, after seeing and saying, "I shall see God … my eyes shall behold ..." – his next words are – "My heart faints within me" [Job 19:27].  

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- DC

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13 December 2017

 

Job 15;

Habakkuk 2;

1 Peter 3; 4; 5 

 

"WEARY THEMSELVES FOR NOTHING"

 

It has always been so but it is more obvious today – how meaningless life is in the ultimate sense. More than ever before people are living for the here and now. With this thought in mind we can relate to the words of the prophet Habakkuk.

 

In today's chapter [Habakkuk 2] where he says of his decadent nation, "Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own and loads himself with pledges" [Habakkuk 2:6]. It is so in today's "have it now" society in the western world – pledging payment sometime later and almost always forever in debt. A question is asked in Habakkuk 2:13, "Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts that people labour merely for fire, and nations weary themselves for nothing." 

 

Once again God's prophet reminds his people (and us the readers) that God is behind the scenes and knows all and has the ultimate control. People labour "merely for fire" – to provide heat in time of cold, to cook their food – and light in the darkness. Few had any long term view of life, they had then and have now, no idea of God's vision as stated in the very next verse. "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." 

 

Any vision people have could be described as "tunnel vision" – that of having fixed objects of thought – unable to see the larger perspective, Job's "friends" suffered from this.  As we read Peter's First Epistle we particularly noticed his reference to "when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared." [1 Peter 3:20] Noah and his sons laboured for 100 long years while around them was total godlessness [Genesis 6:5].

 

Peter sees their salvation in the ark as it was riding on the flood waters as a type of baptism; he writes, "Baptism which corresponds to this (the flood), now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience" [1 Peter 3:21]. Baptism cleanses the conscience and provides a new start, with a new vision "nothingness" is swept away – and replaced by the anticipation of participation in the glory that is coming. 

 

In Peter's time God's judgements were looming over Israel, Jerusalem was doomed for rejecting the Messiah, and Peter warns, "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded …" [1 Peter 4:7] – the very opposite attitude to those who "weary themselves for nothing." Let us all heed Peter's words, living with a real sense of purpose in our hearts "by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." [1 Peter 4:11].

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- DC

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14 December 2017

 

Job 16; 17

Habakkuk 3

2 Peter 1; 2  

 

"IF THESE QUALITIES ARE YOURS"

 

Ah, that little word – "IF" again! Our quotation above is from today's readings in 2 Peter 1; 2. This is Peter's final message as he realises he is soon to die. He sees much evil growing and false believers coming to the fore who "promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For IF, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first" [2 Peter 2:19-20].  

 

What is the false promise of freedom? A glaring example today is the slogan in some churches, "Once saved, always saved." 

 

This unBiblical interpretation astonishes those who know their Bibles! Can it be that after you are initially "saved" – and in the First Century this meant you showed this by being baptised into water – was it then that "grace" covered all your future sins regardless? A remarkable kind of freedom! 

 

Now take careful notice of Peter's powerful words in his first chapter. He tells his readers that he and they have been "granted … all things that pertain to life" and "having escaped the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire … (therefore) make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful" [2 Peter 1:3-8].  

 

It is helpful to look at other versions to get the fullest meaning behind some of these qualities. Some Greek words cannot be effectively translated by one English word. For e.g. virtue has been rendered as integrity and knowledge can be the act of knowing, in the sense of having a relationship, as we will see in Job shortly.  

 

Finally, note 2 Peter 1:10. "Therefore brothers (and sisters) be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for IF you practice these qualities you will never fail." Let us make real progress in making sure we "never fail." 

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- DC

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15 December 2017

 

Job 18; 19

Zephaniah 1

2 Peter 3  

 

WHERE IS THE PROMISE OF HIS COMING?

 

Today we read Peter’s final chapter, he senses a climax is coming. He sees much evil growing and false believers coming to the fore who, as we read yesterday, “promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first” [1 Peter 2:19-20]

 

You will remember (hopefully) how we quoted this yesterday and concluded that “the knowledge of our Lord” is ‘heart’ knowledge rather than intellectual knowledge. What is this promise of freedom? It is linked to the false perceptions of those who are becoming entangled again with the philosophies of the world.

 

A glaring example of the false promise of freedom is the slogan in some churches, ‘Once saved, always saved.’ The idea that after you are ‘saved’ then ‘grace’ covers all your future sins regardless! It is strange how so many accept this without question – but then they surely do not read and reflect on God’s word every day.

 

Peter’s final chapter indicates another defilement of the world, one that is so obviously surrounding us today; “that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, ‘Where is the promise of his coming?” [2 Peter 3:3-4] and these scoffers “deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God.” [2 Peter 3:5] All around us people scoff at belief in creation, they seem pleased to think there is no God to fear and no godly laws they feel they should obey.

 

Then Peter adds, “but do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness … but the day of the Lord will come like a thief …” [2 Peter 3:8-10] when the present order of life will be replaced by divine rulership (”new heavens”) and “a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” [2 Peter 3:13] How wonderful for those who have “loved righteousness and hated wickedness” [Hebrews 1:9] and have resisted “the defilements of the world” - may that include you. 

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- DC

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16 December 2017

 

Job 20

Zephaniah 2

1 John 1; 2  

 

"THE BURNING ANGER OF THE LORD"

 

Yesterday in reading the chapter in Peter we could have noted that Peter also wrote, "you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets …" [2 Peter 3:2]. Now we are currently reading the short prophecy of Zephaniah. His message starts "The word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah …" It is God revealing the future to him and through him to us.

 

His first chapter is about "the great day of the LORD" [Zephaniah 1:14] and of course a day of God's judgements was soon to come on Jerusalem in the next generation or two but this prophecy, while including predictions about that tragedy, so much deserved because of their spiritual failures, goes on to look beyond this to an ultimate day when, says God, "I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the LORD … In the fire of his jealousy, all the earth shall be consumed" [Zephaniah 1:18].

 

This reminds us that Peter wrote that the "heavens and the earth which now exist are stored up for fire" [2 Peter 3:7]. Now "fire" is used as a means of getting rid of that which is bad, a cleansing, leading to renewal. We know how the bushfires in this country lead to a cleansing and renewal of growth.

 

In today's chapter God in Zephaniah has a powerful message for us. "Before the decree takes effect (today, here and now) before there comes upon you the burning anger of the LORD. Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden in the day of the anger of the LORD." [Zephaniah 2:2-3]

 

To that message we can add what John writes in our New Testament reading, "all that is in the world the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of possessions is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." [1 John 2:16-17]

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- DC

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17 December 2017

 

Job 21

Zephaniah 3

1 John 3; 4  

 

"NO ONE WHO KEEPS ON SINNING HAS …"

 

The subject of LOVE is used so much in text and conversation that we may take what it means for granted; then again, there may be some unclear thoughts in our minds. It is a simple, yet, at the same time, a profound subject. The Apostle John uses it frequently in his Epistles.  

 

He himself is described as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" [John 21:7,20] But did not Jesus love them all? Of course he did! But love comes in degrees of intensity; it understands the character which is the objective of its love. A mother still loves a naughty child, but there is a different "focus" to that love.

 

Jesus found it necessary from time to time to reprove the disciples for their little faith, to rebuke Peter for tempting him to disobey his Father and to chide Thomas for his lack of belief, unless he saw with his own eyes. But John was prepared to go in and witness the trial of Jesus, although he does not name himself [John 18:15-16] and to stand beside the cross with Mary [John 19:26-27].

 

All true believers must develop a living relationship with Jesus day after day. As in all true relationships, it must grow and blossom and bring forth fruit. In his epistle, which we read today, John writes, "You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or knows him" [1 John 3:5-6]. 

 

So those who fail to become more like Jesus have never really known him! John says they haven't "seen him". The sense of "see" we read yesterday how, the "eyes" that our hearts develop when we associate with Jesus. But, it is more than associating with him, isn't it! We have not just joined an Association. John goes on to write, "let us not love in word and talk, but in deed and in truth" [1 John 3:18]. Our actions prove we mean what we say!  

 

In the next chapter John writes, "No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us … we have come to know and too believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected in us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgement … there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" [1 John 4:12,16,17,18]. 

 

Yes, we know what love means – and the wonder of the meaning can frighten us.

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- DC

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18 December 2017

 

Job 22

Haggai 1; 2

1 John 5

 

"BE STRONG" 

 

Zerubbabel is the "governor of Judah" at the time Haggai uttered his prophecy, the prophet is contemporary to Ezra and Nehemiah and there are dozens of references to him in their books ­ and Haggai, whose 2 chapter prophecy we read today, is referred to by Ezra [Ezra 5:1; 6:14] as being "the prophet" who was present.

 

Haggai is sent by the LORD to try to strengthen the will of the people in rebuilding the temple. There is not enough zeal among the people to get on with the work of completing the rebuilding. The prophet says, "Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes?" [Haggai 2:3]

 

What is the reason for this? A lack of vision? A spiritual lack of vision has always been really serious. The prophet rebukes them for their lack of endeavor, "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? … Consider your ways!" [Haggai 1:4-5].

 

In today's language we could say, 'Consider your priorities in the way you use your time and spend your money!' We noted particularly what God then says through the prophet, "my house … lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house" [Haggai 1:9]. 

 

Then the prophet is inspired to develop a "strong" message to the leaders and the people, we read, "Yet now be strong O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land declares the LORD. Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts" [Haggai 2:4]

 

A parallel message for followers of Christ is emphasized in the New Testament, "... be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus" Paul tells Timothy [2 Timothy 2:1]. Last week we read Peter's words in his first letter telling believers, "you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God …" [1 Peter 2:5]. 

 

Finally, we see how Haggai is given a picture of the ultimate time, a time which has a far greater temple! We appear to be on the brink of this time! "I will shake all nations," the LORD tells him, "so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory … the latter glory of this house shall be greater ... And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts" [Haggai 2:7,9].

 

Let us all be strong in the ways the LORD sees true strength, for we have "the wonder of his grace" ­ noting the words of Paul as he brings his first letter to the Corinthians to its climax, "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" [1 Corinthians 16:13].

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- DC

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19 December 2017

 

Job 23; 24

Zechariah 1

2 John 1; 3 John 1  

 

"HE KNOWS THE WAY THAT I TAKE"

 

Job 23 is very thought provoking; it spells out Job's conviction that God is with him despite all that has happened to him. Although the word "faith" is not used, the chapter has many verses which can be described as Job's "statement of faith" in God. 

 

Job says, "he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside" [Job 23:10-11]. To this Job adds the declaration, "I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food" [Job 23:12]. Do we do that? How many today make a 'god' of the food they eat!  

 

What words from the mouth of God were available for Job to treasure? What was the era in which Job lived?  The few indications that there are show it was early in history, Job 1 tells us the Sabeans and Chaldeans [Job 1:15,17] were involved in the tragedies that came upon Job's family: it is reasonable to conclude he had access to the writings of Moses and he treasured these as God's inspired word.

 

Job says, "God is unchangeable … what he desires, that he does" [Job 23:13] obviously having specific events, such as the deliverance from Egypt, in mind ­ but at the same time Job is able to declare that God "will complete what he has appointed for me" [Job 23:14] although "I am in dread of him … yet I am not silenced" [Job 23:15,17].

 

The picture is plain. Job is absolutely certain he has a relationship with God and this will lead to some God ordained situation in the future, indeed he has already declared, "I know that my Redeemer lives … and after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God …" [Job 19:25-26]

 

Job's statement that God "knows the way that I take" is a challenge to us to have the same realization once we have committed our lives to him through his son in the way made plain in the New Testament, taking on his name in baptism. Yet, we can personally testify, that it is only when one looks back over the pathway travelled does one see how God must have had a hand in "the way that" we took. Job may have etched the last 2 verses of Moses message recorded in Deuteronomy 30 in his mind. Job was certainly "obeying (God's) voice and holding fast to him" [Deuteronomy 30:19-20], as Moses wrote here; let us do the same. 

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- DC

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20 December 2017

 

Job 25; 26; 27

Zechariah 2; 3

Jude 1

 

"WHO IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU FROM STUMBLING"

 

No one wants to stumble; what is the cause when this happens? They are not looking at where they are going and not watching where they put their feet; worse still, they have no definite destination in view and are constantly looking at the distractions all around them, God's word no longer holds their attention.

 

I was really shocked once when a young man said to me, "This life is all I want, I can't imagine living forever."  This illustrates how great are the distractions of today and the need to read God's word with increasing attention and for each of us to develop their own realization of the Divine presence.  

 

Job made the point to the 3 friends, "in his (God's) hand is the life of every living thing" [Job 12:10] and David declared of God, "You discern my thoughts from afar … and are acquainted with all my ways" [Psalm 139:2-3].

 

Our thoughts along these lines were provoked by the one chapter letter of Jude we read today. It is generally understood that Jude is another son of Mary and therefore a brother-in-the-flesh of James and, with him a half-brother of the Lord Jesus. [Jude 1:1] ­ not that relationships in the flesh necessarily help. 

 

He writes saying, "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" [Jude 1:3]. It is a failure to maintain a clear vision of understanding of the original faith that Jesus and the apostles taught that is a main cause of "stumbling" and conflict among those who claim the name of Christ.

 

"Keep yourselves in the love of God," he tells them, "waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt …" [Jude 1:21-22]. What causes doubts? We have the whole of the messages from God to digest: with them we can build up our understanding as a wonderful foundation for a real relationship with our Lord Jesus and the Father "who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy" [Jude 1:24]. Let us help each other to overcome any doubts. 

 

We "must remember beloved the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ" [Jude 1:17] wrote Jude, and the remarkable prophecies of God through Zechariah we will read next week, among many other divinely inspired predictions which encourage us to come ever closer to God "who is able to keep (us) from stumbling."

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- DC

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21 December 2017

 

Job 28

Zechariah 4; 5

Revelation 1; 2 

 

"IT CANNOT BE BOUGHT FOR GOLD" 

 

Job's friends have given up reasoning with him! This is good; their point of view was a sort of tunnel vision arising from their conviction that his woes were the result of some concealed misbehavior in his part. Job now switches his thoughts more fully to perceptions of God and his ways ­ his thoughts are highly interesting to say the least..

 

It is evident that in his era there was extensive mining; he is understood to have lived in the time of the Patriarchs. Today's chapter [Job 28] starts, "Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place for gold that they refine. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from the ore." 

 

But after writing about man's mining ability and "the thing that is hidden he brings to light" [Job 28:11] which is done so much today, especially in Australia, Job's thoughts refocus on a more vital matter! 

 

He asks, "But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" [Job 28:12] He then observes, "It cannot be bought for gold, and … cannot be weighed as its price. It cannot be valued …" [Job 28:15-16] adding, "it is hidden from the eyes of all living" [Job 28:21].

 

The climax of this chapter reveals the answer and it is wonderful! Job says, "God understands the way to it … and he said to man, 'Behold, the fear (awe) of thee Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding'" [Job 28:23,28]. Constant reading and meditation on God's word creates in our minds the way to wisely think, speak and act becomes increasingly challenging, but this is even more vital as the world around us becomes so intensely ungodly. 

 

Maybe we can add to that, as the unpredictable American President Trump makes pronouncements about Jerusalem we are challenged to more intensely watch events in the Holy Land.

 

Finally we recall what we read last week in 1 Peter 1:6-7; "You have laid up treasure in the last days, so that the tested genuineness of your faith more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ." These were probably ­ in the first place - "the last days" in Peter's era ­ but today we can see how well they apply to the here and now.

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- DC

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22 December 2017

 

Job 29; 30

Zechariah 6; 7

Revelation 3; 4

 

"THOSE WHOM I LOVE" 

 

One of the most challenging lessons in Scripture is to realize that, what seems logical reasoning about cause and effect ­ does not ­ at least in the wisdom and outworking of God's will in our lives ­ always apply. Today, in the book of Revelation, we read, "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent" [Revelation 3:19].  

 

This week, I wonder how many parents are spoiling their children with an abundance of presents? How many of those presents will stimulate their minds toward worthwhile things? How many, toward things of no real value? 

 

Is there real wisdom in their love toward their children?

 

We are reading Job; it is a challenge to understand it, but when we get to the end we will see a vital lesson of how Job grew in his knowing of God as a result of adversity. Without adversity, and a resultant prolonged contemplation on the ways of God, this would not have happened ­ and in the end there came into his life far more abundant blessings. 

 

The verse in Revelation we have just quoted, is followed with Jesus saying, "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him. The one who conquers (or, overcomes, most versions) I will grant him to sit with me on my throne" [Revelation 3:20-21].

 

Now, we have to "open the door" and it is the Bible, the "written word" which invites us to open the door. As we read the Bible, if we are reading it properly; we "hear" in our minds the "knocking" and the invitation to follow the shepherd and become one of his sheep. His sheep know his voice, heeding his word, and the time will come when they will be welcomed to take a place in his kingdom and be given a role according as to how they have used their talents, as a parable tells us.

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- DC

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23 December 2017

 

Job 31; 32

Zechariah 8

Revelation 5; 6 

 

"HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE … AND TO CLEANSE US"

 

Job 31, today's first portion is highly interesting; it is his final speech and in it he looks deeply into his conscience, reflecting on his motives for his actions. In doing this he uses the word "IF" no less than 18 times, saying if I have done this or that then I would be deserving of God's judgements, i.e. punishment.  There is much food for thought here!

 

"If I have walked with falsehood" [Job 31:5]; "If my heart has been enticed toward a woman" [Job 31:9]; "If I have made gold my trust" [Job 31:24]; "If I have rejoiced because my wealth was abundant" [Job 31:25]; "If I have rejoiced at the ruin of him that hated me, or exulted when evil overtook him" [Job 31:29]; "If I have concealed my transgressions as others do" [Job 31:33]; "If I have not made fair and proper use of the produce of my lands" [Job 31:38-39].

 

In this self examination, Job also makes other statements that add up to a challenge to us as to our responsibilities (in the sight of God) toward others. He says, "If I withheld anything that the poor desired, or caused the eye of the widow to fail, or have eaten my morsel alone and the fatherless have not eaten of it" [Job 31:16-17]; "If I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing" [Job 31:19] and "not looked after the traveller" [Job 31:31-32]. In some countries Governments and organisations provides for much of this, but let us not use that as an excuse. 

 

Job recognized that God would judge him for his failures to act and for having wrong attitudes; it was not just a matter of avoiding doing bad things. However, in the end because he was "blameless and upright" [Job 1:1] and "had spoken of God that which is right" [Job 42:7] Job is wonderfully blessed.  

 

There are obvious lessons that all those who desire to follow in the way of Christ can take from Job's words; but it is not a matter of justifying oneself, as though one can "earn" salvation by one's own righteousness.

 

We should be motivated by a desire to come as close as possible to the character of Christ. Remember what we read in John last Saturday  ­ "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive … and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" [1 John 1:8-9].

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- DC

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24 December 2017

 

Job 33

Zechariah 9

Revelation 7; 8; 9

 

"A GREAT MULTITUDE … FROM EVERY NATION"

 

Our readings in the book of Revelation are about the climax of human history – we read of visions, largely, but not entirely, in symbol, picturing God's judgements. It is a time for opening the book of life. There are blessings for those he judges as righteous and the opposite for the others. There does not appear to be a third group, one cannot be in a neutral position! Although, as with the Israelites coming out of slavery in Egypt, we can reason that those under 20 will not be counted as ready for judgement. 

 

John looks and sees "a great multitude that no one could number from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the lamb clothed in white robes …. crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb'" [Revelation 7:9-10]. 

 

"The lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd and he will guide them to springs of living water and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" [Revelation 7:17].

 

Jesus is the Lamb and we read in the Gospels of him speaking of "living water", "If anyone thirsts, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" [John 7:38].   

 

Jesus had spoken about this to the Samaritan woman saying, "whoever drinks of the water I will give him, it will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" [John 4:14].  

 

We can understand that kind of symbolic language.

 

One is tempted to ignore the other side of the picture! The angel is told, "Do not harm the earth until we have sealed the servants of God on their foreheads" This reminds us of the blood on the doorposts in Egypt when God was about to bring the final plague!

 

In Revelation we also read of plagues on "the rest of mankind" continuing on, those "who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent … nor give up worshipping demons and idols … nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality …" [Revelation 9:20-21].  

 

It is interesting that in the margin of the NKJV Bible sorceries is given the meaning of drugs! We live at a time when the climax of human history is approaching fast, how much had "drugs" come into us – we think of their misuse. The need today to fill our minds with God's word is greater than ever. 

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- DC

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25 December 2017

 

Job 34

Zechariah 10

Revelation 10; 11

 

"THE TIME … FOR REWARDING YOUR SERVANTS" 

 

The Book of Revelation provides us with a wondrous vision today. There are loud voices in heaven saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever" [Revelation 11:15]. Then the elders fall on their faces and worship saying, "We give thanks to you Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. The nations raged, but your wrath came and the time for the dead to be judged and for rewarding your servants the prophets and saints. And those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth" [Revelation 11:17-18].

 

What a day of incredible thanksgiving this will be. We should see the present human celebrations surrounding the Christmas period for all their emptiness. What are people giving thanks for today? It is the passing "pleasure" of the moment! The children enjoy themselves and we recall Paul's observation "When I was a child … I reasoned like a child. When I became a man I gave up childish ways" [1 Corinthians 13:11]. 

 

Paul also said, "remember … Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'" [Acts 20:35] – we must teach our children this principle. Do any of the children in the world (or their parents) learn anything real about Jesus? It seems impossible to think so, but God knows. Wherever opportunity offers we should "speak a word in season" to encourage them to develop such a vision.  

 

It is interesting that only twice in the Bible is there any mention of celebrating birthdays – and both were those of bad men! (Genesis 40:20 – Pharaoh) and (Matthew 14:6 – Herod, when John the Baptist lost his head).  

 

The heaven inspired celebration to come will be wondrous, but until that time true believers celebrate not the birthday of Jesus, but his sacrifice and death in the way he appointed [Luke 22:15-20], believing in a wondrous climax to that celebration in the kingdom. This wondrous event, called "the marriage supper of the Lamb" is also mentioned in Revelation [Revelation 19:6-9] "Blessed are those who are invited" to that celebration – and how far beyond us this is to imagine! Do you believe you are worthy of receiving an invitation? 

 

No? It will be only by his grace! But who is worthy? It is interesting that the Greek word for "worthy" is one of the words which occur seven times in the book – but only its first occurrence [Revelation 3:4] is one that indicates saints that are worthy of receiving a blessing before God; the last [Revelation 16:6] is about those unworthy. Once again, the broad and narrow ways make sure you are on the "rewarding" pathway of the "worthy" in 2018.

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- DC

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