TFTBR - January 2021

[Resource Manager]

01 January 2021

Genesis 1; 2
Psalms 1; 2
Matthew 1; 2

"HE WHO SITS IN THE HEAVENS LAUGHS"

The first 12 weeks of the year involve reading the Psalms, they are so often personal and wonderfully thought provoking. Psalm 2 has 4 verses which have been familiar to us in the last week because they are in Handel’s Messiah. “Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against his anointed” [Psalm 2:1,2]

Christ is the ‘anointed’ – that is what the word ‘christ’ means. Earth’s rulers plot in vain against what the LORD purposes to accomplish. Peter quoted this Psalm when he and John were released from prison. [Acts 4:23-26] But, much of God’s word, while having at times, intermediate applications, have an ultimate fulfilment as these words certainly do.

We live in an age when the atheists and agnostics are multiplying, they believe they are succeeding in their efforts to do away with divine principles: they are saying, as this Psalm puts it in Psalm 2:3, “Let us burst their bonds apart (asunder) and cast away their cords (restraints) from us.” The following verse gives us the LORD’s reaction to this, “He who sits in the heavens laughs; the LORD holds them in derision.” God’s punishments were clearly evident when so many of the Kings that followed David’s era ignored the restraints of the divine laws. But note! Today’s Psalm is primarily addressed to “the nations” and “the kings of the earth.”

So what will God do? Psalm 2:5 tells us, “then he will speak to them in his wrath and terrify them in his fury” and this fury is associated with the time when, as the next verses put it, “I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill” And the LORD says to the king, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you, Ask of me and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them … and dash them in pieces …”

How parallel this is with what we have just been reading in Malachi and Revelation!

But the last words in this Psalm are for us at that time – if our attitude is right – we read, “Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

02 January 2021

Genesis 3; 4
Psalms 3; 4; 5
Matthew 3; 4

"MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE"

Our New Testament reading in Matthew 4 leads us to encounter the word DEVIL for the first time in the Bible. There is special significance in the way this account starts. The first verse tells us, “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” [Matthew 4:1] So the temptation was initiated by God’s Spirit! We must understand the reason.

The particular lesson for us is in the way Jesus resists temptation by quoting scripture. The temptations challenged him to use, for his own benefit, the power he had just received. This awesome event occurred immediately after his baptism. He was baptised because “it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness” [Matthew 3:15] - he set “us” an example. Then “he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16,17]

In John’s Gospel we are told, “For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.” [John 3:34] – so Jesus had received God’s power without limit. God’s spirit is far beyond our understanding, we read in Hebrews 6:5 that it is the “powers of the age to come” and the New Testament shows how the first generation of believers had different “gifts” of the spirit to help them grow and aid the spread of the Gospel.

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested in the way it should be used; the lesson is that it should not be used to satisfy his own needs, such as hunger. The special lesson in this for us is how he quoted Scripture to resist each temptation. Jesus answered the devil, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” [Matthew 4:4]. He was quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, so he had absorbed God’s word, it had become part of his thinking – similarly we must aim to make God’s word part of ours.

This reminds us of the words of David in Psalm 119, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Jesus had done this and he demonstrated this in resisting the special temptations that came into his mind. His disciple Matthew who recorded this had not been called at this point in time, it was only later when Jesus was “walking by the Sea of Galilee” [Matthew 4:18] that Jesus began to call disciples to him.

We conclude Matthew knew of the temptations of Jesus as a result of being told by Jesus. Seeing that Jesus conveyed so much of his teaching in parables, the account of his temptations should be understood in this sense. Some of the temptations were obviously not literal, for instance he could not be literally taken “to a very high mountain and shown all the kingdoms of the world and their glory” [Matthew 4:8] He succeeded, where Paul admitted he had failed, in overcoming the conflict that went on in his mind. (see Romans 7:15-18)

Jesus responds to each temptation by - “It is written.” Here is a vital lesson for us in all the varied temptations that we meet. How vital to read and absorb God’s word every day.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

03 January 2021

Genesis 5; 6
Psalms 6; 7; 8
Matthew 5

"THE WICKEDNESS OF MAN WAS GREAT"

Genesis is a most intriguing book. It is self evidently a very ancient document, the early chapters have a very simple language with a limited vocabulary. We conclude that Moses put together documents that had been preserved and had come down to him and under inspiration from God he crafted them into this book. There is a lot of detail but we can’t help wishing there was a lot more! However we recall the final chapters in the book of Job where “the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind” [Job 38:1] and posed a whole lot of questions to him about creation, such as, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” God does not give answers as to how creation took place and there is nothing to be gained by entering into discussion with those who theorize on the answers. One day, we like to think, there will be answers for those who prove themselves to be ‘sons of God’.

Our chapters today tell us that God told Noah “I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life … Everything that is on the earth shall die.” [Genesis 6:17] Nothing is achieved by debating whether the water covered the whole earth or not. The vital point is that it happened because “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” [Genesis 6:5]

One puzzling passage is that “the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive” [Genesis 6:2] Who were the “sons of God”? Genesis 5 gives us a line of descent through Seth onwards: he was Adam’s third son after Cain and Abel. Then we notice how Luke’s Gospel gives us a list of ancestors back through Noah to “Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God” [Luke 3:38] Genesis 5:4 tells us that Adam lived 800 years after he fathered Seth and had countless other “sons and daughters.” Only the line of descent from Adam through Seth were “sons of God” but they became corrupted through their association with those who had become wicked until only Noah and his family were left. A lesson for us? Most certainly: meditate on the blindness of humans indicated by what Jesus said, “they were unaware until the flood came … so will be the coming of the Son of Man” [Matthew 24:39]
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

04 January 2021

Genesis 7; 8
Psalms 9; 10
Matthew 6

“O LORD! LET THE NATIONS KNOW THAT THEY ARE BUT MEN”

The above words conclude Psalm 9. As we read this Psalm we saw it as a remarkable summary – from God’s perspective – of life on earth. David, in his sublime meditation was able to possess the enlarged heart [Psalm 119:2] he had prayed for and it is our privilege to enter into that vision, but we must read and do so in a humble and seeking state of mind.

“I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart” is how David begins. “I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Therefore we should know and reflect on all that God has already done. David now looks at the future and sees the end that is in prospect, “You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever. The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins … the very memory of them has perished.” [Psalm 9:5,6]. That can only fully happen in the perfect age when God himself dwells on earth as we read last week in Revelation [Revelation 21:3-8].

In contrast to the total end of the wicked, “the LORD sits enthroned forever, he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.” [Psalm 9:7,8] An inspiring picture of the world after Christ returns.

Then David focuses his mind on the present scene, “The LORD is … a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Sing praises to the LORD …” [Psalm 9:9-11] Those who know God, who know his reputation, what he has done in the past and what a relationship with him means now - will sing praises to him with all their heart.

The last 2 verses are a prayer to God that is so appropriate for us to utter today, “Arise O LORD! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear. O LORD! Let the nations know that they are but men.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

05 January 2021

 

Genesis 9; 10

Psalms 11; 12; 13

Matthew 7

 

"A WISE MAN WHO BUILT HIS HOUSE ON THE ROCK"

 

Can the parables of Jesus become too well known to those who read the Bible regularly? It is possible, especially if that familiarity leads them to slide past simple but powerful lessons. “The wise man who built his house upon a rock” is such a lesson. We must never overlook that for everyone’s house, that is, for his or her life, “the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house” [Matthew 7:25].

 

Each of us are challenged by Jesus to be spiritual house builders and our houses need to be strong enough to withstand the bad weather our lives will encounter and the weather forecast during our lives predicts lots of uncertainties and potential calamities. Our houses will not be able to stand if they do not have the right foundation.

 

Included in today’s chapter are Jesus’ challenging words, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord, ‘will enter the kingdom …” [Matthew 7:21] Why is that? Those who are barred from entry will say, “ ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy (preach) in your name … and do many mighty works (good deeds, etc) in your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me you workers of lawlessness.’ ” [Matthew 7:22,23]

 

Earlier in the chapter we read, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction and those who enter by it are many” [Matthew 7:13]. The gate Jesus bids us go through may seem to be very narrow today, but the evidence that all the other gates lead nowhere is clearer than ever. The gate that leads to oblivion may be so wide many do not even realize they have passed through it!

 

Of course, if this life is all we want, so be it! But the storm clouds are building up and the satisfactions that fill our lives today may soon be overwhelmed. Do you remember the parable about knocking on the closed door?

 

The task of building a spiritual house is ever more challenging, but the words of Jesus are there for us to absorb and become part of our thinking, “for he was teaching them as one who had authority and not as the scribes” [Matthew 7:29] And – oh dear – there are such scribes today.

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

06 January 2021

Genesis 11; 12
Psalm 14; 15; 16
Matthew 8

"HE WHO WALKS BLAMELESSLY AND DOES ... "

David’s chaotic early life after he killed Goliath led him into and through situations which caused him to pen many very meaningful Psalms on his relationship with God. These Psalms are part of the Hymn Book of Israel and they challenged the thinking of all Israelites who sang them – and they challenge all who read (and sing) them today.

David was such a godly man; we must try to get our thinking into ‘tune’ with his ways of thinking for it is clear God guided him into penning these words and then preserved them for our reading and meditation – and some of them we even sing.

Psalm 15 begins with 2 questions. “O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent?” and “Who shall dwell on your holy hill?” In David’s days the LORD dwelt in the ark in a tent; it seems the tabernacle Moses made no longer existed. In his son Solomon’s days’ the ark was placed within the Temple he built on God’s “holy hill.” This was the very spot where Abraham long before, as we shall soon read in Genesis, had been willing to sacrifice Isaac.

Now let us carefully note the answers David gives to those two questions. Those who will “dwell” in the presence of God are “He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks the truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbour, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honours those who fear the LORD” [Psalm 15:2-4]

This short Psalm concludes in verse 5 [Psalm 15:5] with the words, “He (or she) who does these things shall never be moved.” That means, they will stand firm when all around are shaking with fear. We specially noted that God looks to those “who speak the truth” in their heart, that is, those who are totally honest with themselves.

The next Psalm [Psalm 16] shows the extent to which David was granted a vision of ‘the holy one’ who was to be his greater son. But let us not miss the verses in this Psalm in which he acknowledges his own wonderful relationship with God. “I will bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” [Psalm 16:7,8] Let us follow David’s example.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

07 January 2021

Genesis 13; 14
Psalms 17
Matthew 9

"SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD"

In Matthew 9 there is a summary of the work of Jesus – “and Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” [Matthew 9:35,36]

A large priesthood system existed; there were also scribes and Pharisees. There was the Temple and many synagogues, so what was Jesus’ point in saying the people were harassed and helpless with no shepherds? It is obvious he meant the whole religious system was a failure! Would he say the same today?

Are the flock “harassed and helpless” today? In one sense ‘No,’ but they have many attractions that are distractions that stop them from giving attention to the greater issues of life. The flock then had leaders that were self centred, they had no “vision” of eternal things, their prayers were to tell God how good they were [Luke 18:11,12] They tackled the disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” [Luke 18:11] – so that’s what they thought of others. Do today’s ‘shepherds’ say how good they are?

Jesus as the “good shepherd” set other shepherds an example. He came to bring “new wine” and the “old wineskins were useless” [Luke 18:17] – the old law had served its purpose, the religious leaders had corrupted the essential elements of its message, they had lost any meaningful “vision” of God and the real nature of the service he seeks and well as the message “of the kingdom.”

The lesson for us today is that the “new wine” is preserved for us in our Bibles but for most it has become “salt (that) has lost its taste” [Matthew 5:13] But the words of Jesus are more meaningful than ever for those who have “ears to hear” - and in our world that is so starved of genuine spirituality there is abundant work to be done. Note how our chapter ends, “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into the harvest.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

08 January 2021

Genesis 15; 16
Psalms 18
Matthew 10

“THE CLEANNESS OF MY HANDS”

Psalm 18 is an intimate statement in which David reviews all the ways in which the LORD was involved in his life. God is his rock, his place of refuge [Psalm 18:2]. He writes that the LORD has dealt with him according to his righteousness “according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me” [Psalm 18:20]

Reflection on the meaning here leads us to evaluate the ‘cause and effect’ principle of our relationship with God. We have observed many times that difficulties can enter a person’s life, although he or she does not, from our human perspective, deserve it. Job’s life is a classic case, but consider David himself! He experiences after he had slain Goliath and was exalted in the sight of the nation – but he then suffered much trouble because of the jealousy of Saul.

So what did David mean when he wrote that the Lord rewarded me because of the cleanness of my hands? This perception of David is so significant that he repeats it in Psalm 18:23,24, notice the context: “I was blameless before him and I kept myself from my guilt. So the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.” [Psalm 18:23, 24]. There is a present tense here, the reward was operative in his life then! There were special blessings, especially in the growth of his Godly character.

So David, despite all the troubles Saul created for him, as the introduction to this Psalm illustrates, is extremely conscious of the present ‘reward’ of God’s guiding care. “With the merciful you show yourself merciful” [Psalm 18:25] “The word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him” [Psalm 18:30] When he says of God “you equipped me with strength for the battle” [Psalm 18:39], true followers of Christ can see this as meaning for them a different kind of equipping. The Apostle Paul says “we are not waging war according to the flesh … We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every (human) thought captive to obey Christ” [2 Corinthians 10:3,5].

Our regular meditative Bible reading is a vital ingredient in the daily lives of each of us as a factor in enabling God and Christ to work in us. Paul told the Corinthians, “we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building” [1 Corinthians 3:9]
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

09 January 2021

Genesis 17; 18
Psalms 19; 20; 21
Matthew 11

"WALK BEFORE ME AND BE BLAMELESS"

Abraham is one of the three outstanding characters in the Old Testament (the other two are Moses and David). Genesis 17 tells us that when Abraham was 99 the LORD appeared and said, “I am God Almighty, walk before me and be blameless” that I may make my covenant between me and you …” [Genesis 17:1,2]

Abraham’s acts of faith were an essential ingredient in following God’s injunction to “walk before me and be blameless.” We read how God changed his name to Abraham saying, “I have made you the father of a multitude of nations” [Genesis 17:5]. Notice the present tense! In God’s eyes there is no time, he sees the future as he sees the present, to him they are all one!

Paul understood this when he wrote of believers possessing the same faith as Abraham in Romans 4. He “is the father of all who believe … who also walk in the footsteps of the faith of our father Abraham … who is the father of us all, as it is written, I have made you the father of many nations’ – in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” [Romans 4:11,12,16,17] – except in the mind of God.

Paul continues, Abraham “grew strong in his faith … fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was counted to him as righteousness. But the words ‘it was counted to him’ were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also … who believe … ” [Romans 4:20,23,24] Abraham’s interaction with God is a powerful lesson to us which is further added to as we read Genesis 18.

There we read of “3 men” who come to Abraham and he immediately senses they are angels, one of whom is “the angel of his presence” [Isaiah 63:9] bearing the name ‘Yahweh’ who says, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I have chosen him that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness …” [Genesis 18:17-19]

Part of the blameless walk before God is to share the way of God with our children and with others. The Hebrew word for ‘blameless’ does not mean sinless, only Christ was sinless, but the same Hebrew word is translated as ‘upright’ and ‘in sincerity’ in some places (eg Joshua 24:14; 2 Samuel 22:24,26) – the A V trans. as ‘perfect’ can give us the wrong impression, so let us all aim to follow faithful Abraham and his blameless walk before our God.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

10 January 2021

Genesis 19
Psalms 22
Matthew 12

"WILL GIVE ACCOUNT FOR EVERY CARELESS WORD"

Did Jesus really mean what he said when he taught the people, “I tell you on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” [Matthew 12:36,37]

There was another saying of Jesus we can put alongside this, a parable really. Next week we will read in Matthew 21 of the son who said to his Father when he was asked to go and work in his Vineyard “I go sir, but did not go.” [Matthew 21:30] We will see a similar point later this month when we read Romans; Paul complains, “you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself?” [Romans 2:21] – their words and actions were a contradiction! We must mean what we say.

When Paul left Titus in Crete he wrote to him and bluntly said how true was one of their own poets who said ‘Cretans are always liars’ Paul told Titus “this testimony is true, therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.” [Titus 1:12,13]

In his 2nd letter to the Corinthians Paul stressed to them the importance of meaning what you say. “Do I make my plans according to the flesh?” he wrote, “ready to say ‘Yes Yes,’ and ‘No, no’ at the same time?” [2 Corinthians 1:17] We must not carelessly or thoughtlessly give our word, i.e. make a promise. The most important time we gave our word (or will give our word) was when we were baptised and entered into a covenant relationship with God and His son. But there is only one sin we cannot seek and receive forgiveness for, as we read in Matthew today! Jesus bluntly said, “whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” [Matthew 12:32] How many blaspheme today, when they scoff at the belief that God created all things through the power of his Spirit? See Genesis 1:2

God is the ultimate example of giving his word; meditate on what he said through Isaiah the prophet. “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and … water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout … so will my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but shall accomplish that which I purpose …” [Isaiah 55:10,11] In the next chapter Isaiah records God’s word that “everyone who … holds fast my covenant – these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer … for my house Temple) shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” [Isaiah 56:6,7] What a wonderful time for those who mean what they say – for God means what he says.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

11 January 2021

 

Genesis 20; 21

Psalms 23; 24; 25

Matthew 13

 

" ... AND IMMEDIATELY RECEIVES IT WITH JOY"

 

Can we become too familiar with something? Can we know about some issue, some fact, have some experience – and then, over time be that long or short, the wonder of our perception of it fades right away? The parables of Jesus can be like that – we understood his teaching long ago, we received it into our thinking with joy.

 

Jesus’ parable of the sower we read this morning is the most familiar of all. We recall hearing a talk on it long ago that stuck in our minds. The seed is the word – surely that means ‘The Bible’ and we receive it with joy in a world of darkness that today is more godless than ever.

 

What are the birds which snatch away the seeds? The birds are beautiful little creatures and the talk we heard likened them to things like music! Things that are good attract us, but at the same time they can also distract us - if they totally dominate our attention so that God’s seed never takes root. We keep the seed, we talk of its value, but it is comparable to the servant “who kept (what he was given) laid away in a handkerchief” [Luke 19:20].

 

The servant knew it to be of value! Can we have the same attitude to the Bible, as we read it – or hear it read – yet never make use of what we read! We acknowledge it is a valuable seed so we know it is good to have a copy in our house. There are those, said Jesus, who “immediately receive it with joy” [Matthew 13:20] in seeing its value, yet they never allow it to take proper root in their minds. Jesus put it a strange way, he said such a person “has no root in himself” [Matthew 13:21], he saw no need for roots to anchor his thinking.

 

For all too many today though, the greatest category of tragedy is “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches (which) choke the word” [Matthew 13:22]. We know, if we think deeply, there is no value in our reading of God’s word if, in the end, it fails to lead to us to being fruitful, and more so these days as the time gets closer when, “The Son of Man will send his angels, and will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin …” [Matthew 13:41]

 

Some may think to themselves, well that does not apply to me forgetting that the seed of the Word was expected to grow and produce fruit for “the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit …” [Matthew 13:23] Jesus put it another way in John 3:21, “… whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been carried out in God.” Check your fruit today. Is your fruit ripening? Are there others you can encourage for “the seed” was sown in “God’s field” ?

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

12 January 2021

 

Genesis 22; 23

Psalms 26; 27; 28

Matthew 14

 

"THE LORD IS THE STRONGHOLD OF MY LIFE"

 

David’s 27th Psalm starts, “The LORD is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” What an inspiration David was to those who depended on him. What a comparison he was, in many ways, with Jesus.

 

The Jews were in expectation of their Messiah whom they referred to as the “Son of David” – and even non-Jews like the Canaanite woman we read about in Matthew 15, called out, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David” [Matthew 15:22]. Jesus bluntly challenged the Pharisees, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he? They said to him, ‘The son of David.’” [Matthew 22:42] In those days, David was their inspiration – as Christ is to us.

 

After David’s death, his Psalms would at times be sung with great feeling and confidence – but at other times when bad kings were on the throne and the spiritual life of the nation was at a low ebb, there would be, at best, mixed feelings as they sang such as the 2nd verse of Psalm 27, “When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.” And the 3rd verse, “Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.”

 

Confident in what? We immediately think he means confidence in success in the war – but verse 4 shows he looked beyond this. “One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to enquire in his temple.”

 

No literal temple was built then - so it is clear David had a vision of the ultimate temple, “the house of prayer for all nations” in the kingdom age - as we have just read at the end of that most familiar Psalm 23, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house (Temple) of the LORD forever.” Until that day come, let the last verse of Psalm 27 be a constant theme in our hearts, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

13 January 2021

 

Genesis 24

Psalms 29; 30

Matthew 15

 

"IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME"

 

What an enormous stir Jesus was making among the religious leaders. Yesterday’s chapter [Matthew 14] in Matthew ended by telling us Jesus was at Gennesaret (the north western side of Galilee) and that all who were sick were brought to him for healing. Matthew 15 starts by telling us “then the Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem”. He was causing so much comment everywhere that the religious leaders in Jerusalem were motivated to travel a great distance (on foot of course) to try to counteract the influence he was having. Their approach illustrates their mindset in seeking to find fault with him in matters of observance of the law as they applied it: “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat?” [Matthew 15:2]

 

Jesus calls them hypocrites and quotes Isaiah. “This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” [Matthew 15:8-9]

 

Sadly, in many situations the same words can be used today, we must make sure it does not apply to us. The disciples are uncertain what Jesus means when he says, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person” [Matthew 15:11]. He explains that it is not physical food that defiles, “but what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person.” [Matthew 15:18-20]

 

This has been the case in every age, but today we are surrounded by such “food”. The TV, DVD, etc., constantly serve up such “food” to influence and encourage our hearts to be defiled. We noticed that Jesus selected 7 particular examples of such terrible food for human thought. In contrast we noted in reading Psalm 29 today that the phrase “the voice of the LORD” occurs 7 times - Psalm 29:3-9. Today we “hear” his voice through reading his word and this Psalm tells us “the voice of the LORD is powerful” [Psalm 29:4] and we wonder how soon and how real it will be when “The voice of the LORD flashes forth in flames of fire.” [Psalm 29:7]? So let us do more than honour him with our lips, let us make sure we “worship the LORD in the splendour of holiness.” [Psalm 29:2]

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

14 January 2021

 

Genesis 25; 26

Psalms 31

Matthew 16

 

"MY TIMES ARE IN YOUR HAND"

 

Psalm 31 shows how David’s thoughts range over all the aspects of his relationship with God. They ‘explore’ the times when he feels weak and the times when he feels strong and show his awareness that God is overseeing every aspect of his life. This is summed up when, in a time of distress he writes, “I have become a broken vessel. For I hear the whispering of many – terror on every side! – as they scheme together against me … But I trust in you LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.” My times are in your hand … ” [Psalm 31:12-15]

 

David is saying to God, the outworking of my life is in your hands. He said this when he refused to take the opportunity to kill Saul, “As the LORD lives, the LORD will strike him, or his day will come to die …” [1 Samuel 26:10]. Paul had a similar perception when he wrote, “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” [Romans 8:28] and by that he meant even those things which at first appear bad! They are working together for the good of God’s purpose in his chosen ones such as David and Paul - and you? Some who look back on the course their life has taken can see this quite clearly.

 

In today’s chapter in Matthew we see the disciples in some perplexity as they struggle to comprehend the meaning of Jesus’ words – they did not fit in with the “times” they had expected. Peter was rebuked by Jesus for failing to accept what he said was going to happen in Jerusalem. Jesus is very blunt as he turns to Peter and says, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. You are not setting your mind on the things of God …” [Matthew 16:23] It was a steep learning curve for Peter! If we refuse to accept the obvious meaning of the words of God and His Son we too can become an enemy of our Lord and the road that has been charted out for us in serving him, the only road that leads to eternal life.

 

David concludes his Psalm by writing, “The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD.” That last verse should echo in our minds more and more as we realize our times are in the Lord’s hands if we are among “those who are called according to his purpose” – see that Romans quote again!

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

15 January 2021

 

Genesis 27

Psalms 32

Matthew 17

 

“BLESSED IS THE MAN AGAINST WHOM THE LORD COUNTS NO INIQUITY”

 

Today’s Psalm 32 is one of the most meaningful and personal of all the Psalms. Just 11 verses; it is a good one to memorize. It commences, “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man (or woman) against whom the LORD counts no iniquity” Note also the significant added comment, “and in whose spirit there is no deceit.”

 

What David realises – there is a need to be totally honest with ourselves and with God if our sins are to be “covered” – that is blotted out – through the mercy and love of the LORD.

 

This Psalm is structured in a fascinating way – in 4 parts. The first 2 verses pinpoint the “blessed” state of the one whose transgression the LORD forgives. Then verses 3 to 7 is David’s personal petition as a sinner himself; times of total weakness; occasions of the agony of feeling separated from God – followed by the wonder of reconciliation. This sequence of experiences results in David’s and our vision of the LORD as “a hiding place for me” [Psalm 32:3-7] - a place of protection that is only as real as the reality of our spiritual vision. A vision that is more and more essential in today’s altogether evil world – an experience Noah achieved.

 

Verses 6 and 7 are remarkable! David receives a personal message from God, a reply as it were - and writes it down. God says, “I will instruct you … I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Do we sense God’s “eye” being upon us? If we do not -“it will not stay near you.” [Psalm 32:6,7,8]

 

The final two verses sum up the situation and what the attitude should be of “the one who trusts in the LORD” and aims to be “upright in heart.” Get out your Bible and read these 11 verses slowly and reflectively, the four sections will be evident to you. Think of what your life means to God – and what He means to you “and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.”

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

16 January 2021
 

Genesis 28; 29

Psalms 33

Matthew 18

 

“… THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM”

 

It is intriguing to compare the brothers we read of in the Old Testament compared to the New. We read yesterday in Genesis 27 of the friction between the twin brothers Jacob and Esau. We read earlier that Esau had despised his birthright [Genesis 25:34] and “sold” it to Jacob for some stew. We read that Jacob, at the prompting of his mother had “stolen” the blessing Isaac intended for Esau [Genesis 27:36] with the result that Esau had started to think of killing Jacob [Genesis 27:42]. This reminds us of the very first set of brothers, Cain and Abel: also of Joseph and his brothers; further still of David and his brothers!

 

Now when we come to the New Testament we are struck by the contrast, Among the 12 disciples that Jesus called [Matthew 4:18-21] and who travel with him are two sets of brothers, James and John and Simon Peter and Andrew. Now, there is no hint of jealousy between them, apart from the time they all came to Jesus asking who was going to be “the greatest in the kingdom” [Matthew 18:1-4] causing Jesus to set a child in their midst and teach each of them the lesson to “humble himself like this child” ­ only then with greatness follow.

 

Human nature seems to be such that some brothers-in-the flesh fail to get on well together. But when they come to Christ the scene changes for both are seeking to serve Christ so human frictions should disappear under the Master’s influence. This should especially be the case when both are working side by side in the service of Jesus.

 

It seems that Peter had at least one other brother apart from Andrew and this brother was causing him much frustration. We assume this brother was not following Christ. It is most interesting to read the conversation which Peter and Jesus have about this problem.

 

“Peter came up and said … ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” [Matthew 18:21,22]

 

In the spirit of Christ there is no limit to the attitude of forgiveness. The same applies to sisters of course! Do you recall what we read last week? Jesus said, “whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” [Matthew 12:50] Let us all shed a little more light in this world of darkness by doing the will of the Father.

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

17 January 2021

 

Genesis 30

Psalms 34

Matthew 19

 

"IS IT LAWFUL TO DIVORCE ... "

 

The “Pharisees came up to him (Jesus) and tested him by asking, ‘Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” [Matthew 19:3] How was this a test? In his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:27-32) Jesus had made some blunt comments, “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” adding, “But I say unto you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” and “whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

 

They raised the issue in all probability to see if his hard stand against divorce would make him less popular among his hearers. But they had different schools of thought among themselves as they argued how far they could “bend” the precepts of the Law of Moses. Jesus surprises them, and his disciples, by taking their minds back to the principle God established at creation. “Have you not read that he who created them … made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together let not man separate.” [Matthew 19:4-6]

 

Jesus is saying that a true marriage is undertaken in the sight of God – and such marriages are blessed by him, they become “one flesh.” Jesus said, “Because of the hardness of your heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so” [Matthew 19:8]

 

Today we are surrounded by even worse situations, where there is no real intent of life-long commitment of heart: the heritage of godliness the Bible brought to our world has been watered down to almost nothingness in our generation. We are back to the spirit in places like Corinth that Paul wrote about - he stressed to the converts there, “But such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified …” [see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11]

 

The disciples are astonished at Jesus’ teaching [Matthew 19:10] for the practice of divorce had obviously become common. Jesus comments that the marriage of true commitment is for “the one who is able to receive it …” [Matthew 19:12] There are those who choose to be “eunuchs (remain unmarried) for the sake of the kingdom” Paul and Barnabas are examples of this. Those who believe God has joined them together see the meaning of Peter’s words, “husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honour to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” [1 Peter 3:7] May all our prayers be unhindered.

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

18 January 2021

 

Genesis 31

Psalms 35

Matthew 20

 

FAVOURITISM AND PREJUDICE

 

One characteristic of human nature that God does not like, which was evident in our readings today in Genesis, is the effect of favouritism and its resulting unfairness and potential to create prejudice. We see God’s reaction to Jacob’s favouritism toward Rachel and dislike of Leah. Rachel was party to this as is evident from Leah’s comment to her, “You have taken away my husband” [Genesis 30:15] and Leah’s approach to Jacob, “I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes” [Genesis 30:16]

 

We must be thankful that from the time of Christ, the principle of one man one wife that God established at the beginning was restored. There is no indication that the descendents of Seth had more than one wife and Noah certainly didn’t.

 

Prejudice is also evident among the sons of Laban, for while they acknowledged the blessings that came during the first 14 years that Jacob was with them, they resent Jacob providing for his own household [Genesis 31:1] and even Rachel and Leah came to be regarded by him as “foreigners” [Genesis 31:15]. This is a lesson for those who benefit from situations not of their making to act wisely and without prejudice when those blessings cease.

 

We will have another lesson of the curse of favouritism when we read of the prejudice that occurs between the sons of Jacob because of his favouritism toward Joseph.

 

Yet the remarkable thing in several of these situations is that God makes use of human prejudices and jealousies, for he gives us freewill and sometimes weaves his foreknowledge of human action to fit in with his ordained end. “For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” [Romans 8:28]

 

We must realize this is for the good of his purpose; it might not necessarily seem to be for ours at the time, such as when Joseph was put into the pit by his brothers! Paul’s words to the Philippians are instructive; he says that some people do things (in this case preaching) “from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love …” [Philippians 1:15-16] But whatever the motive “Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.” [Philippians 1:18] Let love motivate us in all that we do – remember how Jesus said his followers should follow God’s example and “love your enemies” [Matthew 5:44] illustrating this by how God did not show favouritism in the provision of the sun and the rain.

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

19 January 2021

 

Genesis 32; 33

Psalms 36

Matthew 21

 

"... GIVEN TO PEOPLE PRODUCING ITS FRUITS"

 

Matthew 21 begins with the uncommon entry of Jesus into Jerusalem “humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden” [Matthew 21:5] which was prophesied by Zechariah [Zechariah 9:9]. If any knew God’s word through Zechariah they would have been alerted to the significance of what was taking place. Yet this illustrates the difficulty of fitting together the fulfilment of Bible prophecy because the next verse [Zechariah 9:10] in Zechariah says, “ … and he shall speak peace to the nations, and his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth.”

 

Because they rejected their king that came to them, “humble and mounted on a donkey,” this “peace” has not yet happened. But next time his coming with be so different! Paul wrote of the time to come “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” [2 Thessalonians 1:7,8]

 

Because they rejected him, Jesus said to them, “the kingdom of God is taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits” [Matthew 21:43]. What are the “fruits” that Jesus expects heavenly citizens to produce? Jesus made this comment after telling them the parable of the vineyard and of the tenants who refused to give “fruits” to those sent to collect its fruits. They worked in God’s vineyard for their own glory.

 

When we started to read Matthew we saw the challenge John Baptist made to the people, “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance!” [Matthew 3:8] They failed to heed John. Those who rejoiced at the triumphant entry of Jesus were fickle in their support of him as they had been of John the Baptist. Paul spells out very clearly in writing to the Galatians, the nature of the “fruit” God is looking for -, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control …” [Galatians 5:22,23]. We prove we are working “together with Christ” when our character develops that fruit.

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

20 January 2021

 

Genesis 34; 35

Psalms 37

Matthew 22

 

"THOSE INVITED WERE NOT WORTHY"

One of the most telling parables of Jesus is his story about “a king who gave a wedding feast for his own son” [Matthew 22:2]. Strangely the king had difficulty finding guests who were interested in attending. Many have more important things to do.

 

He “sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast but they would not come” [Matthew 22:3] Why is that? We parallel this with Jesus’ statement “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” [Matthew 15:24]. They rejected his invitation.

 

Further invitations are sent out, “but they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business.” [Matthew 22:5] And so it has been throughout history! Today, it is even more so, people dismiss the invitation as irrelevant to their lives – although some may give a token impression of accepting.

 

The time came when “The wedding feast was ready , but those invited were not worthy” [Matthew 22:8] There is every reason to believe that time is now! Jesus is ready to come back – the world is in desperate need of him although few realise this. A final effort is made by the creator and his “servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found , both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.” [Matthew 22:10] In Luke’s record of this parable it says they went out to “the highways and hedges” [Luke 14:23] to find potential guests – and so the message has been taken far and wide today.

 

It is vital that guests put on a “wedding garment” [Matthew 22:11,12] which the king helps to provide. In Revelation 19 we read of “the marriage of the Lamb” and “his bride” was to “clothe herself with fine linen … (which) is the righteous deeds of the saints” [Revelation 19:7,8]. In the parable one is present “without a wedding garment” and the servants “cast him into outer darkness.” [Matthew 22:13]

 

As with nearly all Christ’s parables, there is a final “punch line” - so note Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” As we read the scriptures each day it becomes ever clearer why they are chosen.

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

21 January 2021
 

Genesis 36

Psalms 38

Matthew 23

 

"CALL NO MAN YOUR FATHER"

 

Matthew 23 is full of blunt observations by Jesus about the religious leaders, but no indication is given of their reaction. The end of Matthew 22 shows how he silenced them with a question they could not answer and “from that day did anyone dare ask him any more questions.”

 

Chapter 23 starts by telling us he is speaking to “the crowds and to his disciples” [Matthew 23:1], and the whole chapter is about this. He is in the Temple because Chapter 24 starts by saying, “Jesus left the Temple …” He begins by saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses seat, so practice and observe whatever they tell you – but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.” [Matthew 23:2,3] This observation has been all too common in religious circles – right down to our day. This must not be so among those who sincerely read God’s word.

 

“They do their deeds to be seen by others” [Matthew 23:5] says Jesus, “and being called Rabbi (teacher) by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.” [Matthew 23:7-9] These words have been ignored in the main Christian churches right through the Centuries – and until the Bible was printed and everyone could read God’s word - most were ignorant of these teachings of Jesus. May the words of the Bible be our teacher.

 

The really observant reader may notice that Jesus’ words, “Woe unto you” are spoken to the “scribes and Pharisees” 7 times! See Matthew 23:13,15,16,23,25,27,29. We have noted several hidden sevens in our readings in recent weeks. Jesus bluntly says to them, “you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” [Mathew 23:28]. This reminds us of the words in the Proverbs of the one who “harbours deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart.” [Proverbs 26:24,25] May there be none in ours, may our speech be totally genuine.

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

22 January 2021

 

Genesis 37

Psalms 39; 40

Matthew 24

 

SUN, MOON AND STARS

 

In both our Genesis and Matthew readings today we have reference to the sun, moon and stars – and in neither are they to be understood in a literal sense. The context makes this evident. In Genesis Joseph has a dream and tells his parents and brothers about it. “Behold I have dreamed a dream. Behold the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me” [Genesis 37:9] His father has no doubt as to what the dream symbolises and says, “ ‘Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?’ And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind” [Genesis 37:10-11]. This reminds us about how Mary kept the sayings about Jesus in mind. [Luke 2:19]

 

The jealousy of the brothers is the trigger that creates a sequence of events that leads to the fulfilment of Joseph’s dream – another example of how God weaves in the actions prompted by human nature, to bring about his purpose. It is also the way he oversees the character building of those he is calling to serve him.

 

In Matthew 24 Jesus says the sun, moon and stars will be a sign of his coming. The time of great tribulation comes when “the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken” [Matthew 24:29] The total collapse of earth’s ruling powers is indicated, together with all the stars; all is darkness, the earth is in chaos; the “earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect …” [Matthew 24:30-31]

 

As we see world Governments more and more in crisis let us remember these words and build up our faith; any faith left in human beings will vanish. Stock up on the ‘oil’ of your faith so you are not among the foolish virgins we will read about tomorrow.

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

23 January 2021

 

Genesis 38

Psalms 41; 42; 43

Matthew 25

 

“I DO NOT KNOW YOU”

 

The final half of Matthew 24 and the parables of Matthew 25 contain the teachings of Jesus about the end of this world and how to be on the Master’s side in the Divine Kingdom that will replace it. Note how Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come.” [Matthew 24:14]

 

Today this is happening – modern travel and the remarkable internet with its automated translation are making it possible. Notice also, it is the gospel of the kingdom, the wonder that there is to be a world wide kingdom. Sadly there are all too many false gospels around, as was also the case in the first century, which Paul bluntly warns about in Galatians 1:6-9.

 

Sadly too, as we read today in Matthew 25, there will be those waiting for the return of the bridegroom, Jesus, who will not be ready! Five of the ten virgins are foolish, their lamps are going out for lack of oil, [Matthew 25:8-13] and the bridegroom says to them, “I do not know you.” Why? They have been waiting for him to return! What does the oil represent? We suggest it is – faith – a true real faith developed from a true understanding.

 

Now faith is not something you develop in a moment, in a day, or in a week. True faith has its roots set in knowledge, “the conviction of things not seen” [Hebrews 11:1]. Those who lay a quick foundation of belief, but then do not build on it to create a strong and firm conviction of faith - are the foolish virgins. True faith experiences a daily relationship with Christ and regular reading and meditation of God’s word. If this is not happening Jesus will at that time say “I do not know you”

 

Some are anxious to know when we can expect the midnight cry! [Matthew 25:6] But the eye of faith concentrates on being ready, knowing that Jesus said that “no one knows (when), not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” [Matthew 24:36] For those not ready, it will be a cry of fear.

 

The final time of total chaos will also manifest itself in a physical way, in Luke’s record of this, he reports that Jesus said “There will be great earthquakes” [Luke 21:11] In Revelation the word earthquake occurs 7 times! The final passage describes it as being “such as there has never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake.” [Revelation 16:18] Have a look at Isaiah 2:10-19 which states “the LORD alone will be exalted on that day” [isaiah 2:11]. May we live so that the LORD says “I know you.”.

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

24 January 2021

 

Genesis 39; 40

Psalms 44

Matthew 26

 

"IS IT I LORD?"

 

Today we read of the traumatic arrest of Jesus and how jealousy of his popularity led to a terrible travesty of justice. Raw human nature is not interested in truth, only in the triumph of personal pride and prestige. Our Genesis reading had a somewhat similar example. The integrity of Joseph, after being sold by his brothers, results in him gaining a position of trust. But then he is falsely accused and put into prison, but, as with Jesus, the overseeing eye of God is causing all things to work together for the fulfilment of the Divine purpose. Paul particularly recognised this, see his words in Romans 8:26-30.

 

Consider the way in which the disciples were tested. Jesus perplexed them by saying, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me” [Matthew 26:21] which caused consternation among them and they “began to say one after another, ‘Is it I, Lord?’” [Matthew 26:22]. He responds, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me” [Matthew 26:23]. Were they not all doing this as they had this fellowship Passover meal together? Then as they shared “the cup” they would be again perplexed as he said, after telling them all to drink of it, “this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” [Matthew 26:28]

 

With what fervency of thought and understanding would they drink of it later, and partake of the bread, when they were fully awake as to its’ meaning.

 

Now why did Jesus say to them that one of them was going to betray him? It was not going to change anything! Surely it was to make them all anxiously examine their hearts and motives. Is today any different? If we really belong to Jesus, shouldn’t we be keeping our consciences active every day? Our Master expects this of all those who bear his name. Jesus told Ananias in a vision that Paul was “a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name …” [Acts 9:15] Do you carry his name – howbeit in a very modest way? Paul was later to say to the Jewish hierarchy, “I have lived my life in all good conscience up this day” [Acts 23:1]. Have a look at 2 Corinthians 1:12-14 and note Paul’s words about “the testimony of our conscience …that we behaved … with simplicity (or holiness) and godly sincerity …” Let that be our aim every day.

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- DC

[Resource Manager]

25 January 2021

 

Genesis 41

Psalms 45

Matthew 27

 

"HIS BLOOD BE ON US"

 

If anyone dies an unnatural death, there is always an effort to find whether anyone is to blame. As we read the trial of Jesus Christ we see the determination of his enemies to have him put to death. “They all said, ‘let him be crucified’” to which Pilate responded, “Why, what evil has he done?” [Matthew 27:22,23] They never answered his question, because there was no answer they could give! By combining the different Gospel records we see the weakness of Pilate. He gave up trying to administer justice and “took water and washed his hands before the crowds, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’ And all the people answered, ‘His blood be on us and on our children.’” [Matthew 27:24,25]

 

At that point they were willing to take all the blame for rejecting Jesus! Now we move the scene of events forward a few months; Jesus had risen from the dead and for 40 days appeared to and consorts with those who believe in him, on one occasion to “more than 500 brothers at one time” [1 Corinthians 15:6] These believers, especially the immediate disciples, become a powerful influence in Jerusalem with their bold preaching – further empowered by the Holy Spirit the 12 had been given after his ascension.

 

The Jewish leaders and their supporters are powerless – they forget what they had told Pilate about Christ’s blood being upon them and their children and they arrest the disciples and “set them before the council” saying, “you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” [Acts 5:28]

 

But the decision was made, the deed was done, Jerusalem is doomed – remember how Jesus wept over it. Today we are surrounded by people who are determined to believe there is no God, or who, recognising the need for some spiritual influence in their lives, do little more than preach the second commandment that ‘you should love your neighbour as yourself.’ For them Jesus will have died in vain, his blood is upon them. Is it clear to God what you believe? It is vital we live in a way that shows we believe that Jesus died for us that we might have eternal life. This world is doomed, like Jerusalem was doomed, we cannot avoid making a decision as to where we stand; no decision means we stand with those who said, “His blood be upon us.”

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- DC