Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 01 January 2011 Genesis 1; 2Psalms 1; 2Matthew 1; 2 "IN THE BEGINNING" The Bible begins with the above words. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”: a simple statement. No indication is given as to when this initial act of creation took place. It is regrettable that some read into these simple words more than they say. Some go on to claim, and this claim was only first made in the 20th Century, that everything was created just 6,000 years ago; but the Bible does not say this. After this initial mighty act of creation Genesis 1:2 tells us, “the earth was without form and void and darkness was on the face of the deep.” Following this situation we get a sequence of further creative events – but we are given no indication as to how long after. The first creative event is light – which came into being (as far as the earth was concerned) on the first day. Next, on the second day, came the separation of clouds (which are water vapour) from the waters – and other creative acts followed on the next 4 days. It is unwise to see the word ‘day” as always meaning 24 hours. Genesis 2:4 tells us, “these are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the heavens and the earth.” We have noted a lot of passages recently which speak of “the day of the LORD’ – but we do not see that as a day of just 24 hours. Genesis 1 is not a scientific treatise, but a statement of facts in a very simple ancient language, a record that God caused to be written and preserved. We note how the words are very basic, a very limited vocabulary, we do not even have reference to the sun and moon, but only to a “greater light” and “lesser light” [Genesis 1:14]. Looking back to yesterday’s reading in Revelation 21 we are challenged as to what it means, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away” [Revelation 21:1]. God through the prophet Isaiah enlightens us as to its meaning. Through him God said of a time yet future, “behold I create new heavens and a new earth, the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind” [isaiah 65:17] The curse that came on the earth, because Adam and Eve did not believe that God meant what he said, will be removed. Life will be wonderfully different, probably as it was in the Garden of Eden, for “the wolf and the lamb shall graze together; and the lion will eat straw like the ox … they shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain.” [isaiah 65:25] A new beginning! Will you be part of it? -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 02 January 2011 Genesis 3; 4Psalms 3; 4; 5Matthew 3; 4 "YOU HAVE PUT MORE JOY IN MY HEART than ... " Through into March is that delightful time of year when our readings take us through the Psalms. We sometimes wish that the Psalms readings were broken up and spread through the year. All the early Psalms were written by David and they reveal the intimacy of the relationship he experienced with God. In the heights of that relationship he writes some inspiring Psalms. But, also just as much, when his relationship with God falters, his thoughts of self examination on such occasions are also inspiring. These show us the way to get back on the true path when our feet have started to stumble or stray. Consider the words of Psalm 4, “There are many who say, ‘who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!’ You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.” [Psalm 4:6, 7] Those who seek to be shown something good have, in most cases, their own agenda, as to what that “good” should be! Do they see the abundance of “grain and wine” as the way to what they consider to be “good”? We suspect that is the case – and with the celebrations we have just experienced at the start of a new year, the revelry and partying that went on, we could not but ask ourselves – for what purpose is all this? Do people have good reason to think that 2011 is going to give them cause to be specially happy? What is happiness? Is it when your team wins a game? If so, your happiness depends on the other team losing and their supporters being unhappy! What important principle is David teaching us in this Psalm? He says to God, “you have put more joy in my heart than they have when …” What sort of joy is this? As we read the Psalms this question will be answered several times. Take Psalm 63 as an example. “… my God, I earnestly seek you … as in a dry and weary land where there is no water … your steadfast love is better than life … so I will bless you as long as I live … my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night” [Psalm 63:1,3,4,6] So much today is “dry and weary” leading us to aim for David’s kind of relationship with God and have true joy in our hearts.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 03 January 2011 Genesis 5; 6Psalms 6; 7; 8Matthew 5 "... WHO TESTS THE MINDS AND HEARTS" Our Genesis readings are about the way those living before the flood lost their vision of the Creator, and therefore their appreciation and relationship with Him. As a result “the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and … filled with violence.” [Genesis 6:11]. Then, our Psalms reading fitted in with this when David lamented he was surrounded by godlessness causing him to pray and write, “Oh let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous – you who test the minds and hearts.” [Psalm 7:9] This is what God did in the days of Noah, and found only in Noah, his wife and family those who were righteous and he was willing to preserve. As to the rest, “The LORD saw that 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]. It is tragic that the world of today is again becoming like that. So many no longer believe there is a God, or so many of those who claim to believe do so only in a superficial sense, rarely or never feeding their minds on his inspired word. We need to let the ‘power” of God’s words in the Bible enter our hearts and provoke our thoughts, actions and prayers. Again, we noted in David’s Psalm the words, “The LORD judges the peoples; judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.” [Psalm 7:8] Can we say – and pray – the same as David did? We also read today that Jesus told his disciples, “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out” [Matthew 5:13]. That is what happened to all the others in Noah’s generation. But it also happened to the generation that heard Jesus and saw his works! As he was taken to the cross he said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and your children” [Luke 23:28] And today? Does this generation feel like weeping – or only in partying? Recall that parable of Jesus - “relax, eat, drink, be merry!” Read it in Luke 12:16-21.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 04 January 2011 Genesis 7; 8Psalms 9; 10Matthew 6 "LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES IN HEAVEN" That’s impossible – in a literal sense! But what sort of treasure was Jesus talking about when he said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” [Matthew 6:19, 20]. Jesus goes on to say, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” [Matthew 6:21] How can your heart be in heaven? We hear love songs about individual’s stealing hearts – meaning affections. Jesus is talking about where your affections are focused. Now Jesus “mines” many of this sayings from the book of Proverbs. For example there is the proverb which reads, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” [Proverbs 4:23] A spring is the source of pure water, often bottled water on sale is said to be spring water. How vital to keep the thoughts of our hearts pure! Another proverb says, “Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous person who gives way before the wicked.” [Proverbs 25:26] Tragically there are many muddied springs and polluted fountains around these days, never has it been more vital – and difficult - to keep our minds clean. Paul wrote to the Ephesians that “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of the water with the word” [Ephesians 5:25, 26] Think carefully about the point he is making. Jesus loves those who become believers in him; his sacrifice was to inspire them to become clean in their minds. The first step is baptism, down into water, but there is a lifetime of steps to follow in walking in the footsteps of Christ. His word, and the words his father inspired others to write provide what we might call, the washing powder, that will keep the hearts of believers from becoming polluted. A final thought on treasure in heaven. Did you notice when we read the final chapter of Revelation last week that in the last chapter Jesus said, “Behold I am coming soon, bringing my recompense (reward) with me to repay everyone for what they have done” [Revelation 22:12] We do not have to go to heaven to claim our treasure and reward, Jesus will bring it to us when he comes – and the way the world is now – that could be very “soon.” Do you have treasure in heaven that he can bring?-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 05 January 2011 Genesis 9; 10Psalms 11; 12; 13Matthew 7 "THE WICKED PROWL AS VILENESS IS EXALTED" The Psalms are the Hymn Book of Israel and most of their hymns address situations among the people of God – as David understood God’s all seeing eyes would perceive them. We learn that human mentality never changes – except when it is influenced by divine words and messages to “lay up treasure in heaven” – thoughts which we expressed yesterday. Much of the world has been blessed because 400 years ago, the A.V. version of the Bible was first printed and then sold in tremendous quantities. Many blessings came at that time because so many human minds were influenced to think godly thoughts and, as a result, to live in godly ways: that influence slowly faded away over time; it was an influence on individuals most of all. However, those who know the Bible well know that it frankly considers the whole of our human situation. David grew up in a world that was far from godly: King Saul was a man of very limited spirituality. In one of today’s Psalms we read David’s words deploring the godlessness around him. He did what he could when he became king to influence his people to better ways of thinking and living. Some of the Psalms he wrote are so true of life today. He pleaded for God’s help – “Save O LORD … for the faithful have vanished from among the children of men. Everyone utters lies to his neighbour; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak” [Psalm 12:1, 2] Further on we read, “On every side the wicked prowl as vileness is exalted” [Psalm 12:8] It sounds so much like the days of Noah that we read about 2 days ago; thankfully God promised Noah he would never again destroy all life on earth. Nevertheless, our readings last week in Revelation again indicated that awesome judgements from God would occur when “the Word of God”, obviously meaning Jesus, returned to judge and punish the world [Revelation 19:11-15] But looking at Psalm 12 again lets special note David’s words, “The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace …” [Psalm 12:6] How great our need to feed on such words, may all who read this give priority to reading God’s words every day.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 06 January 2011 Genesis 11; 12Psalm 14; 15; 16Matthew 8 "NOTHING THAT THEY PROPOSE TO DO WILL NOW BE IMPOSSIBLE" Our reading today in Genesis 11 particularly caught our attention because of the reason given for confounding the languages as the descendants of Noah multiplied and said “let us build ourselves a city … let us make a name for ourselves lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth” [Genesis 11:3,4]. The reaction of the Creator was to say, “Behold, they are all one people. And they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.” [Genesis 11:6] As a result the all seeing Creator decided to “confuse their language, so they may not understand one another’s speech” [Genesis 11:7]. This caused them to leave off building the city of Babel and be dispersed from one another. We think it is reasonable to suppose that each married couple had their own language and became parents of a nation. It is also interesting to note that the word Babel when put into the Greek language, becomes Babylon. Another possibly interesting point is the name for God in various ancient languages, it is claimed that the words have such a strong affinity to each other that some philologers are convinced they “have sprung from some common source.” However, our thoughts were particularly arrested by thinking how much language barriers have been overcome in our lifetime. The internet provides automated translation today. Also when you visit other countries, such as when we visited Russia, we found that nearly all the young people were learning English at school and could converse with you. English is becoming the world language, it is the main language of the internet. So the Divine motive in confounding the languages at Babel is being overcome and a great many clever developments now happen because of worldwide cooperation. Daniel’s prophecy that at “the time of the end many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall increase” [Daniel 12:4] takes on increasing significance. Men have achieved things which we never though possible, such as walking on the Moon and the Hadron Collider project. This adds to the reasons why God must intervene in human affairs. As in the days of Noah, nearly all have done away a need for God in their lives, this includes those who accept their must have been a Creator. We will finish with a challenging quotation, again from Daniel, “ … the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end … none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand” [Daniel 12:9,10] How wonderful to be among the wise! -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 07 January 2011 Genesis 13; 14Psalms 17Matthew 9 “THE MAN IS BLASPHEMING” Our readings in Matthew demonstrate the power of human nature to deny the evidence. Jesus did a number of remarkable miracles and “when the crowds saw it, they were afraid (struck with fear and awe AMPLIFIED VERSION) and they glorified God … ” [Matthew 9:8]. But many of the religious leaders, seeing their authority and prestige threatened “said to themselves, this man is blaspheming” [Matthew 9:3]. As the miracles multiplied and the crowds said, “never was anything like this seen in Israel”, those religious leaders became more urgent in their efforts to discredit him. They said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons” [Matthew 9:33-34] - for they had embraced the demoniac ideas of the Greeks; it is interesting that there is no reference to demons in the Old Testament. Even if such spirits and an evil leader existed, which they didn’t, their allegations defied all logical reasoning as Jesus told them (see Luke 11:15-23). Their position and authority dominated their minds, they were unable to face the reality of the situation. We need to think whether such a mindset could happen to us. Their mindset reached its peak when they discussed putting the resurrected Lazarus to death as, because of him, even greater numbers were believing in Jesus and undermining their standing. [John 12:10-11]. This example of the extreme limits to which humans will go to maintain a belief and support a cause made us think of the present obsession to believe that the world and everything in it, evolved of its own accord, that all that exists is the result of an endless series of “chance” happenings. The recent discovery of the remarkable properties of DNA is certain evidence to those who think clearly and logically of a master-designer, but all the comments by “learned” people, show their determination to see all life as one super-colossal accident! Part of the reason for this determination, we suspect, arises from the poor image of the Church. People turn away from Christianity as the answer as a result. How great the need for all people to get back to reading the Bible. We must all ask ourselves what we are doing to set the example! -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 08 January 2011 Genesis 15; 16Psalms 18Matthew 10 "FEAR HIM WHO CAN DESTROY BOTH SOUL AND BODY IN HELL" Today’s Chapter, Matthew 10, has quite a number of the sayings of Jesus that challenge us to correctly understand what they mean as he speaks to his disciples and sends them out to preach [Matthew 10:5]. Take the example above: what is the soul as distinct from the body? The answer to this question only becomes clear when we clearly see the point Jesus is making. Jesus had first said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” [Matthew 10:28] and this makes sense when we understand he means others killing you because of your preaching. This was to later happen as we read in the Acts of the Apostles. But what is this “soul” that other humans cannot kill? And what is the greater power to be feared who is able to “destroy both soul and body in hell?” The meaning becomes clear when we understand that this greater power, the power we should really fear, is God. Then we note that the Greek word for “hell” is, in this case, Gehenna. This means the rubbish dump area over the wall in one part of Jerusalem. Fires continually burned there to consume all that was useless, that was totally waste. Jesus used it as a symbol of divine rejection in the day of judgement. So we can understand Jesus is telling his disciples as he sent them out “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel;” [Matthew 10:6] not to fear the opposition they would encounter, the worst that could happen would be the end of their mortal life. But there will be a “day of judgement” [Matthew 10:15] following the resurrection when even such as “Sodom and Gomorrah” will be judged! This might surprise us, but Abraham initially thought that there could be 50 righteous there (as we will read tomorrow – Genesis 18:24). It will be following that judgement that God will make an eternal end of “both soul and body” of all those who have not believed in Him and his Son and failed to dedicate their lives in faithful service as a result of that belief. We read of this last week in the book of Revelation! John told his readers of the vision when “I saw the dead great and small standing before the throne and the books were opened. Then another book which is the book of life … if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire … this is the second death, the lake of fire.” [Revelation 20:12,15,14] -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 09 January 2011 Genesis 17; 18Psalms 19; 20; 21Matthew 11 NO ONE WILL “EARN” A PLACE IN GOD’S KINGDOM We read this morning how Jesus asked a question, “to what shall I liken this generation?” [Matthew 11:16] and gave a strange answer. Each generation has had those who search for answers as to the meaning of life, but today many think they have all the answers! John the Baptist, shut up in prison appears to have wanted reassurance when he sent his disciples to Jesus, asking, are you really the one? Notice how Jesus never gives plain ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answers; his response was to say, look at what is happening and consider events in the light of what God revealed through the prophets. [Matthew 11:2-6) Those with their own way of thinking were offended at him, he refused to fit into a mould. We read today in Genesis of Abraham’s conversation with the angel of the LORD [Genesis 18] who said, “because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin very grave, I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me” [Matthew 11:21]. Abraham obtains a promise that even if only 10 righteous are found there God would not destroy the city. But only 3 were found and saved! Tragic! Yet Jesus, as we read today, mentions Sodom, saying [Matthew 11:22] that if the amazing miracles that the people of Capernaum were witnessing had been done in Sodom they would have responded and it would not have been destroyed. Jesus then states, “I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgement for the land of Sodom than for you” [Matthew 11:24] What is this is telling us? At the day of judgement it will not be a case of getting a high enough mark, like you need to be able to go to University; rather God will know how you have responded according to the evidence available to you. No one will “earn” a place in God’s Kingdom. The cities in which Jesus did his miracles failed the test [Matthew 11:20-21]. But all him accepts into his kingdom will need his mercy and grace, for he sees the motivations of our heart against the background of the circumstances in which we have lived. Jesus said the generation that heard him [Matthew 11:16-19] were like children at play who refused to grow up, wilfully misinterpreting the actions of Jesus, saying he was “a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners” So what would he say of today’s generation and its attitude to the Bible? Are you influenced by that attitude? Today, the world has discovered far more of the absolute wonders of creation. It refuses to face the obvious meaning of the evidence, just as many in the generation that saw the wonders Jesus refused. Each will answer for their own failures: what failures will you have to answer for?-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 10 January 2011 Genesis 19Psalms 22Matthew 1 "MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME" Our Psalms reading today [Psalm 22] begin with the last words Jesus utters on the cross, “My God, why have you forsaken me.” This is a Psalm of David and must reflect an experience of his when he was in deep depression – almost certainly when he was being pursued by Saul and his henchmen and forced to hide in the wilderness. It is not difficult to have some appreciation of this desperate prayer of David. After going forth so valiantly against Goliath and then being so successful that the people could sing, “Saul has struck down his thousands and David his ten thousands” [1 Samuel 18:7] suddenly David’s situation changes. Now he is hiding in caves, Saul is seeking clues as to where he might me, does David have any friends? Some who learn where he is report this to Saul. [1 Samuel 23:19; 1 Samuel 24:1] This Psalm expresses how David was feeling; it was a natural reaction for him to pray, “My God, why have you forsaken me.” He goes on to write, “O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.” [Psalm 22:2] It is natural from our human perspective that we should think in terms of cause and effect – but God sees the bigger picture, the larger perspective of spiritual training such as when Jesus was “led up by the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (tested)” as we read last week in Matthew 4:1. What is very instructive about this and several other Psalms is how, after starting with desperate questions in a spirit of depression his words then move forward and seek to grasp what we might call the “bigger picture.” Yet David’s life in some of his experiences was a prophecy of what happened to Jesus. David, in fleeing, left clothing behind and he notes “they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” [Psalm 22:18] An event which was to repeat itself in the life of Jesus. Then David’s thoughts move on to think positively and he tells God, “I will tell of your name to my brothers, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” [Psalm 22:22] Then comes a greater and more far reaching vision of the future., “All the ends of the end shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.” [Psalm 22:27] We should take a valuable lesson from David in this progression into positive thought, especially when we feel depressed.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 11 January 2011 Genesis 20; 21Psalms 23; 24; 25Matthew 13 "NONE WHO WAIT FOR YOU" We were rather overwhelmed by the multitude of the thoughts that arose from today’s readings. Psalm 25 is less known than the very familiar Psalm 23, but it contains many inspiring words. “None who wait for you shall be put to shame” [Psalm 25:3] and the word “wait” is very significant; more and more we feel we are waiting for God to act – although there are different senses to the word “wait. With seemingly more climate situations of a fearful nature, is God starting to bring greater judgements because of the increasing godlessness of the nations? In Psalm 25:5 we read, “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long” What is God’s truth? Well, it is the opposite of godless human thinking. May God and his Son lead us in true ways of thinking and doing; and surely he caused the Bible to be written and preserved for that purpose. Next week we will read in Psalm 37, “Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land (or earth); you will look on when the wicked are cut off” [Psalm 37:34]. We must not become impatient in our waiting. Paul wrote, “May the Lord direct your hearts into realizing and showing the love of God, and into the steadfastness and patience of Christ in waiting for his return” [2 Thessalonians 3:5 Amplified Version] Returning to Psalm 25 we read “The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him … My eyes are ever toward the LORD … Oh guard my soul and deliver me” [Psalm 25:14,15,20] Let’s appreciate the intensity of David’s attitude toward God! What a relationship he developed with God – no wonder he is called by Samuel, a man after God’s own heart [1 Samuel 13:14]. Can we try to be a person at least a little like that as we wait for God to act? Finally, underline verse 21 of this Psalm [Psalm 25:21]. “May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.” It is not that David was perfect, as we know – and we noted that in verse 11 of this Psalm [Psalm 25:11] he wrote, “For your name’s sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great.” Can we make this prayer of David – our prayer? Then God will make us one of his children – as he did David. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 12 January 2011 Genesis 22; 23Psalms 26; 27; 28Matthew 14 "COMMAND ME TO COME TO YOU" Today Matthew’s gospel tells us of the occasion when Jesus walked on the water. Jesus had been “up on the mountain by himself praying” [Matthew 14:23] he had “made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side,” The boat “was a long way from land beaten by the waves” [Matthew 14:24]. Jesus “came to them walking on the sea.” This was an unbelievable experience for them right outside anything they could possibly have expected. They are fearful, is this some kind of apparition? Jesus speaks to them and Peter responds, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” [Matthew 14:26]. Jesus simply says, “Come.” “So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus” [Matthew 14:29]. But then, all of a sudden the reality of the situation hits home to his human sense, “he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord save me’. Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him. ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” [Matthew 14:30,31] It is most important that we take special notice of this event! Why? When our world reaches its ultimate point of crisis with “distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves” [Luke 21:25] then, as we read two days ago [Matthew 13:41] and will read again next week in more detail, “he (Jesus) will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect … ” [Matthew 24:31] This will be an event totally outside human experience; will we do even as well as Peter? Will some be as bad as Lot’s wife who, as we read in Genesis 2 days ago, she lagged “behind him” [Genesis 19:26] instead of going with the angels. We are in the boat of this world and the world is experiencing extreme situations which are now threatening to exceed previous experiences. We say we believe these predictions of Jesus, predictions which indicate it will get much worse! We will read tomorrow the comment of Jesus that “This people; honours me with their lips” which is the case today, in some countries more than others. But then Jesus adds, “but their heart is far from me” [Matthew 15:8]. With all such, there is no likelihood they will respond to the angel, but like Lot’s sons-in-law law they will be seen to be “jesting.” Peter’s heart was fairly much fixed on Jesus – what about our hearts? How will we respond to the command to “Come”?-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 13 January 2011 Genesis 24Psalms 29; 30Matthew 15 "THE VOICE OF THE LORD" The sevenfold occurrence of the phrase “the voice of the LORD” in today’s Psalm 29 intrigued us. When we came to the Matthew reading, the words of Isaiah Jesus quoted caught our attention, “This people honours me with their lips but their heart is far from me” [Matthew 15:8]. The contrast between God’s “voice” and man’s could not be greater. What is the nature of the LORD’s “voice”? The description of that voice given in the Psalm reminded us of the saying that actions speak louder than words! The point is that God’s “voice” is heard through his actions – except by those with whom he seeks to have a special relationship – then it can be “a still small voice” (or ‘the sound of a low whisper’ - 1 Kings 19:12) as Elijah heard in the cave. To godless men God “speaks” through his actions. This is the point David is making. At the time of Noah’s flood “the voice of the LORD is over the waters” [Psalm 29:3] When the fearful people of Israel were at the foot of Mount Sinai, “the voice of the LORD is powerful” [Psalm 29:4] In the ultimate future, “the voice of the LORD is full of majesty” [Psalm 29:4] with a preview of this when, after Solomon dedicated the Temple, “the priest could not enter the house … because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD’s house” [2 Chronicles 7:2,3] “The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars” [Psalm 29:5] takes our thoughts to Isaiah 2 and its dramatic picture of events before the Kingdom is established [isaiah 2:2-4] “For the LORD of hosts has a day against all that is proud … against all the cedars … against every high tower … and the haughtiness of man shall be humbled … and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.” [isaiah 2:12,13,15,17] Great quantities of cedar were brought to Jerusalem to build the Temple; it was a most prized wood, but God brought destruction on that temple because the hearts of those worshipping there became far from him. The word translated “voice” is the simple Hebrew word qol. Young shows it occurs almost 500 times in the Old Testament, but what intrigued us was its very first occurrence. A situation impossible to picture in our minds! “And they heard the sound (AV has ‘voice’) of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and (Adam & Eve) hid themselves” [Genesis 3:8]. There will come a time, we read in Revelation 21:3 when “the dwelling place of God is with men. He will dwell with them …” Those privileged to be there will have no need to hide when they hear “the voice of the LORD” Those there will honour the Lord with their lips – and with all their hearts. How unbelievably wonderful! Can you imagine it? Can you imagine being there? -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 14 January 2011 Genesis 25; 26Psalms 31Matthew 16 "WATCH AND BEWARE" The stage has now arrived in the life of Jesus for the really serious issues to be raised with his disciples. His disciples were challenged as to what they really understood and believed. They are told to “Watch” and this means, Jesus is telling them, keeping the eyes of your mind open so that you correctly understand. Only by doing this will you act in the right way and do the will of God. Life has many things to “beware” of when we commit our lives to serve God and do his will. Jesus says, “watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” [Matthew 16:6] They puzzle over what “leaven” means in this context. Natural leaven is, of course, the agent put into bread dough to make it lighter and more palatable. Were some doing this to spiritual teaching? Yes! Jesus explains to his disciples, “I did not speak about bread …. but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees” [Matthew 16:11,12]. History shows that there has always been a tragic tendency to take the teaching of Jesus and make it more palatable. His disciples are going to be required to take on a very responsible role. He began to tell them that “he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests, and be killed and on the third day be raised,” [Matthew 16:21] Their human thinking is locked into one way of thinking so they cannot accept this. Their understanding is headed for a steep and painful learning curve. Has the life of those truly trying to serve Christ ever been any different? No. Climbing up from the slippery unstable sands of human thinking to the “rock” [Matthew 16:18] has always been a challenge. We see in reading the book of Acts that Peter, through much agonizing, became the first “Rock.” So let all of us take special note of the advice to “watch and beware” and gain “the keys of the kingdom” [Matthew 16:19]. What kind of “life” matters most to us? Jesus said, “For what will it profit a man (or woman) if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?” [Matthew 16:26]. What did Jesus mean? Everything is said today about the need to have the best possible career path – so that you can gain the best rewards offering in life. That is fine – IF this life is all that you are interested in. But if you are interested in more than this life – “watch and beware”-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 15 January 2011 Genesis 27Psalms 32Matthew 17 BROTHERS There is a degree of contrast between the brothers we read of in the Old Testament compared to the New. We read today 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 Jacob bought it for some stew. Today 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 problem all 12 experienced (prior to the crucifixion of their Master) seeking to know who was going to be the greatest in the kingdom [Matthew 18:1-4] Human nature seems to be such that brothers-in-the flesh fail to get on well together. However, when they come to Christ the scene changes for both are seeking to serve Christ so human frictions disappear under the influence of the his teaching. 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 Monday? 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.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 16 January 2011 Genesis 28; 29Psalms 33Matthew 18 "IT IS NECESSARY THAT TEMPTATIONS COME" Is it necessary? Surely it would be better if there were no temptations? Or would it? Why is Jesus recorded as saying this in our readings today in Matthew 18:7? Did not Jesus teach his disciples to pray “Lead us not into temptation?” [Matthew 6:13] But his next words were that we should pray to be delivered from evil. It is an inevitable fact of life that a measure of evil and the temptations it brings surround us. There is Proverb which says iron sharpens iron [Proverbs 27:17] and Paul told Timothy that, as a spiritual “soldier for Christ” he would “share in suffering” [2 Timothy 2:3]. It is a principle in life that all recognize – that everything needs to be tested. Have you heard of the ‘stress test’? Will this or that invention really be able to do what it was designed to do? Humans undergo ‘stress tests’ and history shows how far too many people occupying important positions have sometimes proved to be failures – sometimes - disastrous ones. But can you really give humans a “stress test” before they are put to the test? Now let’s look at this from God’s perspective. He is in the supreme position of “declaring the end from the beginning” [isaiah 46:10] and knows who will stand up to the “stress tests” of life. We are reading how Jacob went through “stress tests” at the moment – God took him through – to put it simply – a character development course. Can you sense that in your life? We can, but we both have the benefit of looking back over more than 60 years of trying to improve and endure in serving the Lord. Paul is an outstanding example. We note his words when the elders of Ephesus came to meet him for the final time. “from the first day I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials … I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable …” [Acts 20:18-20] Paul passed his ‘stress tests’ and sought to encourage others to do the same. Now, not that Jesus today is primarily a warning of “woe to the one by whom the temptations come” and the need to “cut it off” – whatever the source of the temptation is. It maybe a person – or a “thorn in the flesh” which Paul saw as a blessing, as he endured to the end [2 Corinthians 12:7,10] saying, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” May we all be able to pass our stress tests – with the Master’s help..-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 17 January 2011 Genesis 30Psalms 34Matthew 19 "MANY ARE THE AFFLICTIONS OF THE RIGHTEOUS" Our heading may appear to some to be a rather negative quote from today’s Psalm 34. This Psalm is a wonderful “mine” of sayings from the pen of David, ideal to inspire those who aim to serve God. We need to put the above words within the context of these other sayings. David wrote, “I sought the LORD and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears” [Psalm 34:4] And again, “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them” [Psalm 34:7] Further still, “The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ear toward their cry … and delivers them out of all their troubles.” [Psalm 34:15,17] We need to weigh up all these encouraging sayings, recognising what they are (and are not) telling us. There is, unfortunately, an attitude in some Christian circles that if you serve God and His Son you will get more and more blessings and prosperity. This is NOT what the Bible reveals, although it is true of the ultimate picture, but it is not true of this life. Men like Solomon are the exception. Life in serving the LORD is a learning curve. David discovered this after he had slain Goliath, look at his life story! This understanding surely lies behind his most challenging statement in today’s Psalm, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him (also her) out of them all.” [Psalm 34:19] As we are seeing in our Genesis reading, it was the lesson that Jacob also learnt in all the traumas of his life in his relationship with his brother and with Laban. It is summed up in what he says at the end of his life when he meets up with Pharaoh, as we will read next week [Genesis 48:15,16] Jacob speaks of “the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day; the angel who has redeemed me from all evil.” Coming back to Psalm 34, note what it says in verse 12 [Psalm 34:12]! “What man (or woman) is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?” Surely that is the desire of us all! Now note the answer he gives to this question in the verses which follow recognizing that with the “many days” will come times of affliction and the angel of the LORD will be there to deliver as the LORD sees the need. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 18 January 2011 Genesis 31Psalms 35Matthew 20 THE ANGELS OF THE LORD In many parts of the Bible we read of the angels of God. The record often makes it clear that the angels represent God, speaking on his behalf; sometimes it is written as though it is God himself speaking, such as with Moses at the burning bush [Exodus 3:2-7; 3:13]. The ultimate person to represent God was Jesus, for we read, “he (God) in these last days has spoken to us by his Son” [Hebrews 2:1] Jesus himself said, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” [John 14:9] But he wasn’t the Father was he, he represented the Father. When David writes, as we noticed in yesterday’s Psalm [Psalm 34:15], “the eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous”, we understand that angels are the “eyes” of the LORD – recalling, as one example, how the angels went down to Lot at Sodom. Indeed, we recall many examples of angels being involved in the lives of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in our Genesis readings. When we come to read Exodus at the end of the month we will see the same happens with Moses. In the generations after that, God worked more through his prophets although we have seen how God spoke to Elijah in “a still small voice.” In today’s Psalm [Psalm 35] David is urgent in prayer for God’s protection from “those who contend with me.” [Psalm 35:1] He asks, “Let them be put to shame who seek after my life.” [Psalm 35:4] This did happen in particular to King Saul and his henchmen. But how does God actually cause it to happen? We might say it is impossible to know – but David observes, “Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away.” [Psalm 35:5] Then he adds, Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.” [Psalm 35:6] We read in many places of “The LORD of Hosts” and understand this to mean multitudes of angels. In Psalm 103 we read, “Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word. Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers … ” [Psalm 103:20,21] When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, “there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him” [Luke 22:43] Will some of us soon see angels? Well, in a few days time we will read of Jesus saying that when he is seen “coming on the clouds of heaven with power … he will send out his angels … and they will gather his elect” [Matthew 24:30,31]-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 19 January 2011 Genesis 32; 33Psalms 36Matthew 21 ENCOUNTERS WITH ANGELS The character of Jacob is a real mixture, but is that not true of most, if not all of us! His character matures somewhat over time, hopefully that is also true of us. Twenty years elapses from when his mother Rebecca sends him away to her homeland and relatives to escape the wrath of Esau because Jacob had taken both his birthright and blessing. They had been 20 years in which God had blessed him; he now has 2 wives, his cousins Leah and Rachel, 11 children and possesses large herds of sheep and goats despite the machinations of his father-in-law Laban. We now read “the LORD said to Jacob” (but we are not told how, a dream or an angel?), “return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred and I will be with you.” [Genesis 31:29] After a final encounter with Laban, “Jacob went on his way and the angels of God met him.” [Genesis 32:1] but again we are given no details as to how. After learning that Esau is coming to meet him with 400 men he anxiously says (prays) “O God of my father Isaac, O LORD who said to me, ‘return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good.’ I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and faithfulness … for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan … please deliver me from the hand of my brother …” [Genesis 32:9-11] He reminds God (not that God needed reminding!) that “you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea which cannot be numbered …” [Genesis 32:12] Then Jacob encounters another angel. He is alone and he wrestles with this “man … until the breaking of the day” and is told “your name shall no longer be called Jacob but Israel” [Genesis 32:24,28]. Tomorrow we will read how this statement is expanded [Genesis 35:9-13] which includes the words “then God went up from him” – making it obvious it was an angel. So Jacob, now called Israel, became the father of the 12 tribes. God, through his angels, reveals himself as very merciful to a man who, although strong in some ways, is gentle and caring in others and is upset by violence. The angels he encounters show that God responds to these characteristics despite times of showing uncertain faith. These things have lessons for us, how long will it be before we encounter angels? -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 20 January 2011 Genesis 34; 35Psalms 37Matthew 22 "FOR MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN" The above saying of Jesus in today’s reading of Matthew 22:14 provoked our thoughts – seeing that Peter wrote that God “is not wishing that any should perish” [2 Peter 3:9]. Why call so many, but choose so few? We should remember well the parable of the sower sowing the seed and how many examples of unproductive ground were given compared to “the good soil.” Today there is more unreceptive and unproductive ground than ever. It is helpful to look at the context of Peter’s words, for we often hear it said that God is not willing that any should perish. Peter writes, “The Lord …. Is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief … the earth and the works that are done in it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness …” [2 Peter 3:9-11] It seems to us Peter is saying that God does not wish that any of you (to whom he is writing) should perish who “after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord … are again entangled in them and overcome” [2 Peter 2:20] Returning to Christ’s parable we see it is about those who, although invited to the “wedding feast” given for the son, Jesus [Matthew 22:22] are too preoccupied with their business interests [Matthew 22:5] while others invited, treated those bringing the invitations “shamefully” [Matthew 22:6] Eventually the wedding feast goes ahead after, according to Luke’s account of the parable, “the servants … bring in the poor and crippled …” [Luke 14:21] and “so the wedding hall was filled with guests” [Matthew 22:10] But then a problem occurs. The guests need to have a “wedding garment”! What is this? In Revelation last month we read about the “marriage supper of the Lamb” and it is stated of the Bride “it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen … for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints” [Revelation 19:8] The deeds of the saints are those done as acts of faith, for they cannot “earn” their invitation to the wedding. Sadly, those without a wedding garment are cast out. We noted the wonderful words in today’s Psalm 37 which are so appropriate here, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and … He will bring forth your righteousness as the light” [Psalm 37:5,6] -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 21 January 2011 Genesis 36Psalms 38Matthew 23 “THEY DO ALL THEIR DEEDS TO BE SEEN BY OTHERS” In our chapter today [Matthew 23], Jesus totally directs his comments to the attitudes displayed by the religious leaders. They see him as a rival! He is now in Jerusalem; the climax of his first coming is now just a few days away. In one sense he is stirring up the opposition so that they will seek more than ever a means of getting rid of him. We take note of the particular points of his criticism of them, these men who should be the spiritual leaders of God’s own people. He says of them, “they do all their deeds to be seen by others” [Matthew 23:5]. They were totally oblivious to the all seeing eye of God; that he could see and know not only what they were doing, but also what they were thinking! Jesus, through the power of God, knew their hearts, their motives and we must always be conscious that he knows ours. He said of them, “They love the places of honour at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the market places and being called rabbi …” [Matthew 23:6,7] Then Jesus draws lessons for his disciples, “you are not to be called rabbi” (which means teacher) … call no man your father on earth” [Matthew 23:8,9] This is obviously meant in a spiritual sense, but centuries later it began to happen. “The greatest among you shall be your servant” [Matthew 23:11] and Jesus shortly after demonstrated his servant role when he washed their feet.” [John 13:1-20]. Then Jesus points to the kingdom age, “whoever humbles himself will be exalted” [Matthew 23:12]. It is interesting that we then encounter a series of seven statements. Seven times Jesus says to the Scribes and Pharisees, “Woe to you” ! We can imagine their indignations at being told, “you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and uncleanness.” [Matthew 23:27] He explains his meaning, “So you outwardly appear righteous to others but within you are full of hypocrisy…” Now the reason we aim to read God’s word everyday is to protect ourselves from developing the same problem. That is the point that is made in Hebrews 4. Read from verse 12. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword … discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” [Hebrews 4:12]. Let us make sure we read and then digest what we have read. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 22 January 2011 Genesis 37Psalms 39; 40Matthew 24 SUN, MOON & STARS In both our Genesis and Matthew readings today we have reference to the sun, moon and stars – and in neither case 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]. Our minds moved forward to the time of Mary and how she kept the sayings about Jesus in mind in her heart. [Luke 2:19, 51] The jealousy of the brothers is the trigger that creates a sequence of events that leads to the fulfilment of this 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 to an end 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] While we do not exclude a possible application in some physical sense, the saying has an application to a total crisis and collapse of earth’s ruling powers; the “earth (i.e. the people on 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 – and financial matter may be a major factor in this as people and nations worship money instead of God, let us remember these words and build up our faith in these words, because we cannot have faith in human beings, but we must not be like the foolish virgins we will read about tomorrow.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 23 January 2011 Genesis 38Psalms 41; 42; 43Matthew 25 "MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR GOD" Today’s Psalm 42 has this particularly challenging verse, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” [Psalm 42:2] We linked this verse in with the two parables we read today in Matthew 25. There is first a parable of 10 virgins waiting for the bridegroom to arrive, but half of them are foolish and do not bring enough oil (of faith?) and the door is shut on them and they are left outside [Matthew 25:1-10]. The second somewhat parallel parable is of servants who are entrusted with portions of their Master’s property while he is away. When he returns they are called to appear before him. Those who have been conscientious are naturally ready when their Master re-appears, they have been thirsting for him to come. These receive commendation and are told “Enter into the joy of your Master [Matthew 25:23]. Their thirsty soul was satisfied. However, there is a servant who is described as “slothful” [Matthew 25:26] who is barred from entry and the point is made by Jesus, “To everyone who has will more be given and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” [Matthew 25:29] We now look again at Psalm 42 where we read another important question – and the answer to it! “Why are you cast down, O my soul, why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him …” [Psalm 42:5]. This thought leads to the Psalmist’s recognition that “by day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.” [Psalm 42:8] The Psalmist learnt that the Lord will quench our thirst now if we truly drink from his word every day. We will have ample oil in our lamps and will be ready to appear before him with joy. This world is “a dry and weary land where there is no water” [Psalm 63:1] except for “the water of life” [Revelation 21:6] that is only to be found, here and now, in God’s word. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 24 January 2011 Genesis 39; 40Psalms 44Matthew 26 "THE LORD CAUSED ALL THAT HE DID TO SUCCEED" There is a lot of ‘food for thought’ in today’s account in Genesis of the experience of young Joseph after he was sold as a slave into Egypt by his jealous brothers. We need to take careful note of the several references to the LORD’s involvement in his life. Verse 2 [of Genesis 39] tells us “The LORD was with Joseph and he became a successful man.” Then the next verse; “the LORD caused all that he did to succeed in his hands.” Now we do not think he realized this at the time, but looking back on the events he sensed this must have been so. Can we similarly look back and see how, in some circumstances, in a remarkable way, “all things work together for good” [Romans 8:28] in the unfolding of some, if not many, circumstances and events in our lives? Joseph “was handsome in form and appearance” [Genesis 39:6] and today people in the world would see this as a great blessing! However, it can result in a real testing time for those who are committed to serving God and putting him ‘first’ in their lives: it may not be blessing at all! Now note Joseph’s words to the woman, his Master’s wife, who is trying to seduce him. “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God.” [Genesis 39:9] The greater sin in giving in to her attempts at seduction would have been against God, in breaking the laws of behaviour he had laid down. As we live in a world where so few have this consciousness we may well encounter more and more situations that challenge our conscience, so how great is the need to have an active conscience! See Paul’s comment in Acts 24:16 Finally, we noticed the outcome after Joseph was unjustly thrown into prison after the false accusations of this woman. “But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” [Genesis 39:21] The lesson? All things continue to work together for our ultimate good, through all circumstances, however difficult, when we commit ourselves to put the LORD first in all the paths we tread.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 25 January 2011 Genesis 41Psalms 45Matthew 27 "THEREFORE GOD, YOUR GOD HAS ANOINTED YOU" Our Psalms reading today is at first puzzling in its reference to God. What is highly interesting is that this (the quote above) is taken up and quoted in the letter to the Hebrews [Hebrews 1:9] concerning the relationship of Jesus Christ and God. It is possible, but potentially misleading and confusing to refer to Jesus as God; this is one of only two passages that do so. Again and again we are told he is “the son of God” and that the time will ultimately come when “he delivers the kingdom to God … that God may be all in all.” [1 Corinthians 15:24,28] What Psalms and Hebrews do show is that the Almighty is called the God of Jesus. We recall Jesus himself said the same thing after he rose from the dead, telling Mary Magdalene, “I am ascending to my Father and your father, to my God and your God” [John 20:17] John completes this chapter by saying, “these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah) the son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.” [John 20:31] Note the phrase – “that by believing” This sort of belief is not something you accept in a casual fashion. If you believe your house is on fire you immediately do all you can about it! Similarly, if we really see the need to have real “life” – that is, “life in his name” the name of Christ, by belonging to him in the way he has appointed, we take action. The Psalm [Psalm 45] tells us that because “you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions, your robes are all fragrant with myrrh …” [Psalm 45:7,8]. There follows a poetic picture of the kingdom and those blessed to be there, “with joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.” [Psalm 45:15] Those who truly believe in Jesus will one day also be “anointed with the oil of gladness”. In a sense, this happened to Joseph as we read today in Genesis [Genesis 41]; the end result of his faithfulness to God in living by God’s principles. But our Psalm today concludes by stating that those who “have loved righteousness” that “I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you for ever and ever.” -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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