Resource Manager Posted December 1, 2012 Report Share Posted December 1, 2012 01 December 2012 Esther 9; 10Jonah 1Hebrews 6; 7 “THEN THE MEN FEARED …” Jesus spoke of “the sign of the prophet Jonah” [Matthew 12:39-40] as being a sign of great significance. Jonah came forth alive from “the belly of the great fish”. [Jonah 1:17], We believe it was a special fish, one of a kind, not a sort of whale. The text says, “the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah”. We conclude that “the great fish” was a special creature God brought into being and God saw that this special creation was in the right place at the right time. This remarkable event foreshadowed the death and resurrection of Jesus, The time came when “the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon dry land.” [Jonah 2:10] – not just a damp sandy beach! Jonah was then ready and willing to do what the LORD commanded and hastened to preach at Nineveh [Jonah 3:3] - there is a parallel here with the disciples of Jesus. After Jesus came out of the grave he gave them a renewed preaching commission; it was now “ … to the end of the earth” [Acts 1:8] and then ascended to heaven; today that commission is nearing completion, “but the labourers are few.” [Luke 10:2]. But there is a further lesson too - note the impact the sudden cessation of the storm had on the sailors. With great reluctance they had thrown Jonah overboard. They had not wanted to do this, they “rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea grew more and more tempestuous …” [Jonah 1:13] Initially “each cried to his god.” [Jonah 1:5] But before they threw Jonah overboard, “they called out to the LORD” to Jonah’s LORD! They said, “O LORD, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood” When they threw him overboard “the sea ceased from its raging.” How awesome was this experience. “Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows.” [Jonah 1:15-16] We are not told any more about these sailors, but surely this changed the rest of their lives. We can see a parallel here with at least one Centurion and the Roman soldiers who witnessed the awesome events at the death of Christ, one said “Truly this man was the Son of God” [Mark 15:39]? Some had been aware of his power to do miracles, eg Luke 7:2-3. The first Gentile convert was a Centurion! [Acts 10]. We have the testimony of the Roman historian Tacitus (c. 110-120) that Nero put to death hundreds of Christians in Rome – and that happened in AD 64! We conclude that many Roman soldiers and not a few Centurions, when they finished their service in Israel returned home convicted of the one and only real faith - and shared that faith – truly “then they feared the LORD” - And us? -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2012 02 December 2012 Job 1; 2Jonah 2; 3Hebrews 8; 9 SATAN WAS WRONG Today we started reading the book of Job which is one of the most challenging books of the Bible to understand. Today’s chapters are the only ones in which the word satan occurs and the ESV Bible we use has a footnote that in the Hebrew this word means “the adversary” and one can find many verses in the Old Testament where it is translated that way. (For eg. 1 Samuel 29:4; 2 Samuel 19:22; 1 Kings 5:4; 11:10,23,25 &c and the adversary is named – it is a specific human being) We are inclined to agree with those who see this book, although based on a real historical person and event, as written as a drama or play to teach a spiritual lesson. We will be reading it for the rest of this month and its climax in the last chapter relates back to the first 2 or 3 chapters and we need to see this to get a full and balanced picture of the message this holy book has for us. This adversary, says to God, “all that a man has he will give for his life. But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face” [Job 2:4-5] But ‘Satan’ is wrong! Then Job’s wife, in a sense, becomes an adversary telling him to “Curse God and die”. But he says to her, ‘You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil.” [Job 2:9-10] We can perceive that God allows the bad experiences in life on occasions to test us out, to shape our character. No sailor learns to sail if the sea is always calm. Think of the mixture of events that shaped David’s character after his great faith in slaying Goliath. When we come to the end of the book [Job 42:1-6] we see the events of the first 2 chapters in their total context with the early ‘disasters’. In the end Job has dramatic contact with God leading to a deep appreciation of his position before God and a relationship with God that he never previously possessed. All he had lost is restored to him – and more. We see this as a picture of the blessings in store after the resurrection. If life is all smooth sailing, with no challenges to our faith, we will not develop an urgent sense of the need to develop a full relationship with God and His Son. Also, we will not achieve a true sense of humility and submission to God’s will Can we say to God, like Jesus did, “not my will, but yours be done” [Luke 22:42] The book of Job has valuable lessons for the really diligent reader: hopefully that includes you.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 3, 2012 03 December 2012 Job 3; 4Jonah 4Hebrews 10 “YOU HAVE NEED OF …” Is there anyone who thinks they do not need anything? With Christmas in 3 weeks’ time, the younger one’s especially are thinking of the things they need and that it would be good to receive! Our readings today in Hebrews say, “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” [Hebrews 10:36] Are you enduring? We live in a world, at least in this country that is very impatient. It is said, this is the ‘NOW’ generation. Until recently it was easy (and still is to some extent) to get what you want ‘NOW’ – and pay later. The folly of living beyond ones’ income is becoming more evident. Some countries, especially in Europe are learning this and are having to endure the pain of austerity. But the Letter to Hebrews is about something entirely different. Paul tells them, “do not throw away your confidence which has great reward” [Hebrews 10:35]. We throw or give away the things we do not need! But confidence!? What do you and I have confidence in? Do we have confidence in God’s knowledge and oversight in all that happens as a result of the “freewill” he allows? What confidence do we have in what will happen in the future! God has oversight of that and can intervene as he chooses, as our readings frequently reveal – often we puzzle to know more exactly what they are alluding to - Zechariah 12:1-3 being an example in the light of Middle East events now – and in recent years. We saw lessons illustrating his oversight in individual lives in our readings in Job and Jonah; both men had, at least temporarily, lost sight of the will of God working out a pathway in their lives. Are we any better? But if we really commit ourselves to be children of God and more and more live for him in faith – then we will sense more clearly His purpose in the things he allows (or causes) to happen in our own lives and in the world. Take special notice of how Hebrews 10 ends, “my righteous one shall (aim to) live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him (or her). But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” [Hebrews 10:38-39]. Wise men have written about “the power of positive thinking” but Hebrews reminds us of the words of Jesus himself, “the one who endures to the end will be saved.” [Matthew 24:14] Let us try harder to see the “need of endurance” and put what we see into practice.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 4, 2012 04 December 2012 Job 5Micah 1Hebrews 11 "THEREFORE GOD IS NOT ASHAMED ..." God ashamed! What is this verse saying? What is it about? Today’s reading in Hebrews is that well known chapter 11 on FAITH. We should all be familiar with the words, that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1] What are the things we are convinced about – things that give reality to our future expectations – going far beyond the things we hope to achieve in this life? Verse 6 is often quoted as a powerful personal challenge to us, “without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God, must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” It is sad that so few have a real genuine conviction that there is a God – and more than that – that we can and must have a personal relationship with him, leading to a totally meaningful prayer life. What a contrast with most of the Jews in the days of the prophets; they only had a relationship with him as part of a chosen nation and not in a personal sense; nevertheless they were proud of being “children of Abraham.” [John 8:33] and this satisfied them. And is not this similar to ‘christians’ for whom membership of a church creates a sense of ‘relationship? Yet, as individuals, they and ourselves are without excuse if that is all our relationship consists of! The Psalms of David are outstanding, if we will meditatively read them and see the reality of a personal relationship with God that can be developed – and when developed to the full, how wonderful it is, as David reveals in so many Psalms. Hebrews 11:13-16 in today’s chapter cause us deep meditation. In the midst of naming significant men and women and the particular acts of faith in their lives, we read, “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised …” Abraham is the greatest example of this. Such men and women of genuine faith “acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” Such people found it impossible to fit in with ‘ordinary’ humans although they might attempt to, as Jacob did at times. Hebrews 11:16 makes the point “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” And that city is the new Jerusalem! (see Revelation 3:12 – the heavenly city to be established on earth) Because of this, those with real faith desire something infinitely better than what this world offers – a world which is ‘empty’ of any vision of the future so that the people in it just live for the present. But those with real faith, live so as to develop a real relationship with their Creator and the Saviour he provided and as a result “God is not ashamed to be called their God.” Make sure you develop that faith.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2012 05 December 2012 Job 6; 7Micah 2Hebrews 12 "....THAT WE MAY SHARE HIS HOLINESS" Hebrews 12 provides a sequel to the challenging 11th chapter on faith which provoked our thoughts yesterday. It starts, “Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance ….” The cloud of witnesses are those who were named as men and women of faith in Hebrews 11. None were perfect, but they grew in faith, they “were made strong out of weakness” [Hebrews 11:34]. As well as seeing their example, our ability to endure is made stronger by “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith who, for the joy set before him endured …” [Hebrews 12:2] The Gk word for “looking” is a special word, the NEB for e.g. renders it as “our eyes fixed on”. This attitude of mind is further emphasized in the next verse, “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” Paul, assuming he is the author of Hebrews, then writes of the essential value of discipline and quotes Proverbs 3:11-12 in Hebrews 12:5-6, “ … do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord discipline the one he loves …” and then makes this inspiring point in Hebrews 12:10, “but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” Then he adds, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Think of Job: we are reading at the moment his words of distress and also his frustration with those who are classified as ‘friends’ – but as we complete this book this month we will marvel at its climax! Job achieves a wonderful insight in ‘knowing’ the Almighty as well as final and wonderful personal benefits. Our Hebrews chapter draws to a close with a quotation we will soon read from the prophet Haggai. “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens.” [Hebrews 12:26] So many scriptures indicate that a mighty earthquake is part of God’s final judgments. Consider Isaiah 29:6-8 and Zechariah 14:4-9 while in Revelation 16:17-19 it is the sequel to Armageddon. Extreme earthquakes have often included volcanic eruptions, so that the atmosphere is seriously affected. Some prefer to think it is only the political heavens that are shaken and destroyed. That maybe so, but we doubt it. Our Hebrews chapter ends, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” [Hebrews 12:28-29] With an attitude of “reverence and awe” toward God we can have confidence and faith “that we may share his holiness.” -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 06 December 2012 Job 8Micah 3; 4Hebrews 13 "SO WE CAN CONFIDENTLY SAY ..." How many can speak with confidence these days? Certainly the Politicians can’t! Although they often try to sound that way. We read the last chapter of Hebrews today and Paul is emphasising to them the need to be positive in their attitude to the spiritual aspects of life. His first 4 words are, “Let brotherly love continue” That surely includes sisterly love too! It means love in a practical sense, not just words. John wrote, “let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth,” [1 John 3:18] There is a saying, ‘actions speak louder than words.’ Paul then says, “Remember those who are in prison, as those who are in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” (of Christ) [Hebrews 13:3] As this world falls apart and becomes more dysfunctional these words will have more frequent application. Just a week ago, robbers with guns broke into a home where brethren hold their meetings and some lived and, as well as stealing money and valuables, sprayed bullets around injuring a father and 3 sons, one seriously. Other members rallied around to help, giving their blood for transfusions. This happened in Pakistan, but the potential for similar incidents to happen in more and more countries is increasing with financial woes spreading and some countries (eg Spain) having half their young people unemployed. Now let’s look at Hebrews 13:5-6, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” Where did he say this? Those words are from the prophet Haggai, giving a message to those living in difficult circumstances; we will read his message in a couple of weeks. Those who only read the New Testament are missing much powerful encouragement from their God. Today’s chapter in Micah is a good example; it starts, “It shall come to pass in the latter days … nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” [Micah 4:1,5] This is a description of God’s kingdom when it is fully functioning, those alive then will say, “Come let us go up to the mountain of the LORD … that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths” [Micah 4:2] Let us live today – and every day – so that we can, by faith, confidently say – we will be there. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 7, 2012 07 December 2012 Job 9Micah 5James 1 "THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH PRODUCES ..." All faith has to be tested to prove that it is real faith. This is the opening theme of James’ wonderful letter that we started reading today – and in our continued reading of Job we see him as an extreme example of testing from God – or that God allowed. Paul wrote, “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” [1 Corinthians 10:13] When we come to James 5, we will read, “Behold, we consider those blessed who remain steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful” [James 5:11] Being ‘steadfast’ is a stronger word than ‘patience’ - which the old A V. uses, but even the A.V. uses ‘enduring’ for the same Gk word in 2 Corinthians 1:6. James is generally believed to be the half-brother of our Lord, Like Paul, James turned from the rejection of Christ [John 7:5] to acceptance and to play an important role at the Jerusalem conference [Acts 15:13] Note also Acts 21:18. Looking further at James’ epistle: what does he tell us that the testing of our faith produces? The most challenging point he makes is that they (and we) should “count it all joy … when you meet trials of various kinds” [James 1:2] James had become convinced of what some have called, ‘The power of positive thinking! His next words are, “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete … ” The 21st Century is producing many challenges to our faith, both as to what we believe and also as to whether there is a God at all! How well is our faith surviving in an utterly godless environment? Jesus told his disciples, “Behold I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” [Matthew 10:16] Do we understand what he meant? We know well what the first serpent said and how that sowed seeds of doubt in the minds of the first humans. Believers have to reverse this – and be “wise” in how to produce doubt in the minds of those who believe there is no God, or trust in idols, or in whatever they trust. But, becoming worldly wise is dangerous, for then they (and we) cease to be “lambs.” Spiritual wisdom is the most precious possession we can develop. James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously … but let him ask in faith, with no doubting …” [James 1:5-6] How do you ask God? Prayer of course – and search his Holy Word for wisdom. Of course, in those days no one owned a Bible, you could not go and buy one and read it every day. What a contrast to our situation! Do we appreciate this blessing? In too many cases our priorities are getting twisted around – but remember what Jesus said! “Everyone to whom much is given, of him (and her) much will be required …” [Luke 12:48] Also the words we read last week, “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation” [Hebrews 2:3] So what is the testing of our faith producing?-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2012 08 December 2012 Job 10Micah 6James 2 "FAITH WAS COMPLETED BY ... " Today we continued meditating on the Epistle of James and his important observations on the quality of faith that a believer needs to have. The Jews were very good at reasoning and talking, we can see that in the speeches of Job’s friends, also in the religious leaders who had encounters with Jesus and had confidence in being “the children of Abraham” [John 8:39] It is evident from James’ letter that he saw a need to emphasize that having faith is not just something you talk about and discuss to make sure you have a true faith. You then live your life by building on that faith, showing it by actions as well as words. Next week when we read Peter’s letters we must note his blunt words, “you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for salvation … if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes … may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” [1 Peter 1:5-7] James challenges, “Show me your faith apart from your works and I will show you my faith by my works” [James 2:18] He becomes very blunt stating “faith apart from works is useless” [James 2:20] But what does he mean by works? Works alone, apart from faith is also useless – in the eternal sense. A lot of “good works” are encouraged in our part of the world, especially to give money to various charity organisations. These ‘works’ have only value for the here and now. James gives the example of Abraham and all he did in serving God. He did what God asked him to do, even to the point of being ready to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice! Then James makes the point that his “faith was completed by his works.” [James 2:22] James then gives an example which is appropriate today in some countries more than others, but may well become world-wide as more and more human governments fail to function properly. He writes, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what benefit is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead.” [James 2:15-17] Now note what Paul writes on this, “ … as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” [Galatians 6:10] Soon we will be reading the last message of Jesus, the challenging book of Revelation! Note Revelation 2:23 “I am he who searches mind and heart and I will give to each of you as your works deserve.” That is, “works” done to complete your faith.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2012 09 December 2012 Job 11Micah 7James 3; 4 “WOE IS ME” We saw in our readings in Job yesterday that Job was so depressed he declared, “I loathe my life” However, we recall the comment we made as we began reading Job that the ultimate end of the book is one of wonderful restoration. Today we have the final chapter of the prophecy of Micah which begins, ‘Woe is me’! Remarkably, as with all the smaller prophets we have been reading in recent weeks, the final message God gives through them ends with a triumphant picture of ultimate blessing. But the earlier part of this chapter, which describes the lawless attitudes surrounding the prophet, uses words which could just about describe life as it is around many of us today. “The godly has perished from the earth,” he writes, and “there is no one upright … put no trust in a neighbour; and have no confidence in a friend” [Micah 7:2,5] Family life in Israel had broken down, “the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother” [Micah 7:6] Then the prophet seems to step back and make a fuller reflection on the situation from his personal perspective and sets us a great example, “But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation, my God will hear me” [Micah 7:7] That is the power of positive faith, this is the spirit we need and may need more and more, especially if we feel overwhelmed by events and we are tempted to cry, “Woe is me.” The concluding verses indicate the final blessings for God’s people, it is a message for those who seek to maintain and build up their faith, and also those who have sought repentance after failure. “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance … he will again have compassion on us” [Micah 7:18,19] May he have compassion on us too - for no one is perfect – but our aim must be to “go on to perfection” [Hebrews 6:1 (AV)] or “go on to maturity” (ESV) so that we can “draw near (to God and our saviour, the Lord Jesus) with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” [Hebrews 10:22]-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 10, 2012 10 December 2012 Job 12Nahum 1; 2James 5 “… TREASURE IN THE LAST DAYS” What sort of treasure in the last days; any different from other days? As we complete reading the letter of James we find it is full of interesting and challenging thoughts, the reference to “treasure” is one of them. James is the leader of the believers in Jerusalem that we read about in Acts 15:13 when the Apostles met to make a decision about the Gentile converts and whether they in any way had to also keep the Law of Moses. The years have now moved on from that occasion, James is now writing as the chief elder for the believers in Jerusalem, it is now only a few years before the city would be encircled and then destroyed by the Roman armies in AD 67-70. James’s comments in his final chapter are initially directed at the situation that was then developing there and the awesome future the city faced, and which our world now faces. He is inspired to write - because these events would be replicated in human history climaxing in our last days.. So James is writing to warn them of their approaching last days and he says, “weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you, your riches have rotted … You have laid up treasure in the last days … you have lived on the earth in luxury and self-indulgence.” [James 5:1-3,5] This is so true today of Australia and many other parts of the world. Remember how we saw in 2 Timothy 3 the reference to conditions in the last days [2 Timothy 3:1] and primarily this was about the condition among believers; that they would have only “a form of godliness”. But James continues, “Be patient (steadfast) therefore brothers until the coming of the Lord … establish your hearts … the judge is standing at the door” [James 5:7-8] These words apply so much to believers today in their failure to cope with this world. The end of the times of the Gentiles (i.e non-Jews) appears to be increasingly close. The total godlessness around us is as much a sign to us of the nearing “end” as is the mounting crisis in the Middle East surrounding God’s Holy Land. James then states, “Behold, we consider those blessed who remain steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job” [James 5:11]. So as we read Job for the rest of this month we should remember how James sees him as an example of enduring despite much perplexity of mind about his situation. He is an example of the perplexities believers are already facing in some parts of the world today – and this may spread everywhere very soon. Our thought should be to ensure we have the right kind of treasure - that which is described in the parable of Jesus that we read in Luke 12:13-21. Read and reflect on the points our Lord makes and become “rich toward God.”.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 11, 2012 11 December 2012 Job 13Nahum 31 Peter 1 "SET YOUR HOPE FULLY ON ...." Is our world in a hopeless condition? The indications that it is are multiplying. The nations are too self-centred to take any effective action over global warming and the weather is getting more extreme. The United Nations are more disunited than ever over many issues, especially over Israel. The money woes of the nations increase and move from crisis to crisis; efforts to achieve disarmament are useless, the economies of some nations depend on making and selling weapons! And above all, efforts at moral reform no longer exist, instead laws are relaxed to allow many unnatural kinds of behaviour, ways of living God deplores. We saw a lesson related to that last point as we completed reading the prophecy of Nahum against Nineveh today. It had repented at the preaching of Jonah, but the following generations had gone back to their old ways; doom is now pronounced by God, Nahum’s concluding words to them are - “upon whom has not come your unceasing evil.” Through his prophet Zephaniah God said, “I will make Nineveh a desolation, a dry waste like the desert.” [Nahum 2:13] And it happened. As we start reading Peter’s letters we see how appropriate they are for us. His urgent message is for believers to have a strong faith, to remain steadfast as trials increase. He writes of “the tested genuineness of your faith more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” [1 Peter 1:7] The whole chapter is a powerful message, but we took special note of 1 Peter 1:13, “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” No half measures will be adequate; as the world becomes even more hopeless, Peter tells them, “you have been born again” [1 Peter 1:23] and then tells them how! “Born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.” The seed of God’s message must “abide” in our hearts if we really want to prepare “our minds for action.” Jonah’s message to Nineveh had proved to be perishable, the children did not learn the lesson as their parents had. If we are to succeed where the Ninevites failed how vital it is for us to feed on and digest God’s word every day. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 12, 2012 12 December 2012 Job 14Habakkuk 11 Peter 2 "IF A MAN DIES, SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN" As we continue our reading in Job, we came to his question given in our heading. Job struggles to find the answer – but as we read on in coming days, we will find that his mind becomes clearer and his hope in the future more sure. Today we read of his pleading with God, “Oh that you would hide me in sheol (av ‘the grave’), that you would conceal me until your wrath is past, that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me.” [Job 14:13] After saying this he asks the question we have put in our heading, “If a man dies, shall he live again?” His answer? “All the days of my service I would wait until my renewal should come. You would call, and I would answer you …” [Job 14:14-15] and it would be the time, Job says to God, “you would cover over my iniquity.” [Job 14:17] These questions and words are a prelude to his declaration in Job 19, “For I know that my redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God. Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold …” [Job 19:25-27] We notice how Job is now giving up reasoning out his thoughts with the 3 ‘friends’ and spends at least part of his responses addressing his thoughts to God. At the end of the book we will see how God dramatically answers him in a most meaningful way. We perceive a sort of parallel we might be having ourselves with our ‘friends’ today, our neighbours, our school or workmates, that their way of thinking, their perceptions of the cause and meaning of life is totally astray! They rarely listen to us so as to take in the points we make. The time comes when we give up trying to reason with them – and concentrate more and more on our own perceptions of – and relationship with - God and His Son. We have found that our meditation can become so deep that we will empathise with Job who, after seeing and saying, “I shall see God … my eyes shall behold ..” – his next words are – “My heart faints within me.” [Job 19:27] -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 13, 2012 13 December 2012 Job 15Habakkuk 21 Peter 3; 4; 5 "WEARY THEMSELVES FOR NOTHING" It has always been so – but it is more obvious today – how meaningless life is in the ultimate sense. More than ever before people are living for the here and now. With this thought in mind we can relate to the words of the prophet Habakkuk. In today’s Habakkuk 2 where he says of his decadent nation, “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own … and loads himself with pledges.” [Habakkuk 2:6] It is so in today’s ‘have it now’ society in the western world – pledging payment sometime later and almost always forever in debt. A question is asked in Habakkuk 2:13, “Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts that people labour merely for fire, and nations weary themselves for nothing.” Once again God’s prophet reminds his people (and us the readers) that God is behind the scenes and knows all – and has the ultimate control. People labour “merely for fire” – to provide heat in time of cold, to cook their food – and light in the darkness. Few had any long term view of life, they had then and have now, no idea of God’s vision as stated in the very next verse. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” Any vision people have could be described as ‘tunnel vision’ –that of having fixed objects of thought – unable to see the larger perspective, Job’s ‘friends’ suffered from this. As we read Peter’s 1st epistle we particularly noticed his reference to “when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared.” [1 Peter 3:20] Noah and his sons laboured for 100 long years while around them was total godlessness [Genesis 6:5]. Peter sees their salvation in the ark as it was was riding on the flood waters as a type of baptism; he writes, “Baptism which corresponds to this (the flood), now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience …” [1 Peter 3:21] Baptism cleanses the conscience and provides a new start, with a new vision ‘nothingness’ is swept away – and replaced by the anticipation of participation in the glory that is coming. In Peter’s time God’s judgements were looming over Israel, Jerusalem was doomed for rejecting the Messiah, and Peter warns, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded …” [1 Peter 4:7] – the very opposite attitude to those who ”weary themselves for nothing.” Let us all heed Peter’s words, living with a real sense of purpose in our hearts “by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” [1 Peter 4:11]-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2012 14 December 2012 Job 16; 17Habakkuk 32 Peter 1; 2 "TO THOSE WHO HAVE OBTAINED ... " The marvel is – that although one has read the Bible over a great number of years one still comes across things one has not really taken notice of before. The opening words of Peter’s second epistle caught our attention “to those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours.” The point does not stand out so much in the AV as the ESV. How great was Peter’s faith now – as he reflects back on his life’s experiences. In v.16-18 he reflects on the incredible experience on the mountain when his Master was transfigured before him and 2 fellow disciples; he declares, “we were eye witnesses of his majesty.” Yet we know that not long after, in the panic that followed his Master’s arrest, Peter’s faith collapsed. Faith is a quality that is proved by actions as we saw emphasized by James in his epistle. Those who are not conscious of the need to develop a real active faith, would not be impressed by the urgency of the words of Peter in his second epistle. He writes, “You …having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire … make every effort to supplement your faith with …” [2 Peter 1:4-5] and there follows a list of the qualities of character which enable faith to grow. Have a look at them! Then he says, ”if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful….” [2 Peter 1:8] Unfruitful in what? Do we appreciate the point here? Peter writes of the danger of being “unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” But he is not talking about intellectual knowledge. The Greek word here is epignosis and Paul uses it in Romans 1:28 “and since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind …” Peter uses it again in his 2nd chapter, expressing his dismay that there is no growth in their awareness of God’s presence and oversight of their lives. He writes [2 Peter 2:20], “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.” (See also the next verse!) Peter is referring to what we might term ‘heart knowledge’ as distinct from ‘head knowledge.’ Both are essential, but, dare we say, ‘head knowledge’ is easier! But do not miss the point Peter makes in 2 Peter 1:9 – what the failure of ‘heart knowledge’ causes! Such a person “is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore brothers (and sisters) be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” Then our faith will have some comparison to Peter’s and 2 Peter 1:11 will be true for you as it will be for him.. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 15, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 15, 2012 15 December 2012 Job 18; 19Zephaniah 12 Peter 3 “… DELIBERATELY OVERLOOK THIS FACT” Today we read Peter’s final chapter, he senses a climax is coming. He sees much evil growing and false believers coming to the fore who, as we read yesterday, “promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first” [1 Peter 2:19-20] You will remember (hopefully) how we quoted this yesterday and concluded that “the knowledge of our Lord” is ‘heart’ knowledge rather than intellectual knowledge. What is this promise of freedom? It is linked to the false perceptions of those who are becoming entangled again with the philosophies of the world. A glaring example of the false promise of freedom is the slogan in some churches, ‘Once saved, always saved.’ The idea that after you are ‘saved’ then ‘grace’ covers all your future sins regardless! It is strange how so many accept this without question – but then they surely do not read and reflect on God’s word every day. Peter’s final chapter indicates another defilement of the world, one that is so obviously surrounding us today; “that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, ‘Where is the promise of his coming?” [2 Peter 3:3-4] and these scoffers “deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God.” [2 Peter 3:5] All around us people scoff at belief in creation, they seem pleased to think there is no God to fear and no godly laws they feel they should obey. Then Peter adds, “but do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness … but the day of the Lord will come like a thief …” [2 Peter 3:8-10] when the present order of life will be replaced by divine rulership (”new heavens”) and “a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” [2 Peter 3:13] How wonderful for those who have “loved righteousness and hated wickedness” [Hebrews 1:9] and have resisted “the defilements of the world” - may that include you.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2012 16 December 2012 Job 20Zephaniah 21 John 1; 2 "THE GREAT DAY OF THE LORD" Yesterday in reading the chapter in Peter we could have noted that Peter also wrote, "you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets …" [2 Peter 3:2]. Now we are currently reading the short prophecy of Zephaniah. His message starts "The word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah …" It is God revealing the future to him and through him to us. His first chapter is about "the great day of the LORD" [Zephaniah 1:14] and of course a day of God's judgements was soon to come on Jerusalem in the next generation or two but this prophecy, while including predictions about that tragedy, so much deserved because of their spiritual failures, goes on to look beyond this to an ultimate day when, says God, "I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the LORD … In the fire of his jealousy, all the earth shall be consumed" [Zephaniah 1:18]. This reminds us that Peter wrote that the "heavens and the earth which now exist are stored up for fire" [2 Peter 3:7]. Now "fire" is used as a means of getting rid of that which is bad, a cleansing, leading to renewal. We know how the bushfires in this country lead to a cleansing and renewal of growth. In today's chapter God in Zephaniah has a powerful message for us. "Before the decree takes effect (today, here and now) before there comes upon you the burning anger of the LORD. Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden in the day of the anger of the LORD." [Zephaniah 2:2,3] To that message we can add what John writes in our New Testament reading, "all that is in the world the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of possessions is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." [1 John 2:16,17]-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 17, 2012 17 December 2012 Job 21Zephaniah 31 John 3; 4 “SEE WHAT KIND OF LOVE …” Our chapter in 1 John 3 today starts with “See what kind of love the father has given to us …” Do we understand what kind of love this is? The word love is used so much today that we may take what it means for granted; and because of this unclear thoughts can develop in our minds as we read God’s word. Love is a simple, but at the same time, a profound subject and the Apostle John uses it frequently in his Epistles. He himself is described as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” [John 21:7,20] But did not Jesus love them all? Of course he did! But love comes in degrees of intensity; it understands the character which is the objective of its love. A mother still loves a naughty child, but there is a different ‘focus’ to that love. Jesus found it necessary at times to reprove the disciples for their little faith; he rebuked Peter for tempting him to disobey his Father, he chided Thomas for his lack of belief. In contrast, what an example John set! He was prepared to go in and witness the trial of Jesus, although he does not name himself [John 18:15-16] and to stand beside the cross with Mary in her agony as her son agonised to the end: remember how she was told a sword would pierce through her own soul. (see Luke 2:35). All true believers must have a living relationship with Jesus that grows day after day, although there will be times of agony – but that is a factor in causing growth, it was with Job. As in all true relationships, it must grow and blossom and bring forth fruit. John wrote, “you know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or knows him” [1 John 3:5-6]. That means – seen him with the eye of faith - so those who fail to become more and more like Jesus have never really known him which is what John means when he says such have not “seen him”. Note Paul’s question, “Examine yourselves to see whether … Jesus Christ is in you.” [2 Corinthians 13:5] Now ‘see’ John’s most meaningful words, “let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth” [1 John 3:18]. Our actions prove whether we mean what we say! In the next chapter John writes, “… if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us … we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected in us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgement … there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” [1 John 4:12,16-18] Yes, John’s words lead us to see “what kind of love” God and his Son have shown to us. And our response?-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 18, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 18, 2012 18 December 2012 Job 22Haggai 1; 21 John 5 "THE SPIRIT, THE WATER AND THE BLOOD" Today we completed reading the 1st Epistle of John. Some of what John writes is not readily understood at first reading; he phrases some of his points in rather cryptic language. “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world” [1 John 5:4] and in the next verse he says, “our faith” provides “the victory that has overcome the world” How real is our faith? The chapter started with the words; “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God” This causes us to ask; ‘what is real belief?’ There are those, wrote John who “went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.” [1 John 2:19]. This means they never really believed in their hearts. Recall how Paul puts it, “… with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” [Romans 10:10] We have come to recognize that an intellectual understanding, although a vital foundation, is only a stage in our conversion. We pondered John’s words, “this is he who came by water and blood – Jesus Christ” adding, “For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood…” [1 John 5:6,8] Testify? That is, provide evidence of all that Christ accomplished – these three things relate to one another. We recall the baptism of Jesus. In Matthew 3 when Jesus came to John the Baptist “to be baptized by him” and John did not think it fitting, saying that Jesus should baptize him rather than he baptize Jesus; “but Jesus answered, ‘Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness’ Then he consented.”. [Matthew 3:15] We note the little word “us” – Jesus identified himself with us, for he is “one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” [Hebrews 4:15] Matthew’s gospel then tells us, “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold … he saw the Spirit of God descending … to rest on him” [Matthew 3:16]. So the water and the spirit are associated together, and we remember it was the spirit that announced his coming birth to Mary [Luke 1:35]. Finally, and wonderfully, from a spiritual perspective, his mortal life came to its climax with the shedding of his blood “for us.” We reflected on the wonder of those who become related to Christ through water, who must fully appreciate his total commitment - that his blood was shed for them. And, as a result, they must have total commitment! Just as important, to realize the message of “the spirit” that is contained in his words,for Jesus said, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” [John 6:63] Further still, flowing from this, those who accept into their hearts this word, then come to realize, as Paul puts it, that God (his Son now with him - Romans 8:34) – that “he is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘in him we live and move and have our being.” [Acts 17:27-28] Effective daily reading of the spirit inspired-word should lead us to sense more and more clearly the wonder the course our lives are taking – the more we realize we really do “belong to Jesus” – see Romans 1:4-6. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 19, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2012 19 December 2012 Job 23; 24Zechariah 12 John 1; 3 John 1 “I HAVE NO GREATER JOY” The word ‘joy’ is in popular use at this time of year, but from a spiritual perspective, what is ‘joy’? It is vastly different from what is called JOY today! The final and short 3rd letter of the aging disciple John is addressed to “the beloved Gaius.” who, says John, “I love in truth,” adding, “For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth.” [3 John 1:3] So Truth is something you walk in; that is, a pathway you choose, a way of living. Total sincerity in thinking and doing. Then in the next verse, John adds, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” In John’s 2nd letter, one to a “lady and her children” he had made a similar comment, “I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father” adding “And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments…” [2 John 1:4-6] When you walk you usually have some destination in view, you are not wandering aimlessly. The beloved disciple John, now calling himself “the elder”, has a major concern to see others have a godly purpose in their lives. What a contrast this is to the meaningless frivolity that so many count as ‘joy’ today. May we each have genuine joys in our lives; feeding our minds on God’s word is an ‘investment’ that leads to genuine joy.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 20, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2012 20 December 2012 Job 25; 26; 27Zechariah 2; 3Jude 1 "THE APPLE OF HIS EYE" Yesterday we started reading Zechariah, he was a prophet associated with Ezra [Ezra 5:1] in the return from captivity to rebuild the Temple. First he addresses the Jews in Babylon saying “Up, escape to Zion, declares the LORD” [Zechariah 2:7] Then Zechariah is caused to make a fascinating point, “for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye.” [Zechariah 2:8] This phrase means someone who is special in someone’s eyes, usually a father or mother. For this reason they are to return to their homeland to rebuild the temple and Jerusalem and, after some problems and pressure, they succeed. But again, five centuries later, the people completely fail again, this time in a terrible way; they reject and kill their Saviour, God’s Son! As a result Jesus predicted, “Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” [Luke 21:24] We live in the dramatic time of the fulfilment of this prediction – it is clear today that the nation has not ceased to be “the apple of his eye.” What we will find intriguing are the long range prophecies Zechariah is caused to make, of events which are unfolding in our times. We read today, [Zechariah 3:9] “ … declares the LORD of hosts … I will remove the iniquity of the land in a single day.” In coming days we will read many more such predictions. We can see some parallels in God’s dealings with Job to his dealings with his nation. Job initially lacked faith and a long term vision as the nation did. Job admitted, “the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me.” [Job 3:25] Israel lost faith, it had no long term vision, its people only thought of the blessings of the present – and later, the lack of them. This is a lesson for us, are we doing the same? Look at the parable Jesus told which you will find in Luke 12:35-48; the final words, as usual, contain the ‘punch line’. “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrust much, they will demand the more.” God has entrusted his revealed word to us, indeed - to the whole world in these final times! For over 3 years Jesus preached in Israel. He said, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.” [John 15:22] Our final thoughts come from the end of our reading today of the short Epistle of Jude. May our prayer similarly be - “to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy …” [Jude 1:24] -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2012 21 December 2012 Job 28Zechariah 4; 5Revelation 1; 2 "IT CANNOT BE BOUGHT FOR GOLD" Job’s friends have given up reasoning with him! This is good, their point of view was a sort of tunnel vision arising from their conviction that his woes were the result of some concealed misbehavior on his part. Job now switches his thoughts more fully to perceptions of God and his ways – his thoughts are highly interesting to say the least.. It is evident that in his era there was extensive mining; he is understood to have lived in the time of the Patriarchs. Today’s chapter [Job 28] starts, “Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place for gold that they refine. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from the ore.” But after writing about man’s mining ability and “the thing that is hidden he brings to light” [Job 28:11] which is done so much today, especially in Australia, Job’s thoughts refocus on a more vital matter! He asks, “But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?” [Job 28:12] He then observes, “It cannot be bought for gold, and … cannot be weighed as its price. It cannot be valued …” [Job 28:15-16] adding, “it is hidden from the eyes of all living” [Job 28:21] The climax of this chapter reveals the answer and it is wonderful! Job says, “God understands the way to it … and he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear (awe) of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” [Job 28:23,28] Constant reading and meditation on God’s word creates in our minds the way to wisely think, speak and act – doing this becomes increasingly challenging, but this is even more vital as the world around us becomes so intensely ungodly.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 22, 2012 22 December 2012 Job 29; 30Zechariah 6; 7Revelation 3; 4 "NOT REALISING THAT YOU ARE ..." Our world is full of people who have no comprehension of what God is – many are convinced there is no God – allegedly wise men and women keep telling them this. Sadly most churches have little to say in protest at this state of things. We are now reading the book of Revelation and today in chapter 3 we completed the message Jesus sent through his angel (see Revelation 1:1) to 7 selected churches. We see these as representative of all the different types of churches, that is – congregations – that have existed through the ages. Each message starts with the words, “I know your works.” God’s all seeing power knows everything that is happening and Scripture employs various imagery of language to indicate this. We saw an example of this today in Zechariah 6 with 4 chariots who “go to patrol the earth” [Zechariah 6:7] The message in Revelation to the believers at Laodicea is ominous! It is a message that fits the condition of spiritual life today. It pictures a self-satisfied community who “are lukewarm, and who are neither hot or cold” and because of this “I will spit you out of my mouth” [Revelation 3:16] They say of themselves, that they “… have prospered and need nothing, not realising that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked” [Revelation 3:17] – in a spiritual sense. They need to “buy from me” says Jesus “white garments so that you may cloth yourself …” [Revelation 3:18] This takes our thoughts back to Revelation 3:4 and the message to the believers in Sardis where there were still “a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white … and I will never blot his (or her) name out of the book of life …” [Revelation 3:5] What are these garments? God’s message through Isaiah is frequently relevant to the messages in Revelation. Look at Isaiah 61:10 “I will greatly rejoice … for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness” to happen when “the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.” [isaiah 61:11] How essential it is to realize what we really are – from the perspective of our Lord. Jesus knows we are not perfect, but he said to those at Laodicea, “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him … ” [Revelation 3:20] Opening God’s word and reading it prayerfully every day surely means we are opening the door of our hearts to welcome our Lord into our minds. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 23 December 2012 Job 31; 32Zechariah 8Revelation 5; 6 “IF I HAVE …” ‘IF’ is a two letter word that often occurs in a significant context. In our reading in Job today, Job’s 3 friends give up on their vain attempts to say that Job must be a secret sinner. Their reasoning that he must be is because of all the bad things that had happened to him. But they can quote no evidence that he deserved them and in any case, the evidence that the wicked often prosper also undermined their way of reasoning. We noticed how, in Job 31, which is his final testimony, Job uses the word ‘IF’ no less than 18 times! He says if I have done this or that then I would be deserving of God’s punishments. We can meditate on this testimony and ask ourselves IF we could make the same wide sweeping series of claims. Let’s look at some examples. “If I have walked with falsehood” [Job 31:5] “been enticed toward a woman’ [Job 31:9] ‘made gold my trust’ [Job 31:24] ‘rejoiced because of my wealth’ [Job 31:25] worshipped the sun and moon [Job 31:26-28] ‘concealed my transgressions’ [Job 31:33] not made fair and proper use of the produce of my lands [Job 31:38-39] In these efforts to justify himself, which we can empathize with, Job also makes some other statements that add up to a challenge to us as to our responsibilities (in the sight of God) toward others. He says, “If I withheld anything that the poor desired, or caused the eye of the widow to fail, or have eaten my morsel alone and the fatherless have not eaten of it.’ [Job 31:16-17] “If I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing” [Job 31:19] and not looked after the traveller [Job 31:31-32] In this country the Government aims to provide for many of these things, but not always successfully. But in many other countries this is not the case at all.. But look at Job 31:29 “If I have rejoiced at the ruin of him who hated me, or exulted when evil overtook him” It needs a really spiritual heart to feel free from that human attitude. Job recognized God would hold him responsible for any failures to act and for having wrong attitudes. Pleasing God, Job knew, was not just a matter of avoiding doing bad things. Finally for all these things and for speaking of God “what is right” [Job 42:7] Job is, in the end, blessed abundantly. Let us try harder to follow in Job’s footsteps.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 24, 2012 24 December 2012 Job 33Zechariah 9Revelation 7; 8; 9 "THE REST OF MANKIND ... DID NOT REPENT ..." As we pondered the symbolic language of our Lord Jesus in his final message – a revelation given through his beloved disciple John - we were struck by the many different ways God has ultimately punished and destroyed those who have no time for him – often after a long period of grace looking to see in them a change of heart. There are two classes of people who suffer his punishment. First, those who claim to worship him, but are insincere or false in their worship and service. It can be said that they try to have the best of both ‘worlds.’ Second, there are those who have no time for God at all – especially those who have convinced themselves there is no God, no creator – that all that exists is the result of an incredible series of ‘accidents’ over endless ages. There is, of course, a small third group, those who are faithful, but who suffer at the hands of others, some of them become martyrs and we read of them yesterday in Revelation 6:9. Through the ages God has brought plagues upon both classes of people – we remember the plagues in Egypt in the days of Moses. The Egyptians surely had a memory of the blessings that the leadership of Joseph had brought to their nation! But human memories of good things always fade away – or become taken for granted. Is not this the spirit in the world today? As we read Revelation 9 with its’ ‘pictures’ of destruction and reflected on its probable application to particular events through the ages we came to the final 2 verses which say, “The rest of mankind … did not repent of the works of their hands … nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” [Revelation 9:20-21] Any sense of repentance these days for disregarding God’s laws has now more or less vanished. These words are specially a warning to our generation.. We called to mind how Jesus read from the Isaiah scroll in the synagogue; he found the place where it was written [isaiah 61:1-2] that his work would be “to proclaim the year (time) of the LORD’s favour” Then he stopped, but the next words of the scroll are “and the day of vengeance of our God” – and the world faces that ‘day’ now, for his return must be near. Finally, the world has reached the predicted time [Matthew 24:14] when people of all nations can read God’s word and see its challenge to believe in God’s gospel – and its warnings of coming divine punishment on a godless world. Tomorrow we will read of both the tragedy – and the triumph - that come with the opening of the final seal. . -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted December 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 25, 2012 25 December 2012 Job 34Zechariah 10Revelation 10; 11 "THERE WOULD BE NO MORE DELAY" In the Old Testament we read how often there were bad kings on the throne in Jerusalem that corrupted the people, or were corrupt because of the people, kings like Manasseh, yet God – from our human perspective – kept delaying in acting to destroy the Holy City and its Temple. Then in the New Testament Jesus wept over Jerusalem and forecast its destruction and that of the Temple. Yet 40 years elapsed after they crucified their Messiah before God’s judgements were carried out, in that time there was a great ingathering of individuals, who like, Paul, came to believe and serve Jesus with all their heart. Now, the message in Revelation indicates a humanly indeterminate length of time as God’s keeps watch over the affairs of human beings while our Lord our mediator, as “the Lamb of God (is) seated in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water …” [Revelation 7:17] and God’s word, for those who diligently read it, provides that living water. The time is to come when “there would be no more delay, but in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets” [Revelation 10:6-7] An example of this is our current reading in Zechariah. Today’s chapter, Zechariah 10, forecasts Israel’s return to their own land, “I will bring them back because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the LORD their God” [Zechariah 10:6] and “I will make them strong in the LORD and they shall walk in his name” [Zechariah 10:12] Back in Revelation in today’s chapter 11, we read, “the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever … The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged and for rewarding your servants … those who fear your name both small and great …” [Revelation 11:15, 18] No matter how small we feel in the affairs of the world, if we fear, that is, are in awe of all that God and His Son must be, let us redouble our efforts to serve them – not knowing how soon it will be before God says, there will “be no more delay”-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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