TFTBR - June 2013

[Resource Manager]

01 June 2013

Joshua 18
Isaiah 24
Hebrews 6; 7  

"HOLD FAST TO THE HOPE SET BEFORE US"

Our generation, more than ever before, struggles to have any long term hope and vision of the future!  The way ahead looks increasingly uncertain making the warning of Jesus about attitudes in the last days more and more evident, “Watch yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap … stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things …” [Luke 21:34-36]

All 3 of our readings today contain lessons that are in some way relevant.  Joshua [Joshua 18] reprimands 7 of the 12 tribes for making no progress in settling in the land, “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?”  [Joshua 18:3] How many are baptised (in a sense crossing the Jordan) but then make no real progress?

The LORD gives Isaiah [isaiah 24] an awesome word picture of his ultimate dismay, anger and actions toward a world that “lies defiled under its inhabitants’ so that “a curse devours the earth, and its inhabitants suffer for their guilt” [isaiah 24:5-6] This creates a time when “all joy has grown dark” [isaiah 24:11] and “its transgression lies heavy upon it, and it falls, and will not rise again.” [isaiah 24:20]

And so “on that day the LORD will punish the host of heaven” [isaiah 24:21], that is, all who have enjoyed prominence and did what the people wanted, leading them astray, morally and in every other way. All will be “ashamed, for the LORD of hosts reigns on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and his glory will be before his elders” [isaiah 24:23] This time is beyond our imagining! How wonderful to be an elder!

In Hebrews  “the unchangeable character of his (God’s) purpose” [Hebrews 6:17] is emphasized and Paul’s “desire (that) each one of you … show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish …” [Hebrews 6:11] like the 7 tribes Joshua reprimanded; but instead have “full assurance.”.

Let us more than ever desire to read and meditate on God’s word to help us fully develop that “assurance” – only there will we find “strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us” [Hebrews 6:18]  

Hebrews 7 stresses that Jesus is our High Priest and “he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” [Hebrews 7:25]  We all need the “intercession” of Jesus to help us to “hold fast” and increase our clear vision through constantly reading in the divine word of “the hope set before us.”  
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

02 June 2013

Joshua 19
Isaiah 25
Hebrews 8; 9

"I WILL BE MERCIFUL TOWARD THEIR INIQUITIES"

Our Hebrews reading includes a long quotation [Hebrews 8:8-12] from the prophet Jeremiah. This starts with “Behold the days are coming” and ends with “for they shall all know me (the LORD) from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

Hebrews shows how the old covenant through Moses had come to an end because “Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.” [Hebrews 8:6] Once again we see how the Bible has to be taken as a whole if we are to fully grasp what God has revealed to those seeking to have a relationship with him. We serve a merciful God, but we cannot expect him to be merciful if we have no real inclination to seek to know him.

What a marvellous picture we have in Isaiah today describing the result of those better promises! “He will swallow up death for ever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces … It will be said on that day, Behold this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us ... ” [isaiah 25:8-9]

Death swallowed up for ever! The whole world to ultimately becomes a Garden of Eden. There are more marvellous verses in the next chapter, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you.” [isaiah 26:3] because such know that God has been and “will be merciful toward their iniquities”

Yet this chapter has a sobering comment about “he who does not learn righteousness” [isaiah 26:9]. There are those, of whom it is stated, “They are dead, they will not live; … they will not arise; to that end you have visited them with destruction and wiped out all remembrance of them.” [isaiah 26:14].

A fitting conclusion to our thoughts is the last verse of our Hebrews reading, “so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” [Hebrews 9:28] How eager are you for this time? How are you showing your eagerness?
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

03 June 2013

Joshua 20; 21
Isaiah 26; 27
Hebrews 10  

"IF WE GO ON SINNING DELIBERATELY"

When we do our readings at the start of every day we like to look for something positive and encouraging to think about and comment upon, but we cannot ignore the scriptures which tell us we must show in the way we live our hope and our faith in that hope.  We are sad that some claim the Scriptures justify them in thinking and saying that once you are saved – you are always saved – regardless of your subsequent behaviour. Our readings today in Hebrews 10 spells out very plainly that this is not true.

We read, “let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.  For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment” [Hebrews 10:24-26]  and Hebrews 10:29 says such have “outraged the spirit of grace” that has been theirs because of their initial faith.

The chapter ends by encouraging the reader to make sure they “are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”  And we should also note how the previous chapter ended with the words, “Christ will appear a second time … to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”  May all those who are reading these words be in that category and experience the blessings from God given in today’s chapter in Isaiah [isaiah 26].  “You keep him (or her) in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.” [isaiah 26:3].

And as the godlessness of this world eventually leads to Divine judgement those who really trust God will fully take to heart Isaiah 26:20-21 in that chapter, “Come my people, enter your chambers and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by.  For behold the LORD is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity.”  The divine care at the time of God’s ultimate fury will also involve, said Jesus, the angels gathering his elect to safety [Matthew 24:31]  Let us all develop such strength of faith that we never sin deliberately.  
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

04 June 2013

Joshua 22
Isaiah 28
Hebrews 11  

"EVENTS AS YET UNSEEN"

As we examine all the varying parts of some chapters in God’s word, we marvel more and more at their message and meaning:  Hebrews 11 is outstanding in this. We should be familiar with it as the “faith” chapter. Real genuine faith, a conviction in our hearts about ‘things not yet seen’ with our eyes, is the ‘engine’ which drives those seeking to live righteous lives.  When that “engine” falters and then fails through lack of fuel, we are in trouble!  Our vehicle leaves the narrow way – and some vehicles crash disastrously!

Many examples of men and women of faith are given in today’s chapter, the one that is the most appropriate example for us is probably Noah.  Hebrews 11:7 tells us, “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen; in reverent fear constructed an ark … and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.”    

It is not clear how many years it took Noah and his sons to construct that massive 500 ft long boat with 3 decks, it could have been nearly 100 years (see Genesis 5:32; 7:6).  We can imagine there was much scoffing!  But note how Peter describes Noah as a herald or “preacher of righteousness” [2 Peter 2:5] - so he had a very positive attitude of mind – that arises from truly genuine faith.

“Events as yet unseen” loom over the world today, news items about global warming are getting more urgent as weather events grow more extreme. Events surrounding the Holy Land, especially to the north, are reaching crisis proportions and appear totally unsolvable, The U.N. is impotent – no solution is in sight – but God has the ultimate solution.

Our chapter tells us that all these faithful men and women “died in faith … having acknowledged they were strangers and exiles on the earth” [Hebrews 11:13]  Strangers!  Exiles! People possessing a different set of values because they have a different vision of the meaning of life,  Do you have that vision?   The chapter ends by making the point, “all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.”   Are you a part of “the us”? Are you making sure God’s word is providing you with ample ‘fuel’ for your faith.  
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

05 June 2013

Joshua 23; 24
Isaiah 29
Hebrews 12

"BE VERY CAREFUL THEREFORE TO ..."

Today we completed reading the book of Joshua. As Moses had done, Joshua gives a final message and appeal to the people to remain faithful to God. The essential thrust of his words are parallel to those of Moses, that is, it is vital they have the right spirit of mind in serving their God.

Joshua says “Be very careful therefore to love the LORD your God. For if you turn back …” [Joshua 23:11] The Apostle Paul wrote, “If anyone loves God he is known by God” [1 Corinthians 8:3] Utterly wonderful! and remember the words of Jesus! Look up John 14:21,23. Let us not “turn back.”

We learn that “Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua and had known all the work that the LORD did for Israel” [Joshua 24:31] but then, as we shall read in the book of Judges, their love and resultant service to God faltered, but their merciful God raised up judges to deliver them.

The ultimate and eternal Judge is made plain to us in our Hebrews reading. There is reference to the times of Moses when people were before the mountain of God and “ … so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear” [Hebrews 12:21] In contrast, we then read, “You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels … to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant.” [Hebrews 12:22,24]

What is our reaction to this ‘vision’ – this expectation? How does it compare to the people Joshua spoke to – and encouraged? The children, the teenagers, were not listening!

Look at the telling words at the end of our Hebrews chapter, “Let us be grateful for (the expectation of) 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.”

That ‘vision’ takes us to our chapter in Isaiah which pictures the ultimate time of “consuming fire” when “you will be visited by the LORD of hosts with thunder and with earthquake and great noise, with whirlwind and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire …. So shall the multitude of all the nations be that fight against Mount Zion.” [isaiah 29:6,8]

The world will “be visited by the LORD of hosts”! Utterly awesome - and the Apostle Paul’s wrote words which are very graphic – it is the time, ”when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” [2 Thessalonians 1:8] And so we repeat Joshua’s words, “Be very careful therefore to love the LORD your God.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

06 June 2013

Judges 1
Isaiah 30
Hebrews 13

"IN QUIETNESS AND IN TRUST"

God’s message through Isaiah in today’s chapter [isaiah 30] shows us that God’s nation was experiencing very uncertain times. Isaiah was God’s major prophet to the nation during the reign of King Hezekiah and there are 32 references to the king in chapters 36 to 39, this was the climax of Isaiah’s ministry, see Isaiah 1:1.

It was an era of both success and failure, a time when faith in God was severely challenged. The mass of the people had no clear vision of their God, many cities in the land were falling into enemy hands. Our chapter starts, “Ah stubborn children, declares the LORD, who carry out a plan but not mine …” They do things “without asking for my direction” [isaiah 30:2], they are “children unwilling to hear the instruction of the LORD” [isaiah 30:9] and tell God’s prophets, “speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions … let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.” [isaiah 30:11]

How parallel this is with attitudes in religious circles today! While there are no prophets today, there is God’s book, the Bible – but what is the attitude toward it! Quotations from it are filtered into generalities to make it acceptable to the modern mind – and very largely misrepresent God as a result.

God’s words through Isaiah are as true today as when they were first uttered, “Therefore, thus says the Holy One of Israel, because you despise this word and trust in oppression and perverseness and rely on them, therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach in a high wall, bulging out and about to collapse, whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant” [isaiah 30:12-13]

And so the time ultimately came “suddenly.” And so the time will come today! But God’s message through the prophet for those who believe and trust in him from their hearts is in Isaiah 30:15. “For thus said the Lord GOD … ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength” – but very few were willing to do this? Is that also the case today? Finally we noted Isaiah 30:18 “the LORD waits to be gracious to you, therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.”

But waiting is not a passive state of being; an essential part is feeding on God’s word which fills us with positive thoughts, and then sharing them with others who are doing the same.

Looking ahead to Isaiah 32 we find visionary words describing the end result for those with this aim in life, “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” [isaiah 32:17] May we all have that vision.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

07 June 2013

Judges 2; 3
Isaiah 31
James 1

"THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH PRODUCES"

Everything that humans make to be used regularly for some purpose – gets tested to make sure it is good enough for that purpose. James makes this simple yet important analogy at the start of his letter to his fellow Jews: the half-brother of Jesus he became the spokesman for the large congregation of believers at Jerusalem [Acts 15:13-19] The foundation component in the character of a believer is faith – and James makes the point, that each one’s faith has to be tested if it is to become strong. It is essential believers have a positive frame of mind when facing up to the challenges of life which are often challenges to their faith. Now these are sometimes caused by God to put them to the test and to cause their faith to become stronger as a result of overcoming them.

James tells the believing Jews scattered throughout the world [James 1:1], “Count it all joy , my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” [James 1:2] This is the foundation component of a Christ-like character. BUT note the point that James then adds, “Let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing.” [James 1:3]

In other words – become so steadfast – so committed to living by faith – that this becomes your permanent frame of mind to carry you through the rest of your life. The essential focus of faith is faith in God – it is the foundation to having a real relationship with him and his son.

If you sense you “lack wisdom” (and who is all-wise?) James says, “let him (or her) ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given … but let him ask in faith, with no doubting…” [James 1:5-6] The one who doubts is like the waves of the sea “driven and tossed by the wind.” [James 1:6] However, the more they are in the boat together (with Christ as their captain), the more they will meet the challenges to their faith.

One major proof of possessing a faith that has become strong is the degree you sense you are “working together with God.” [2 Corinthians 6:1] and that your life is in his hands (see 2 Corinthians 6:16).

Finally, note James 1:12, “Blessed is the man (or woman) who remains steadfast under trial, for when he (or she) has stood the test they will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those that love him.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

08 June 2013

Judges 4; 5
Isaiah 32
James 2

“THE EFFECT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS …”

Our chapter in Isaiah starts with a vision of the ultimate future, “Behold a king will reign in righteousness and princes will rule in justice” - how wonderful when God’s king reigns – and the whole world will then have to acknowledge what is the right way to live. However – ignore the chapter break and see that the king reigning in righteousness follows a time when the LORD has acted!! “whose fire is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.” As a result, “the fool will no longer be called noble, and the scoundrel said to be honourable” [isaiah 32:5] and we cannot help but think of at least some of our politicians!

The next verse says “the fool speaks folly, and his heart is busy with iniquity to practice ungodliness and utter error concerning the LORD” So many have convinced themselves there is no LORD to worry about - and his Son who is to “reign in righteousness” are just figments of human imagination. As a result, they practice every kind of unrighteousness.

This attitude will be the state of human minds “until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high … then justice will dwell … and righteousness abide … and the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever”. [isaiah 32:15-17]

The next verse says, “My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places” We meditate on those God will count as “My people” – may that include us – you – but how much is this world attracting and distracting us - you?

Our chapter in James laments that some were not putting their faith they claimed to have into action and gives as an example, Rahab. We can include Deborah of whom we read today in Judges 4; 5 and the effect she had on Barak and he on others. Faith in action is contagious. James makes the point, “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone” [James 2:24] “The effect of (our) righteousness is seen in the way we put the faith - we believe we have - into action – into works - and are ready and waiting for when “the Spirit is poured (upon us and the world) from on high”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

09 June 2013

Judges 6
Isaiah 33
James 3; 4

"THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE IS FIRST PURE"

The Bible contains the true wisdom from above – but the human mind misuses it; that is why there are so many different churches.  We must feed on the whole of God’s word, the more we read the more we will sense the true spirit of its message – and highlight the  parts which are most relevant to the circumstances in which we personally live.

When we have grasped it in its purity and seen the ‘wisdom’ of its meaning and revelation of what we should believe and how we should behave and live, the words of James 3:17 we read today will come fully alive in our minds and prove true for all those who have prayerfully read God’s word regularly..  

This verse tells us that “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” And when we really possess it - it leads, the next verse tells us, to a “harvest of righteousness” which is “is sown in peace by those who make peace”  

This “harvest” will be gathered in and fully appreciated and enjoyed in the age that is now very near – but until then, James says, “Be patient therefore brothers (and sisters) until the coming of the Lord … establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand … we consider those blessed who remain steadfast” [James 5:7,8,11].
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

10 June 2013

Judges 7; 8
Isaiah 34
James 5  

“THE LORD HAS A DAY OF VENGEANCE”  

It is human nature to try to be optimistic about the future. It is understandable that human beings want to think positively, to highlight their good expectations.  However, as 2013 progresses there is uncertainly in and among many nations about many things and storm clouds are building up around the world, especially around God’s Holy Land.

Our chapters in both Isaiah and James refer to a final time of great trouble for the world.  In both the 19th and 20th Centuries there were those who anticipated they were living in that time – but No – human life has continued on - more or less ‘normally’ – whatever normally is!?

Isaiah forecast a time when, “the LORD is enraged against all the nations and furious against all their host [isaiah 34:2].  Isaiah 34:8 is most significant, “For the LORD has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion.”    Zion is Jerusalem and nearly all nations are negative in their attitude toward Jerusalem and Israel -  the few that are not cannot be said to be supportive of God’s special nation.

We noted that Edom is mentioned 3 times [isaiah 34:5,6,9] in this chapter.   When Abraham’s grandson Jacob was renamed Israel, his brother Esau was renamed Edom! [Genesis 25:30]  Highly interesting!  When Israel under Moses were about to enter their promised land we read “now are the chiefs of Edom dismayed; trembling seizes the leaders …” [Exodus 15:15]. These are the words of Moses song in anticipation of what God is soon to accomplish for his nation.  Isaiah’s chapter states the time is coming when God’s “sword … descends for judgment upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction” [isaiah 34:5] and “all its princes shall be nothing.” [isaiah 34:12]

James, in his letter, warns the rich, “You have laid up treasure for the last days … howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.” [James 5:3,1] He tells the believers, “Be patient therefore … until the coming of the Lord … establish your hearts” [James 5:7-8] He emphasizes this, “Behold we consider those blessed who remain steadfast … the Lord is compassionate and merciful” [James 5:11]

May we all remain steadfast in faith!  Our Lord does indeed have “a day of vengeance”!  But James final point – is a point to ponder – does it spur you to take any action?  He writes, “…. If anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”  But first, have you saved your own soul?  Yes!  So does this verse challenge you to any action?
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

11 June 2013

Judges 9
Isaiah 35
1 Peter 1

"PREPARING YOUR MINDS FOR …"

There is a lot of emphasis on physical fitness these days – but what about the “fitness” of our minds? Today we start reading the Epistles of Peter; what inspiring words we find here. He tells his readers, who are “exiles” [1 Peter 1:1] - and true believers are more and more like “exiles” in this world - that the “Father of our Lord Jesus Christ- according to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable ….” [1 Peter 1:3-4] He then says “the inheritance … is kept in heaven for you” – and we learn in Revelation 22:12 that at his coming our Lord is bringing this reward with him.

Peter stresses that they should - “therefore (be), 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.” [1 Peter 1:13] How close are we to the revealing of our Lord?

The world around us is in increasing chaos, somewhat comparable to the chaos we read of today in Judges 9; this was caused by Abimelech, and it lead ultimately to his death as “God returned the evil of Abimelech … and … also the evil of the men of Shechem returned on their heads…” [Judges 9:56-57] Even so – this will soon be the case in our world.

Peter also tells his readers they have been “ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers … with the precious blood of Christ …(being) believers in God who raised him from the dead, so that your faith and hope are in God.” 1 Peter 1:18,19,21]

Peter also refers to “the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours … the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories” [1 Peter 1:10-11]

Our Isaiah chapter gives us a wonderful word picture of these glories to come when “the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” [isaiah 35:10] and “they shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.” [isaiah 35:2] – therefore “say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong, fear not” [isaiah 35:4] – with this in mind let us all complete the “preparing of (y)our minds.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

12 June 2013

Judges 10; 11
Isaiah 36
1 Peter 2

“LONG FOR THE PURE SPIRITUAL MILK”

What is “pure” in this world? Ways of living are corrupted in various ways, there is constant friction as everyone wants to do “what is right in their own eyes” as the very last words in the Book of Judges tells us of that era. In reaction to this our opening quotation from the writings of Peter are very appropriate – as an essential counter-weight – to tip the scales in our minds towards God.

The break between chapters 1 and 2 in Peter’s 1st Epistle is unfortunate; start reading from verse 24 in chapter 1 and see what a meaningful (and blunt) message Peter is making. “'All flesh is like grass … the grass withers … but the word of the Lord remains forever.' And this word is the good news that was preached to you, so put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation” [1 Peter 1:24-25; 2:1-2]

In those days, far more than today, newborn babes had to be fed on their mother’s milk if they were to survive in a meaningful way – remember how Moses, the babe in the bulrushes survived? (Exodus 2:2-9)

We note Peter’s point “the word of the Lord remains forever” – but that word is being watered right down today – often only little bits are being quoted so they can support humanistic reasoning.

We need the purity of God’s word more than ever if we are to “grow up to salvation.” Just 2 weeks ago in Hebrews we read that “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] Humanly speaking – it is ‘dangerous’ to read it carefully! But Peter links the word with Jesus who was “the word made flesh.” He says “you come to him as a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious” [1 Peter 2:4]. He then observes what at first seems remarkable, “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood …” [1 Peter 2:5]

In 1 Peter 2:9 he see that believers are called “a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” That “light” becomes so marvelous as we feed our minds on Scripture and “grow up to salvation” that we have less and less difficulty in putting out of our minds the things of the world that once had some attraction for us.

Let us all make sure we have plenty of “pure spiritual milk” every day.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

13 June 2013

Judges 12; 13
Isaiah 37
1 Peter 3; 4; 5

"ANYONE WHO ASKS YOU ..."

The 3 short chapters we read in 1 Peter today contain a whole range of thought provoking points most of which we can apply to the situations which now surround us when so many no longer believe there is A God. Peter reasons with believers, “who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” [1 Peter 3:13]. Let us be zealous in this way, not just inclined toward the good way of living.

Peter tells them, “… In your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” [1 Peter 3:15] But in what spirit do you make this defence? Peter says, “do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience …” [1 Peter 3:16] Later he makes the point, “ … they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you, but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead.” [1 Peter 4:4-5]

Dead in what sense? Consider what Paul told the Ephesians, “And you were dead in trespasses and sins … But God being rich in in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses made us alive …” [Ephesians 2:1,4,5]

May it yet be the case that some will wake up to the folly of “living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies …” [1 Peter 4:3] and look for real meaning in their lives. Peter was obviously conscious of the prophesied end of the Temple; on the Mount of Olives Jesus had said, “the one who endures to the end will be saved.” [Mark 13:13] and spoke a parable about calling labourers even “at the eleventh hour” [Matthew 20:6]

Peter knew the end of the Temple must be near, but no one knew the time when Christ would come, that was almost the last point Jesus had made [Acts 1:6-7] before ascending to heaven. Peter knew that for Jerusalem, “the end of all things is at hand’ - so he told them “be self-controlled and sober-minded …Above all, keep loving one another earnestly…” [1 Peter 4:7-8] When all that seems stable in life starts falling apart, how much will believers need one another! Peter adds, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you … but rejoice insofar as you share in Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” [1 Peter 4:12-13].

The chapter ends, “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly … Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” Part of that “doing good” is ”being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” as labourers in God’s vineyard at “the eleventh hour”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

14 June 2013

Judges 14; 15
Isaiah 38
2 Peter 1; 2

" ... IT WAS FROM THE LORD"

We have 3 really challenging sections of Scripture to read today. In Judges we learn how God allowed human desires to be fulfilled, although unspiritual, but he then weaves them into his purpose: this is observable in several parts of Scripture. The ‘superman’ Samson, possessed of remarkable physical strength, desires a Philistine as a wife. He needs his parents to arrange this – they object and say, “Is there not a woman among our own people.” [Judges 14:3]

But Samson is adamant, he wants the Philistine woman – “Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes.” His father and mother did not know that it was from the LORD, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines.” We learn from this that God usually allows the human will to take its course – yet he can weave this into his purpose – as he did here. The rest of this chapter and the next illustrate this. In the resultant destruction the woman and her parents die and more than a 1,000 Philistines: some of it is civil war – are present events in Syria a parallel example in working out the, as yet unseen, will of the LORD?

In Isaiah we have a somewhat similar situation. King Hezekiah is told by the prophet, “Thus says the LORD; set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover.” [isaiah 38:1]The King prays and “weeps bitterly” and the LORD responds, “Behold I will add 15 years to your life” [isaiah 38:5] – but, as we shall see, those 15 years have a big effect on Israel’s subsequent history.

Our 2 chapters in 2 Peter are awesome in their description of God’s ultimate purpose in bringing great judgements on the world because it becomes totally godless. Yet, at the same time, says Peter, “the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials” [2 Peter 2:9]. Paul wrote, “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted (tested) 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] It is evident Paul is writing from personal experience.

How wonderful that God provides “a way of escape” for the godly! But we must each ask ourselves, ‘Does God count me as godly?’ We look at the ‘godly’ in the scriptures, they all had blemishes, Samson is a particular example – and suffered for it – but was listed among the men of faith in Hebrews 11:32.

Peter’s words warning of the coming evil are most appropriate to the way the world is now developing. Human beings have “eyes full of adultery insatiable for sin … hearts trained in greed … they are slaves of corruption” [2 Peter 2:14,19] How tragic for believers, “if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world, they are again entangled in them and overcome … it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness.” [2 Peter 2:20-21]. A warning we must heed. In all this, we see glimpses of events that are “from the Lord” for events are “according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” [Ephesians 1:11]
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

15 June 2013

Judges 16
Isaiah 39
2 Peter 3  

"TO BE FOUND BY HIM WITHOUT  ..."

Our world is anxious!  After the big world wars in Europe and Asia ended in 1945 there was a lot of positive talk about a better future, the United Nations was set up – Germany and Japan had been humbled. This positive talk was again evident when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990.

But ... Yes, but, the older generation especially, are conscious that all that confidence in the future has evaporated. Every thinking person, whether they recognise there is a God or not, is conscious our world faces a very uncertain future.  Problems are multiplying, about over population, extremist nations – more of them possessing powerful weapons, more violent weather, financial instability, &c.

In his final chapter in his 2nd letter Peter says, “you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of our Lord and Saviour through your apostles, knowing this first of all 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 3:2-4] He then reminds them how “the world” in the days of Noah “perished” [2 Peter 3:6] – not that the physical earth perished, but the people.

Peter then writes, “the heavens and the earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgement and destruction of the ungodly.” [2 Peter 3:7]  The only hope – in the face of such a future - is to found in the promises of God such as we read recently in Isaiah.  Peter expresses this hope in 2 Peter 3:13, his certain expectation that “according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

“New heavens” – that is, new rulers, the immortalized saints [Revelation 20:6; 2 Timothy 2:12] reigning with Christ over “a new earth” with the inhabitants living at peace and learning righteousness [isaiah 26:9-10]

“We are waiting for” this era, so “what sort of people” asks Peter “ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness” [2 Peter 3:11] “Be diligent”, Peter stresses, “to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of the Lord as salvation …” [2 Peter 3:14-15]  With the world becoming more godless and evil, introducing more laws that encourage ungodly ways of living – how much longer is our Creator going to be patient?

Make sure you are one of “the sort of people” with lives of “holiness and godliness” he will send his angels to gather to his son because they “are waiting for …the coming of the day of God.”  When the rest of 2 Peter 3:12 is fulfilled we hope it is not meant in too much of in a literal way, but that is in God’s hands.  Are you in his hands?
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

16 June 2013

Judges 17; 18
Isaiah 40
1 John 1; 2

“EVEN YOUTHS SHALL FAINT”

It is being said that this is a world for young people: meaning that the young people are growing up in a much different world and are being trained to cope with and make use of all the technological wonders of the 21st Century.

Never before has the world changed so much in one generation. But most young people are living for the here and now, what experiences is it possible to have this month, this year – and maybe, next year?

We read in the book of Judges today of those living with the thought of what they could achieve now when “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” [Judges 17:6] with the spirit that might was right as illustrated in Judges 18:21-26.

The reading in Isaiah 40 was such a contrast! But there was one part that wasn’t, Isaiah 40:6-8, where we read, “All flesh is grass and all its beauty is like the flower of the field, The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass.”

Then in Isaiah 40:30 are words which particularly caught our eyes, “even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted” Why is this? Because their “way is hidden from the LORD”, they do not want to live in the sight of God, most are not even sure there is a God! How many do not even want to believe he exists?

Now we come to take keen notice of the wonderfully positive things that are written in this chapter – that God “gives power to the faint and to him who has no might he increases strength … they that wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” [isaiah 40:29,31] When will this happen?

Isaiah 40:10-11 tells us, “Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm (Jesus) rules for him; and his recompense is before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.” In one sense we are all young in the sight of God so we finish with an apt quote from today’s N.T. reading, “little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.” [1 John 2:28]
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

17 June 2013

Judges 19
Isaiah 41
1 John 3; 4

"WE ARE GOD'S CHILDREN NOW”

John’s epistles are very personal, they are for those who really believe from their hearts. He is asking them to fully appreciate their relationship with their Lord and with the eternal Father.

1 John 3 starts, “See what kind of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” [1 John 3:1-2]

Let us have this hope, this expectation fully in our minds – noting 1 John 3:3, “Everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself (and herself) as he is pure”

The contrast between what is pure and what is impure is increasing every year – Let us live so that “we are God’s children now.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

18 June 2013

Judges 20
Isaiah 42
1 John 5

“THIS IS THE VICTORY”

Humanly speaking, the victory we read about today in 1 John 5 was a strange kind of victory. “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world,” writes John, and then he adds, “And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith” [1 John 5:4]. What is faith? The answer is simple! Or is it? It has to be an active faith, to prove it is real faith.

Consider the disciples, they were 12 ordinary men, most of them fishermen and they witnessed many miracles, but this did not create a permanent state of faith in them, think how often Jesus had to chide them, “Oh you of little faith” (Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:31., &c) Then came the reality of their Master’s resurrection – and they were ‘new’ men!

As the message of Christ went out into a pagan world how great was the challenge for the pagans to experience genuine conversion. Remarkably an ongoing faith developed that spurred so many on to be faithful in the face of all sorts of persecution.

Paul in his letters reminds them “how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” [1 Thessalonians 1:9-10] These former pagans now had a conviction as to the real nature of the Creator of all things and who had sent his Son into the world. They learnt that “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.” [Hebrews 11:6] This is an active and victorious faith!

Today the fiction of evolution is a major challenge to many to have a victorious faith.. We must turn from this human fiction to the reality of “our faith” that it “is the victory” that enables us to “overcome the world” It is the reality of “our faith” that is going to inspire us as this world becomes even more ungodly..

At the end of our chapter today John stresses “We know the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ” [1 John 5:20] A real faith leads us inevitably to know God, to have a prayerful relationship with him, a relationship which keeps developing as we feed on his word every day to create a state of mind that will lead us to “victory” when it is put to a final test as this world collapses when Christ is at the door - but, wonderfully, the “oil” of real faith is in our lamps. Let’s all make sure it is!
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

19 June 2013

Judges 21
Isaiah 43
2 John 1; 3 John 1  

"... IN HIS OWN EYES"

Today we completed reading the book of Judges.  This covers the period after the death of Joshua who brought the people of Israel across the Jordan after their wanderings in the wilderness; wanderings completed when Moses died. Joshua oversees their establishment as a nation in the promised land.  After he died the nation did not function very well, they rallied to serve God somewhat better when a particular Judge inspired them, but most of the time, as the final words of the book tells us, “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

We read of some of the actions that took  place that were really evil and made unpleasant reading, but the fact is, the Bible is honest, it does not gloss over unpleasant things, it tells us life as it really is – it is truthful.

One thing we noticed in the final chapter was that the people, now anxious to keep to God’s ways, felt themselves bound to keep to the oaths they had “sworn by the Lord” [Judges 21:7] although this created great difficulty in providing wives for the remaining 600 men of the tribe of Benjamin.  We are reminded of Numbers 30 from verse 3 onwards and the responsibility of a father to try to oversee any oath, i.e vow, his daughter or wife may make.

We think of the vows that should be made (or used to be) at a marriage ceremony that those present are gathered together ‘in the presence of God’ to hear their commitment in marriage “until death do us part” – or, as we often add, “until our Lord returns’ and they, by the grace of God, become immortal and the whole meaning and purpose of their life - and our lives - changes.

But today so many do what is right in their own eyes!  How much longer before God really shows his anger on our unrighteous world? The only love of so many in our world is ‘self-love.’   But let us note what we read today in 2 John 1:6, 8, “this is love, that we walk according to his commandments … Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what you have worked for; but may win a full reward.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

20 June 2013

Ruth 1; 2
Isaiah 44
Jude 1

“BUILD YOURSELVES UP …”

There is a fair amount of promotion of the need for body building and physical fitness these days. It is a pity there is not as much – indeed more – emphasis on being spiritually fit, it is far more needed – and vital for our own eternal well-being. Our thoughts were provoked along these lines as we read today the 25 verses of the short letter of Jude.

He starts by telling us he is the brother of James, so it is usually accepted that he is another half-brother of Jesus. In Matthew 13:55, we see that Jesus had a (half) brother, Judas is well as one named James. We assume he is writing in his old age, he addresses “those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ” [Jude 1:1]. Jude sees much evidence of declining faith and writes “appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” [Jude 1:3]

There is one true faith – a right way of believing and living, but some “pervert the grace of God into sensuality …” [Jude 1:4] and this in effect means they “deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” We show we believe not only by our words but by how we live and Jude gives examples from history of so many who, although they made ‘offerings’ to God “walked in the way of Cain” and of Balaam and Korah (son of Aaron) who all had intimate knowledge of things divine but who acted in evil ways. [Jude 1:11]

Jude was obviously living in the last days of the Jewish nation, but his warnings of the approaching end are very applicable to today. “You must remember,” he writes, “the predictions of the apostles … they said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers … who cause divisions, worldly people. But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith … keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” [Jude 1:18-21] Only by such building up will we gain eternal life.

The result of genuinely doing this will be a real living relationship with our Lord “who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.” [Jude 1:24] Let us build ourselves up to a genuine state of spiritual fitness, feeding on God’s word every day is an essential part of our diet.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

21 June 2013

Ruth 3; 4
Isaiah 45
Revelation 1; 2

“MAY YOU ACT WORTHILY”

Yesterday and today we read the lovely story of Ruth. We saw the outcome of the faithfulness of this woman, who had been widowed early in life. She supported her grieving mother-in-law, Naomi and although not born an Israelite, she told Naomi, “Your people shall be my people, and your God shall be my God.” [Ruth 1:16]

Her action is a telling example to those who believe in Christ – of the commitment they are making. Boaz, who marries Ruth, becomes the “redeemer” (Ruth 4:7 onwards). Together they become the grandparents of Jesse, the father of David. Those who witnessed the commitment of Boaz to Ruth say ‘May the LORD make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel (Jacob). May you act worthily …”

This takes our thoughts to the book of Revelation which we started reading today. The first thing John is told is to address 7 churches (Revelation 1:4 onwards) and to, “Write what you see in a book” [Revelation 1:11]. The essence of each message to them is “may you act worthily.” But sadly that is not always the case – such is human nature.

Each letter starts with “I know your works” because Jesus now has the power to see and know all that believers are thinking and doing. The first message is to the believers at Ephesus. He praises their “patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil …” [Revelation 2:2] But then we read, “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not ….” [Revelation 2:4-5]

Jesus expects whole hearted love from those who take on his name; they have shown their commitment and love of him by being baptised, an action which identifies them with his death and resurrection, for that is what it symbolizes. (see Romans 6:3-11) His letter to Ephesus ends by telling them, “To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” [Revelation 2:7]

That paradise (a world-wide garden – remember the garden in Eden) - is on earth – and the eating of the tree from which Adam and Eve were banished refers to the reward of eternal life on earth in God’s kingdom when Jesus returns. “May you act worthily”- may all believers “conquer” all hindrances. How wonderful if that could be so, Finally, think on what Jesus said in his message to the believers at Thyatira, “hold fast what you have until I come.” [Revelation 2:25]
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

22 June 2013

1 Samuel 1
Isaiah 46; 47
Revelation 3; 4  

“YOU SAY I AM RICH …”

We continue reading the thought challenging last book in the Bible – the message of Jesus given through his disciple John. We are fascinated by how much of it includes detailed allusions to the Old Testament, for instance our reading today of Isaiah 47 (note Isaiah 47:3,8,9 and onwards) is about the pride and fall of Babylon. We will see as we read  Revelation that passages such as Revelation 18:5-8, 20 &c have a close parallel with what we read in Isaiah.  Those who study it deeply perceive a close resemblance between the original Babylon and a latter day spiritual Babylon.

Revelation 3 contains the final 3 letters to the different churches; some think they can see parallels in the history of the life of the church;  the final letter having an application to Christianity in these last days. It seems applicable!  Jesus condemns the last named community of believers at Laodicea for being “lukewarm” [Revelation 3:16] and says, because you are “neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth”.

They do not see themselves as Jesus sees them.  He tells then, “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and need nothing ...”   They do not realize that they, in Christ’s sight, “are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked.”   That is in a spiritual sense of course.

This reminds us of the scribes and Pharisees Jesus often reproved as he walked around Israel.  Remember his comments about a Pharisee’s self-righteousness in praying in the Temple?  See Luke 18:11-12.  Jesus counsels the Laodiceans to “buy from me gold, refined by fire that you may be rich, and white garments …” [Revelation 3:18]  

Pure gold is the equivalent of pure faith – and it is God’s word, constantly and prayerfully used, that creates the essential foundation of true belief that leads to the gold of pure and sure faith.  Jesus tells the Laodiceans, “Behold I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door; I will come into him … I will grant him (or her) to sit with me on my throne …” [Revelation 3:20-21]  Unimaginable “riches” indeed!  

We are prompted to see parallels in the last message in the Old Testament, “Who can endure the day of his coming… for he is like a refiner’s fire … he will purify the sons of Levi (the priesthood) and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.”  [Malachi 3:2-3]

Our Revelation chapter ends by telling us, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  That is the essential reason why we must all feed our mind on God’s word every day.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

23 June 2013

1 Samuel 2
Isaiah 48
Revelation 5; 6  

“A GOD OF KNOWLEDGE”  

Today we read a most remarkable prayer and we will benefit from meditating on the depth of its meaning. It is a prayer by the mother of the child Samuel. It is more than a prayer of thanksgiving.  Let’s pick out some of the more significant parts, starting from 1 Samuel 2:2 “… there is no rock like our God. Talk no more very proudly … for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed” [1 Samuel 2:3]  What does it mean, that he is “a God of knowledge”?  The fact that the prayer continues that “by him actions are weighed” shows he is a God of knowing all that is happening … everywhere. And we have seen in Revelation that the exalted Son of God had and used this power.

Hannah, the mother of the child Samuel goes on to pray, “The LORD kills and brings to life … the LORD makes poor and makes rich” [1 Samuel 2:7]  This is a result of him weighing our actions, and knowing our true motives.

Further on in the chapter we read, “Now the sons of Eli were worthless men.  They did not know the LORD” [1 Samuel 2:12]. They served, as Levites, in the tabernacle at Shiloh, but they did not have a living relationship with him, they served themselves, they did not realize that Israel’s God knew everything.  

We thought of this even more as we read Revelation 4.  Here is a remarkable symbolic picture of the Almighty seeing all things.  Consider the vision of God’s throne room, “and around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind” [Revelation 4:6]. This pictures for us the all-seeing nature of the great Creator God over his creation.

An integral part of the oversight of God is the angelic hosts, for John “heard around the throne the living creatures and the elders, the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands.” [Revelation 5:11] Truly, we serve an all knowing “God of knowledge” let us not be like the sons of Eli. Indeed let us be the opposite, we should see the life of Samuel is an inspiring example to us.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

24 June 2013

1 Samuel 3
Isaiah 49
Revelation 7; 8; 9

"A GREAT MULTITUDE THAT NO ONE COULD NUMBER"                                                                      

The book of Revelation, while containing many visions of a symbolic nature that indicate the fate of the godless, also includes some plain statements of the future for those who are in awe of their Creator and who spend their lives aiming to serve him in an acceptable way.  

Today’s 7th chapter begins with a picture of those “sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel” [Revelation 7:4].  Then the vision opens out in Revelation 7:9-10; “after this I looked, and behold a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”

This event was prefigured when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey and the crowd “took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him” [John 12:13] and the crowd said, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.”  These words will find their real fulfilment when Jesus comes again.  The symbol of the white robes is explained in Revelation 7:14 “These are the ones coming out of great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” We can understand the symbolic language here.

As we read on into Revelation 9 we see more symbolic language about the terrible fate of the godless as this world ends.  Also in Revelation 8 we read with great interest the word “wormwood” which has the same underlying meaning as the word Chernobyl where the Russian nuclear tragedy occurred some years ago; it was only after the terrible tragedies in Japan with the earthquake and tsunami that the horrible detail of Chernobyl fully came to light – and its ongoing tragic consequences.  We read, “A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water …” [Revelation 8:11]

Revelation 9 tells us of the final terrible judgements, “but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads” [Revelation 9:4] will suffer.  How vital to be among the “sealed”.  We started with the quote about those “sealed from every tribe in Israel” - this ties in with today’s Isaiah reading,  “Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold , I will lift my hand to the nations … and they shall bring your sons … and your daughters … Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who wait for me shall not be put to shame.” [isaiah 49:22-23]  

World crises are increasing, especially near God’s Holy Land – Lord, how long? At that time Israel will know! But the question for each one of us is - will I be among that “great multitude”? How we live now provides the answer.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

25 June 2013

1 Samuel 4
Isaiah 50
Revelation 10; 11

“MORNING BY MORNING”

The prophecy of Isaiah is like a mine into which we dig for godly thoughts and illuminating visions, but these are sometimes set against a backdrop of failure in God’s nation. Today’s 50th chapter starts, “Thus says the LORD” but the message is one of dismay at their ungodliness, “Why, when I called , was there no one to answer? … have I no power to deliver? [isaiah 50:2] Of course he has power – but there must be a response to his message.

The prophet says, “The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him (or her) who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught … and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward” [isaiah 50:4-5] What of us “morning by morning”? Are we listening, we listen today by reading his word, we must not be seen as “rebellious.”

Isaiah then pre-figures a far greater prophet than himself, one who would say, “I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting” [isaiah 50:6 - see Matthew 26:67 when they spit at Jesus]. Then we noted Isaiah 50:10 and surely this is a question for us: “Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant? (note Isaiah 42:1-4) Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.” Darkness surely covers the world today.

If “morning by morning” we awaken to learn more from his word our vision of God will grow and grow – and one day we will echo the words of the elders in today’s reading of chapter 11 in Revelation: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty; who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name ….” [Revelation 11:17-18]

Let us fear, that is, be in awe of all that God and His Son must be - “morning by morning” – also being ready to sustain him or her “who is weary” – let us do this today and every day.
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- DC