TFTBR - December 2013

[Resource Manager]

01 December 2013

Esther 9; 10
Jonah 1
Hebrews 6; 7

"A SURE AND STEADFAST ANCHOR"

Hebrews 6 today highlights the example of Abraham and his faith in God. The events of his life illustrate the need for patience in waiting for God to fulfil his promises – and so we read, “Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise” [Hebrews 6:15]. The account in Genesis shows how he and his wife Sarah’s faith was tested to the limit before God’s promise was fulfilled and Sarah herself gave birth to a son. This illustrates the ways of God in dealing with those he has called to serve him. His purpose will be fulfilled in His time.

This world is now so evil it offers us no future, not that it ever did. Today’s world has virtually nothing of any spiritual value; we see an ever more chaotic state of affairs in so many countries, political conflict is increasing in democratic countries. Against this background, how true are the words we read in Hebrews about the certainty of the promise of God that “we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor” [Hebrews 6:18-19]. Maybe we have not sensed (as yet) that we “have fled for refuge”? Will we feel motivated for such action when the situation reaches that stage?

We thought of this in contrast to the mariners in the ship with Jonah as we read today of their desperation when “there was a mighty tempest of the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up” [Jonah 1:4], just as this world threatens to break up with the nations becoming more disunited than ever – within themselves and between one another.

In the New Testament Jesus makes a strange statement in response to “the scribes and Pharisees … he answered them, An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah” [Matthew 12:38-39] ; he states that just as Jonah was in the “belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” [Matthew 12:40].

How few still believe that sign - and that Jesus died and rose again? Yet the history of the rest of the First Century and thereafter defies explanation if that did not really happen. This fact is “a sure and steadfast anchor” as to the reality of the foundation of our faith as the tempests of this world grow ever greater.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

02 December 2013

Job 1; 2
Jonah 2; 3
Hebrews 8; 9

"DO YOU STILL HOLD FAST YOUR INTEGRITY?"

Today we started to read the book of Job: it has a powerful message, indeed an important message for us. But it is a strange book in the way the message is conveyed. We have come to the conclusion that it is an extended parable although built on an actual person and events. We need to read it exercising our minds on the events which lie behind this parable and what these led to..

Our understanding is that “when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan (the ESV footnote says, ‘the adversary’ – and this is the meaning of the Hebrew and how it is translated in passages such as 1 Samuel 29:4; 2 Samuel 19:22; 1 Kings 5:4 &c) … Satan came among them” [Job 1:6] This is picturing, we suggest, how the LORD sees the hearts and attitudes of those assembled for worship before him (cf. Revelation 2:23) and in doing that he perceives any jealousies in their minds.

Job “was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” [Job 1:1] But because he was so successful in material things, another worshipper was jealous and thinks in his mind, and maybe says aloud to some, “Does Job fear God for no reason?” [Job 1:9] He is thinking Job is only in attendance before God for the material benefits of doing so. This ‘parable’ illustrates that this is not the case and this is another lesson for us..

Job’s response to his wife, after calamities befall them and she says, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die” was to say, “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] It is interesting to study the various contexts in which the Hebrew word, translated here as ‘evil’ occurs, for e.g. Psalm 10:6 where it is translated, “adversity.” Consider all the “evil” Paul experienced when he turned to serve Jesus.

It is not until we come to the end of the book that we see the essential point the book is conveying to us. Job confesses to God, “I had heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I repent in dust and ashes.” [Job 42:5-6] We can say, we have read of God and reasoned in our minds as to what he must be – but how fully do we “see”? Paul told the Ephesians to have “the eyes of your hearts enlightened” [Ephesians 1:18]

The ‘parable’ is complete in the final verses of the book when Job’s losses are restored “And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before …and the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning” [Job 42:10,12] We can see its application to the fulfilment of the promise of resurrection and the glories of God’s kingdom, “Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.” [Revelation 2:10] Let us hold fast to our integrity – and “receive the crown of life” - not being distracted by present adversity or adversaries.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

03 December 2012

Job 3; 4
Jonah 4
Hebrews 10

"LET US DRAW NEAR WITH A TRUE HEART"

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

We finished reading Jonah today and it illustrated the lack of merciful thought in his heart and how God tried to get him to see the situation from the divine perspective. Let us remember the teaching of Jesus on this: read Matthew 5:44-48. Of course, history shows that Nineveh’s repentance did not last into the following generations, but that is not the point. When printing was first invented the Bible was the first book available for all to read – and how eagerly it was read – in the 17th Century – but that spirit did not last.

In our reading in Hebrews 10 we see how the writer (we presume it was Paul) plucks out 2 quotations from Jeremiah to illustrate the mercy of God: “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more” (from Jeremiah 31:34)

It is essential we have the right reaction in our hearts to the mercies of God. We next read in Hebrews, “Therefore … since we have a great High Priest (Jesus) … let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith …” [Hebrews 10:19,21,22]

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

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

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

[Resource Manager]

04 December 2013

Job 5
Micah 1
Hebrews 11

“THE REPROACH OF CHRIST”

The word “reproach” is not in common use these days, it means you are looked down upon because of something you are doing or have done. As a result you are often lower, often a lot lower, in people’s estimation.

Today’s familiar 11th chapter of Hebrews is well known to those who read the Bible; even to those who do not read it as often as they should. It picks out the outstanding examples of faith exhibited by men of God of old – to illustrate what faith is – in practice!

We all talk, or should, of having faith, but we prove its’ reality by our actions. The writer to the Hebrews, presumed to be Paul, highlights among others, Moses as a man who showed faith: he selects certain examples from his life. “By faith Moses when he was grown up refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the (ultimate) reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” [Hebrews 11:24-27]

It is interesting to consider the use of the phrase “the reproach of Christ” when Christ was not to come for almost 1500 years! What is clear is that the writer sees Christ as the ultimate role model for those who endured reproach in living the life God required of them. Moses experienced “the reproach of Christ” in considerable measure although we are left to imagine the details of the reactions in Pharaoh’s palace when his adopted grandson supported those he had chosen to make slaves.

Today, maybe more than ever, there is a constant encouragement from a great many directions to “enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin” How few think of their behaviour as “sin” – the word is synonymous with ‘godlessness.’ In his old age John was to observe, “no one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.” [1 John 3:9]

When one is “born of God” one endures “as seeing him who is invisible.” Our constant reading and meditation on God’s word will enable this form of “seeing” to become more and more evident to us: a “seed” develops within us – made evident as we become more and more like Christ, proving we are an adopted child of God. How clearly are you “seeing” that which is “invisible”?
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

05 December 2013

Job 6; 7
Micah 2
Hebrews 12

“FOR THE LORD DISCIPLINES …”

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

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

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

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

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

[Resource Manager]

06 December 2013

Job 8
Micah 3; 4
Hebrews 13

“THE LORD IS MY HELPER”

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

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

The Bible Paul read inspired him – and he used it to inspire others – what an example to us of how to use God’s word and put what we read into practice. Paul’s next quotation is from Psalm 118:6, “So we can confidently say. ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (quoted in Hebrews 13:6)

Do you live with confidence? Or do you “fear”? Our awareness of the “grace” of our Lord must be a factor in our “confidence.” . This is the loving favour of God toward those who genuinely seek to serve him, despite their weaknesses. This is the next point Paul makes after telling them to “consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” – that is, imitate those who led them to know the true way.

Paul now makes a very vital point, “it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace” [Hebrews 13:9] We need to fully sense that “grace” so that we can be strengthened by it and realize more and more fully that “The Lord is my helper” Although not expressed in the same way, this is the process we are starting to see that Job is going through as he searches to have a relationship with God and contends with “friends” who do not know God.

We are all at different stages of perceiving – as long as we are really seeking – that “the Lord is my helper” – and we have inspiring messages that give us a vision of the future. We read a wonderful example of this today in Micah 4 which started, “It shall come to pass in the latter days …” events which lead “many nations (to) come, and say: ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD … that he may teach us his ways …” [Micah 4:1-2] Let us really know “his ways” now – and then in that day we will be there and may be privileged to assist in that teaching - and then, we pray, all people will know and say, “The Lord is my helper.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

07 December 2013

Job 9
Micah 5
James 1

"WHICH GOD HAS PROMISED TO THOSE WHO ..."

We have 3 most interesting and thought provoking readings today! We see Job wrestling with his concept of what God is and how he “does great things beyond searching out, and marvellous things beyond number.” [Job 9:10].

We have Micah who was inspired to record that “the one who is to be ruler in Israel” would “come forth” from Bethlehem. [Micah 5:2] Matthew 2:1-6 shows us that “the chief priests and the scribes” knew the prophecy and were able to tell “the wise men (Magi in the Gk) from the east” (There is no indication how many Magi there were).

These priests and scribes never imagined the “ruler” would be born in a stable! They were looking for the fulfilment of the prophecy in seeing one who would “stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD. In the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.” [Micah 5:4] – and so he will, but in God’s good time.

It is our reading in James that spells out the qualities needed in those who will be there at the time of its wondrous fulfilment, he writes, “Blessed is the man (or woman) who remains steadfast under trial (we think of Job being the ultimate example of this), for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” [James 1:12] .

We are expected to show this love by our actions, John makes this point in his 1st letter; he wrote, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. [1 John 3:18] Returning to James we see how blunt and challenging is his message – for those days – and for today! “…put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” [James 1:21]

But it is not enough to have the knowledge of God’s word “implanted” in our brains through our daily reading of it! James states “…. Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” [James 1:22]

Finally, we also noted his point, another challenging one, “the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing” [James 1:25] They had been set at liberty from the ritual of the Law of Moses – but let us be busy today in our “doing” as well as meditating upon what we read - and being inspired by the things “which God has promised to those who love him.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

08 December 2013

Job 10
Micah 6
James 2

"THE PERFECT LAW"

The Epistle of James is particularly remembered for its message about faith. Faith is a vital factor in our salvation, but the genuineness of our faith is shown in what it causes us to do. James writes, “If you really fulfil the royal law according to scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself,’ you are doing well.” [James 2:8]

It surprises some to realize that this “royal law” is not one of the ten commandments, yet when Jesus was asked by a lawyer, “Teacher which is the great commandment in the Law? … he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the prophets.” [Matthew 22:36-40]

Do we all realize when Moses wrote this commandment? Jesus was quoting from Leviticus 19:18; it was one they only applied when it suited them! Recall the parable of the Good Samaritan that he told to answer the question, “Who is my neighbour?’

So James presses home the point, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 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 good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” [James 2:14-17]

In James 2:12 James told his readers to “act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty” - what did he mean? He had already made the point in James 1:25 that “the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing”

The point is, they have been liberated, given freedom, from keeping the letter of the Mosaic Law – they now had to keep “the perfect law” that Jesus had spelt out in answering the lawyer. The chapter concludes with examples from the lives of Abraham and Rahab who showed their faith by what they did. The last verse makes the point, “For as the body apart from the spirit (breath) is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

09 December 2013

Job 11
Micah 7
James 3; 4

“MY GOD WILL HEAR ME”

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

His words of lament could just about describe life as it is becoming today around many of us. “The godly has perished from the earth,” he writes, and “there is no one upright … put no trust in a neighbour; and have no confidence in a friend” [Micah 7:2,5]. Family life in Israel had broken down, “the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother” [Micah 7:6]. It was similar in the previous chapter, the “inhabitants speak lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.” [Micah 6:12]

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

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

The last verses indicate final blessings for God’s people, blessing for those who maintain their faith and also those who have sought repentance after failure. “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance … he will again have compassion on us” [Micah 7:18-19]

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

[Resource Manager]

10 December 2013

Job 12
Nahum 1; 2
James 5

"YOU HAVE SEEN THE PURPOSE OF THE LORD"

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

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

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

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

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

So James marvelled at the purpose of the Lord in his life and he is exhorting others to see the same in their lives – and so remain steadfast under trial: “establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” [James 5:8] What an appropriate message and example for us as we near the end of 2013 and the events in and, especially around God’s Holy Land show seemingly endless conflict, the latter day “purpose of the Lord” is unfolding – and God’s purpose will become increasingly clear to those who really know his word.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

11 December 2013

Job 13
Nahum 3
1 Peter 1

“YOU WHITEWASH WITH LIES”

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

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

Job is now even more blunt in responding to the worldly ‘wisdom’ of these three. “as for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all … Will you speak falsely for God and speak deceitfully for him?” [Job 13:4,7] Their speaking falsely was to say that all bad things are caused by God as a punishment for sin. This is a dangerous half-truth: it is true that God brought destruction on Nineveh as we read in Nahum today, a “city, all full of lies and plunder” [Nahum 3:1] – a sad failure after the previous generation repented at the preaching of Jonah.

Job is so committed to his service to God that he declares, “Though he slay me I will hope in him, yet I will argue my ways to his face. This will be my salvation. That the godless shall not come before him.” [Job 13:15-16] Yet when God finally reveals himself in conversation and “answered Job out of the whirlwind.” [Job 38:1] Job is almost silenced, see Job 13:3-5. Later God speaks of the “friends” and says his “anger burns against” them… for you have not spoken of me what is right as my servant Job has.” [Job 42:7-9]

Are we speaking of God and his Son “what is right”? Sadly, many use “whitewash” in their self-confident portrayal of what God is; what many talk of as “faith” has no real substance. This took our thoughts to what we read today in Peter’s 1st Epistle, he told the believers “if necessary (in the wisdom of God) you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” [1 Peter 1:6-7] May our faith become really genuine, if it is not that way already. May we not deceive ourselves by using “whitewash” in our thinking and ways of talking.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

12 December 2013

Job 14
Habakkuk 1
1 Peter 2

“THAT BY IT YOU MAY GROW UP”

We all have either grown up or we are growing up – but in reading Peter’s first letter today we meditate on what he says about the growing up process.

Peter went through a very challenging growing up process from the time he first met Christ.- what a journey in life he had to look back on in his ‘old’ age – a focus of thought made even more challenging because Jesus had told him that his death would not be a natural one. (see John 21:18-19)

His 2nd chapter which we read today starts by telling his readers the things they must “put away” before they can “grow up.” These include “all deceit and hypocrisy.” The cleansing should be so thorough that they become “like new born infants (who) long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation” [1 Peter 2:2]

The growing up process can and should be wonderful - but tragically, such is the ‘pull’ of human nature, some grow up to become “tares” (weeds) or goats. How is your growing up progressing?

After penning the word “salvation” Peter uses the powerful little word “IF”; he writes, “IF indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good?.” Think about that question – yes, it is a question!

Does growing up to have a relationship with Christ seem “good” to you? It is most interesting to check out the word “good” in Scripture. Jesus said, “There is only one who is good” [Matthew 19:17] using the Gk word ‘Agathos’ and referring to God. When he told the parable of the Wedding Feast and described the final ingathering of guests so that “the wedding hall was filled with guests” and “both good and bad” were there. [Matthew 22:10], but only the “good” remained. (see Matthew 13:48) The lives of the “good” become more and more like their Master – read Galatians 4:19

Our growing up should be such that it leads us, writes Peter, to “come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood ….” [1 Peter 2:4-5] Wonderful – but utterly challenging! Are you making real progress?

“Over such.” Jesus was to reveal in giving his ‘REVELATION’ to John, “the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him a thousand years.”

Let us concentrate our minds on the present – noticing – finally - Peter’s words in 1 Peter 2:9 “you are … a royal priesthood …, a people for his own possession … Are you growing up so that this is happening?
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

13 December 2013

Job 15
Habakkuk 2
1 Peter 3; 4; 5

“IMPERISHABLE BEAUTY”

We all love beautiful things, but what one person sees as beautiful another does not. The saying is that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder.’ Our thoughts rotated around this subject as we came across the phrase, “imperishable beauty” in 1 Peter 3.

What beauty is “imperishable” – that is, cannot be destroyed? There are many beautiful flowers in our garden at the moment – but they will fade away – and some already have. But Peter is not writing of flowers, he is writing of the influence wives can and should have on their husbands and others; there is beauty, as God sees beauty, in a holy character.

Peter tells them, “Do not let your adorning be external – the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing – but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” [1 Peter 3:3-4] This is not what the world counts as “very precious” – but God does! Surely the same spirit is expected of those who are not yet married, or who are now widowed,

It is a beauty which cannot perish! May all develop it and portray real “beauty” in the sight of God. Husbands must clearly see their role, noting Peter’s counsel, “live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honour to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” [1 Peter 3:7] Think about this from God’s perspective – how many prayers are “hindered”?

Women are usually physically “weaker” than men but there are many occasions, it seems to us, that they are stronger in other ways – consider how strong the mother of Jesus became, a strength obviously developed from her deep awareness of God’s words which she evidently she brought into the words she used in magnifying the Lord (look at Luke 1:46-55)

Peter ends his Epistle with some further challenging points addressed to all believers, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.” [1 Peter 5:6-7] Even so, let us care for each other, and let us admire the “imperishable beauty” we see the sisters have developed or are developing, all learning “to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” [1 Peter 4:10].
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

14 December 2013

Job 16; 17
Habakkuk 3
2 Peter 1; 2

"IF THESE QUALITIES ARE YOURS"

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

What is the false promise of freedom? A glaring example today is the slogan in some churches, ‘Once saved, always saved.’ This unBiblical interpretation astonishes those who know their Bibles! Can it be that after you are initially ‘saved’ – and in the First Century this meant you showed this by being baptised into water – was it then that ‘grace’ covered all your future sins regardless? A remarkable kind of freedom!

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

It is helpful to look at other versions to get the fullest meaning behind some of these qualities. Some Greek words cannot be effectively translated by one English word. For e.g virtue has been rendered as integrity and knowledge can be the act of knowing, in the sense of having a relationship, as we will see in Job shortly. Finally, note 2 Peter 1:10 “Therefore brothers (and sisters) be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for IF you practice these qualities you will never fail” Let us make real progress in making sure we “never fail.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

15 December 2013

Job 18; 19
Zephaniah 1
2 Peter 3

"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 2 Peter 1:16-18 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 Gk 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 (or she) 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. Read it!
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

16 December 2013

Job 20
Zephaniah 2
1 John 1; 2

"ABIDE IN HIM SO THAT WHEN ..."

‘Abide’ is a word we rarely use in conversation, but it was a special word in the mouth of Jesus (see John 12:46; 15:4,10). His youngest disciple particularly embraced this word; it implies a permanent loyalty. Remember how John stood by the cross with the mother of Jesus [John 19:26-27] and then took care of Mary.

Today we started reading John’s letters – what a powerful lot of lessons they contain! John employs the word ‘abide’ and we meditated on the sense of permanency this word conveys. You do not just come for a visit and stay awhile but you abide in some situation permanently. As a result you also have ‘fellowship’ (another special word) permanently.

John makes the point, “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” [1 John 1:6]. He says “that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:3]. Fellowship is a relationship among those who are fellows together in the same ship going on a lifelong voyage, therefore it is an abiding relationship - with Christ as the Captain.

When we know God’s word we show we really know it by keeping it. But what does keeping it involve? John writes, “whoever keeps his word, in him (or her) truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may be sure we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” [1 John 2:5-6]

John’s world, like our world, was falling apart and he wrote, “the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” [1 John 2:17] Note how he says “does the will of God”, it is not enough to know it. Finally, how thought provoking are the words at the end of his second chapter, “little children abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.”

Let us practice at practicing righteousness every day.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

17 December 2013

Job 21
Zephaniah 3
1 John 3; 4

“FOR MY DECISION IS …”

Today we completed reading the lesser known – but quite remarkable prophecy God gave through Zephaniah. Yesterday’s chapter 2 was personal and challenging. “Seek the LORD, all you humble … who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD.” [Zephaniah 2:3]

Today we read about the day of his anger: the climax of human history when God finally carries out his “decision” to deal with human godlessness, It is a time when “the unjust knows no shame” [Zephaniah 3:5]. Surely that is the case today.

Zephaniah 3:8 leaps out and into the mind of the godly reader, “Therefore wait for me,’ declares the LORD, ‘for the day when I rise up to seize the prey. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed.”

Then the next verse dramatically changes the picture to what God does after this! “For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord.” How much is language twisted in its use today! Many think this verse is telling us, in saying that “all of them” that call upon the Lord have this language, that the curse of Babel is to be removed when God confounded human speech so they could not understand one another. It is interesting that the previous time this Hebrew word occurs is in the concluding words in the last chapter of Daniel: “… the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined …” [Daniel 12:9-10]

Very soon we will read of the wonder of this time in the book of Revelation, this reveals more details to us of the ultimate decision of the great Creator in making the whole world full of his glory – and the dramas in the process!.

In our reading in 1 John we are challenged to “see what kind of love the Father has given to 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. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” [1 John 3:1-3]

Have you said – from your heart – “… my decision is ….” Or will you soon say it? We all have to make a decision … there is no middle way. Oh the wonder awaiting “those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with …” that at the apostles - as we read and reflected on in John’s words yesterday. If you have made a decision – the challenge is – is your faith growing stronger and stronger?
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

18 December 2013

Job 22
Haggai 1; 2
1 John 5

“BE STRONG”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Resource Manager]

19 December 2013

Job 23; 24
Zechariah 1
2 John 1; 3 John 1

"HE KNOWS THE WAY THAT I TAKE"

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Resource Manager]

20 December 2013

Job 25; 26; 27
Zechariah 2; 3
Jude 1

“WHO IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU FROM STUMBLING”

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

I was really shocked once when a young man said to me, “This life is all I want, I can’t imagine living forever.” This illustrates how great are the distractions of today and the need to read God’s word with increasing attention and for each one to develop their own realization of the Divine presence. Job made the point to the 3 friends, “in his (God’s) hand is the life of every living thing” [Job 12:10] and David declared of God, “You discern my thoughts from afar … and are acquainted with all my ways.” [Psalm 139:2-3]

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

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

“Keep yourselves in the love of God,” he tells them, “waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt …” [Jude 1:21-22]

What causes doubts? We have the whole of the messages from God to digest: with them we can build up our understanding as a wonderful foundation for a real relationship with our Lord Jesus and the Father “who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy” [Jude 1:24]. Let us help each other to overcome any doubts.

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

[Resource Manager]

21 December 2013

Job 28
Zechariah 4; 5
Revelation 1; 2

“I WILL GIVE TO EACH AS YOUR …”

Today we started reading the book of Revelation and to begin with we have the messages to the 7 churches, of course that means the members, not the building; which is the meaning of the Gk word ecclesia. We can view these 7 churches as representative of all the different types of communities of believers that have existed through the ages.

We notice the message to the believers at Thyatira: it begins with praise, “I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first …” [Revelation 2:19] How great to increase in zeal in working for our Lord, but then come words of serious disappointment because some are led into the “practice of sexual immorality,” and these, says Jesus, “I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent” [Revelation 2:22] along with the one who has led them into this behavior who will be throw(n) “onto a sickbed” – probably the result of that behavior.

May it be that the believers in Thyatira learnt lessons from this, a lesson which has probably been learnt in many generations in the centuries since: “and all the churches (true believers) will know that I am he who searches mind and heart and, I will give to each of you as your works deserve.” [Revelation 2:23]

It must be evident to all true believers that this type of fleshly influence, while true in every generation; that in our era it is flagrant, so much so that it is now widely accepted as “normal”, Therefore the message to believers at Thyatira is totally appropriate to believers in the 21st Century. Let everyone of us be totally conscious that our Lord “will give to each one as (y)our works deserve.”

Now it is true that we are saved by faith – but, remember what we read earlier this month in James, “You see that faith was active along with his (Abraham’s) works, and faith was completed by his works … you see that a person is justified by works and not by faith along” [James 2:22,24]

Finally, recall what Peter told Cornelius, the Roman Centurion when he was teaching him about the true God and his son, “I understand that … in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” [Acts 10:34-35] and of course Cornelius began, in doing “what is right” by being “baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” [Acts 10:48] Let us always be mindful that our Lord “will give to each as (y)our works deserve.”
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

22 December 2013

Job 29; 30
Zechariah 6; 7
Revelation 3; 4

“I SCATTERED THEM … AMONG THE NATIONS”

Our readings today created a wide mix of thoughts. In the first one, Job continues to lament his situation and that is very understandable; he had held a position of the greatest respect, but now he is in the opposite situation – but we remember how Paul told the Corinthians that “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted (or tested) beyond your ability … to endure it.” [1 Corinthians 10:13] Job’s ability to endure was great, God knew the inner strength of his character formed from his total commitment to him, Job had said, “he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” [Job 23:10].

Zechariah, was a prophet God sent when Israel returned from exile under the leadership of Ezra – God revealed to him that an even greater scattering was coming. The people around him were not heeding “the words that the LORD of hosts had sent by his Spirit though the former prophets …. I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known. Thus the land they left was (became) desolate …” [Zechariah 7:12-14] A prophecy that had its complete fulfillment after they rejected God’s prophet, his son, our Lord. But as we read on in Zechariah in the next few days we will see some awesome words that are now in the process of fulfillment.

Then in Revelation we read the ultimate personal promise of Jesus to “the one who conquers, I will grant him (her) to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.” [Revelation 3:21] Then in Revelation 4 we read the ultimate climax of total praise to the Creator “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” [Revelation 4:11]

The parts of God’s word that contain such word pictures are the ultimate challenge to us – to believe! Then to show the heart felt nature of our belief by living lives that show the conviction we have developed in our hearts. Have you accepted that challenge? Are you living in a way that proves that you have?
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

23 December 2013

Job 31; 32
Zechariah 8
Revelation 5; 6

EIGHTEEN "IF"s

'IF' is a two letter word that sometimes occurs within a very significant context. In our reading in Job today, Job's 3 friends give up on their vain attempts to reason that Job must be a secret sinner. The argument that he must be so because of all the bad things that happened to him collapses, they can quote no evidence and in any case, the real facts of how the wicked so often prosper destroys their reasoning.

We noticed how, in Job 31, in his final words to them, Job uses the word 'IF' no less than 18 times, saying, "If I have done this or that then I would be deserving of God's judgements, i.e. punishment. Food for much thought here!

"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, with which we can empathize, 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 provides for much of this, but there are 'cracks' in the system that need watching, but in many other countries there are many more cracks. Another point is in Job 31:29 "If I have rejoiced at the ruin of him who hated me, or exulted when evil overtook him"

He recognized God would judge him for his failures to act and for having wrong attitudes; it was not just a matter of avoiding doing bad things.

For his godly attitude in all these things and, especially, for speaking of God that which is right [Job 42:7] Job is, in the end, blessed. We have not been tested like Job, but the question we each must ask ourselves is - can we echo the words of Job ourselves? Let us each reflect on the way we have lived and are living our lives.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

24 December 2013

Job 33
Zechariah 9
Revelation 7; 8; 9

“FROM EVERY NATION”

Our readings in the book of Revelation are about coming dramas in human history, as Jesus revealed them in largely symbolic language to his disciple John - the one “whom Jesus loved” [John 21:7,20]. The description builds up to the climactic failure of human life on earth. We read of visions, largely, but not entirely, in symbol, they ‘picture’ God’s awesome judgements. Eventually it is a time for opening the book of life. There are blessings for those he judges as righteous and the opposite for others: there is no neutral third group.

John looks and sees “a great multitude that no one could number from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the lamb clothed in white robes …. crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb’” [Revelation 7:9-10] “The lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd and he will guide them to springs of living water and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” [Revelation 7:17]

Jesus is the Lamb and we read in the Gospels of him speaking of ‘living water’, “If anyone thirsts, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” [John 7:38] Jesus had spoken about this to the Samaritan woman saying, “whoever drinks of the water I will give him, it will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” [John 4:14] We can understand that kind of symbolic language.

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

In Revelation we also read of plagues on “the rest of mankind” continuing on to affect those “who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent … nor give up worshipping demons and idols … nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality …” [Revelation 9:20-21] It is interesting that in the margin of the NKJV Bible sorceries is given the meaning of drugs!

We live at a time when the climax of human history is approaching fast, how great is the need to fill our minds with God’s word in contrast to what occupies the minds of nearly every else: they are ‘blinded’ by the non-stop intensity of life: there is no thought to there even being a God! How much are you and I affected by this? How well are you coping with it? Are you genuinely looking to the “shepherd, (so that) he will guide (you) to springs of living water”? [Revelation 7:17]

We show how genuine we are in this in the way we feed on his “living and abiding word” [1 Peter 1:23] every day – enabling us to be more sure of being among those “from every nation” in the time soon to come.
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- DC

[Resource Manager]

25 December 2013

Job 34
Zechariah 10
Revelation 10; 11

“THE TIME … FOR REWARDING YOUR SERVANTS”

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

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

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

It is interesting that only twice in the Bible is there any mention of celebrating birthdays – and both were those of bad men! [Genesis 40:20 – Pharaoh] and [Matthew 12:6 – Herod, when John the Baptist lost his head].

The heaven inspired celebration to come will be wondrous, but until that time true believers celebrate not the birthday of Jesus, but his sacrifice and death in the way he appointed [Luke 22:15-20], believing in a wondrous climax to that celebration in the kingdom.

This wondrous event, called “the marriage supper of the Lamb” is also mentioned in Revelation [Revelation 19:6-9] “Blessed are those who are invited” to that celebration which is far beyond us to imagine! Do you believe you are worthy of receiving an invitation? No? It will be only by his grace! But who is worthy? It is interesting that the Gk word for ‘worthy’ is one of the words which occur seven times in the book – but only its first occurrence [Revelation 3:4] is one that indicates saints that are worthy of receiving a blessing before God; the last [Revelation 16:6] is about those unworthy. Once again, the broad and narrow ways – make sure you on the “rewarding” pathway of the “worthy” in 2014.
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- DC