Sunday, 25 May 2025

Thoughts on the readings for May 27th (Joshua 13, Isaiah 17, 18, 2 Timothy 3, 4)

Joshua 13 verses 1-7 describes the land that was still to be conquered now that Joshua is old. The first seven verses outline the territories still unconquered on the east of the river Jordan. These lands are the coastal plain of the Philistines in the south western corner of the land. Also in the north west the coastal areas of Lebanon and the territory of the Zidonians. Verses 8-32 the territories to the east of Jordan that had been subjugated when Moses had brought the tribes to the border of Canaan. These lands included Gilead in the north extending as far as Mount Hermon (with the exception of Geshur and Maacath. Verses 14 and 33 tell us that the Levites were not allocated land as "Yahweh is their inheritance". Other allotted lands east of the Jordan included the valley lands on the edge of the river Arnon; the hill country of Kiriathaim (Kirjath-jearim), and Peor where the nation of Israel had committed whoredom with the Moabitish women. A brief account of the betrayal and attempts to curse Israel by the false prophet Balaam is recounted. Also his slaying by Israel is here mentioned. Presumably he was dwelling in this region after Balak had hired him to curse the people of God. The conquered lands in the north extended to the Sea of Galilee. As a tribe Manasseh received the wooded hill country where the famous oaks of Bashan grew. This had been part of the giant Og's kingdom. Isaiah 17 is a prophecy about Damascus, the Syrian capital of that time and still so today. Damascus is called by historians the oldest continuously inhabited city on the planet. Isaiah speaks of that city being totally destroyed and left without inhabitants. This prophecy is to be fulfilled in the near future. Exactly how we know not as it is not revealed to us. The time of desolation, says the prophecy, will occur at a time when Israel is in great trouble. Israel will be so devastated the prophet says that the population will be like the remnants of the grapes after their harvesting. Verses 7-8 say that the nation of Israel will in their time of distress look for aid from their Maker. Verses 9-11 explains the reasons for this calamity overtaking them. Verse 12 tells us that arrayed against the people of God will be a vast confederacy of nations (this sounds like Armageddon). Verses 13-14 describe the outpouring of the Almighty's anger so that the enemy become as chaff driven by the wind, Isaiah 18 is a prophecy against Cush, a once mighty empire to the south of Egypt. Daniel 11 and Ezekiel 38 say that this region will be affected by the invasion of the great northern army. The prophecy tells us that the LORD God Almighty will ensure that these proud lands experience judgment at His hands. This will precede the establishment of Messiah's glorious rule from Jerusalem - the holy Mount Zion. The warnings against "perilous times" coming in'the last days', are recorded in 2 Timothy 3 for us. The word "perilous" means "difficult to endure", or "hard to bare". What will make those times difficult for believers? The answer is that the majority of believers will be so self indulged that they have become indifferent to the need for godliness - in word they will profess to be the servants of the Almighty, but their actions deny that this is of great import to them. Those having this attitude will destabilise some who have a semblance of religion just like the two Egyptian magicians - Jannes and Jambres - who through smoke and mirror tricks seemed to be able to copy the signs that Moses did before Pharaoh. The folly of those charlatans was seen by all. Paul says that such people profess to be religious but are totally immoral and aim to seduce women who are naive. In verses 10-17 Paul tells of his example to all of how he has lived his life which shows him to be a true and faithful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle speaks of the stoning he endured at Lystra. That spectacle had been witnessed by and impressed upon young Timothy (I believe that Paul actually died and was raised on that occasion). Persecution and suffering for the faith will always be the lot of the faithful believers. So Timothy must continue to be steadfast and adhere to the Word of God which has been breathed out ie expired by our God to inspire His servants to follow faithfully. The teachings and lives of disciples must be seen to be the lives of those who know that they belong, not to this world, but to their returning Lord, whose kingdom nears. Chapter 4 begins with the solemn responsibility to keep preaching regardless of the consequences; and knowing that people will prefer fables that will reassure them in what they are wanting to hear. At the Lord's coming the living believers, and those who have died knowing what God required of them, will be judged. The faithful will be rewarded in that longed for kingdom. Paul's fight has finally finished. The Apostle's race has been race run and he himself is ready to be poured out as a drink offering. Paul assures his son in the faith that he has kept the faith and that there will be, for him, a crown (stephanos - the laurel wreath given to the Victor) of (not for) righteousness. That crown will be (v1) at the day of Christ's coming and of his kingdom. That crown will not be Paul's alone but it will be given to all those who expectantly LOVE the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 9-18 speak of personal instructions. The Apostle finds himself alone with Luke, the beloved doctor. At this dangerous time others had found reasons to be elsewhere. These verses provide snippets which help us to trace Paul's final movements before his arrest in Ephesus. The aged Apostle is cold and poorly clothed. He lacks the Scriptural scrolls which he loves and requests that they be brought to him. The roaring lion (the mad Roman Emperor Nero) stands ready to devour Paul. Nero actually did put on the skins of wild animals and with their claws tore many of his victims - often they were faithful disciples in Christ - to shreds. Nonetheless Paul is confident that, although knowing he will now die, he is still nonetheless being delivered by God for the coming kingdom. The letter ends with final greetings. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-may-27th-joshua-13-isaiah-17-18-2-timothy-3-4/?feed_id=92857&_unique_id=6833f90a199c9

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