Thoughts on the bible Readings (Judges 6, Isaiah 33, James 3, 4) for June 9th

The cycle of sin and suffering begins Judges 6. The book reveals the complete and repeated cycle of sin, suffering, supplication from the oppressed and salvation from the LORD in response to His children's cries. Verses 7-10 tell us that a prophet was sent to remind them of why they were in this plight. Gideon, a truly humble servant of God, was the ideal instrument for God's deliverance. He is described in glowing words - "mighty man of valour" - used in the Old Testament of him and Boaz alone. Next the angel, whose name was "miraculous" did miraculously (Hebrew word used on the signs given during Israel's deliverance from Egypt). This angel reveals himself to Gideon, who must next make a stand against the idolatry that was centred in his own father's house. The altar of Baal is overthrown at night and the sacred bull slain and sacrificed thereon. In the morning Baal's worshippers clamour for Gideon's execution only to be told that if Baal truly was a god he would exact his own vengeance. Gideon then summons Israel to battle and is provided with two further signs that God will deliver the Midianites into his hand. Isaiah 33 describes the reversal of the fortunes of God's people when the blessings of the kingdom come. The chapter is a plea for Yahweh to be gracious to His people. The fearful Assyrian had been humbled by God Almighty. Verses 2-4 are a call upon Judah's Sovereign to reveal Himself and act on behalf of His people. Verses 5-6 tell of the throne of the LORD being established in Zion and our Lord Jesus Christ ruling in justice and righteousness for the salvation of his people. Verses 7-9 speak of the judgment being poured out on the kingdom of Judah. In verses 10-12 the Omnipotent Creator arises to save His children. Verses 13-14 are a call for the sinners in Zion to tremble at God's justice for their turn to feel His divine hand nears. Verses 15-16 speak of the character of the faithful whom Yahweh will save - see Psalms 15 and 24 verses 3-6. Carefully read those two Psalms and think of the life that we must live now in holiness to prepare for the coming of our King. Verses 17-22 reveal Zion's glory when her great King rules in righteousness. The oppressors have been vanquished and Zion is free. James 3 continues in a practical vein with the issues that we all have in controlling our tongues. The writer says that teachers have a greater responsibility, as their words will be discounted if their behaviour is inconsistent with their speech. The only man to have perfectly controlled his tongue was our Lord Jesus Christ. In verses 3-4 two examples of small things that control great things are given - the horse is controlled by a small bit in its mouth; and, a ship is directed by a small rudder. The tongue is small, but seemingly uncontrollable - a small spark sets a forest ablaze; and likewise a tiny bit of gossip creates untold havoc. How perverse we are. We praise and thank God, and, with the same tongue slander those who are made by God in His image. This is contrary to nature as the two examples of verses 11-12 illustrate. Verses 13-18 describe and counsel in the use of heavenly wisdom. Wisdom and understanding must be demonstrated by showing meekness (teachableness) - see Psalm 18 verses 20-28; 25verses 1-9. Strife and bitterness, by contrast, come from self promotion. Although purity proceeds peace (see 2 Kings 9:19; Isaiah 57 verses 19-21), this is never an invitation for you to pummel another into submission. Read verses 17-18 aloud slowly. Pause and ponder. At the end of chapter 3 we saw one cause of strife was self promotion. In chapter 4 James names several more. Chapter 4 warns against worldliness. He deals with covetousness in the first three verses. A covetous person has no room in their life for God. Interestingly the 10 commandments start and finish with covetousness - the first, "You shall have no gods before me" (a person's possessions possess them); and the tenth, "You shall not covet". Hence Paul says in Colossians 3:5, "Covetousness, which is idolatry". Hence covetousness is likened to adultery (chapter 4 verses 4-5). Our Sovereign is jealous that we live in purity and with chastity. This idea is captured in the ESV translation of verse 5, "He yearns zealously over the spirit (mind, or attitude) that He has made to dwell in us". Compare this with what the Appostle Paul had written in 2 Corinthians 11 verses 2-3. The literal Greek of verse 4 is, "You adulteresses" (since God is our groom). But for those who graciously submit and draw near to our Father He will respond in drawing near to them (see 1 Peter 5 verses 5-11). Humility now will bring future exaltation (compare what is said of our Lord Jesus Christ in Philippians 2 verses 1-11). The humble disciple is not the one who critically compares themself with others. From verses 13-17 James reminds us of our vain and transient nature. Therefore, he says, boasting is wrong. All plans we make are "God willing" (ie subject to His purpose for us). And so we should say this with respect to our plans. If our focus is on covetousness then we have excluded the Almighty from those plans. What we have has been given to us by Him to use in His service. Life is no more permanent than the vapour from the boiling kettle. Don't be arrogant. Place God at the forefront of all your plans. 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-bible-readings-judges-6-isaiah-33-james-3-4-for-june-9th/?feed_id=93457&_unique_id=684525034e76b