Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 9th (1 Chronicles 26, Ezekiel 35, Philippians 3, 4)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]1 Chronicles 26 commences with the divisions of the gatekeepers. We may consider this role to be of insignificance, however it was a vital role in Temple worshipping. The gatekeepers would only admit those who had a sincere love of God and His Truth: John verses :21-24. Such wonderful men as the sons of Korah became gatekeepers after putting the LORD before family loyalty. Consider their words in Psalm 84 verse:10 "I would rather be a gatekeeper in the House of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness". These words have their background in Korah's rebellion spoken of in Numbers 16. It would seem that David's administration is a pattern for Messiah's i.e. our Lord Jesus Christ in the kingdom age. The Hebrew word David' means 'beloved' and so it seems that the arrangements that David made for his kingdom are a type of those of God's Beloved Son. In Ezekiel 35 we have judgment on Edom (Esau), or Mount Seir. Of all Israel's neighbours those who have shown the most inveterate hatred have been the Edomites (see Malachi 1). The whole of the prophecy of Top of the Document Obadiah tells of a perpetual hatred, which knew no bounds in finding ways to destroy their brother, Israel. The Edomites stand as the great archetypal enemy of Yahweh. No wonder there will be great rejoicing in the whole world at their destruction. In the first eleven verses of Philippians 3 we have extreme language used by the Apostle in relation to his foes - who Paul says are savage dogs. Those Judaizers gloried in all their fleshly achievements. By contrast Paul counted such attainments as he had (and they were a very impressive list) to be futile refuse. The Apostle is waiting for the righteousness that only comes through faith. Paul says that in knowing Christ and aligning himself with our Lord's values is all that matters. The Apostle wanted a resurrection like Christ's - i.e. to stand out from among the dead ones. And to that end Paul would press to strive for the upward calling in his Lord. This calling involves a citizenship of the heavenly kingdom that will be established on earth when the Saviour returns and changes the body of our humiliation to be like unto his own glorious body (see 1 John 3 verse 1-3). In chapter 4 Paul beseeches two fine sisters, who could not get on with one another, to reconcile for the sake of the ecclesia. He thanks the Philippians for their continued generous support in contributing to his preaching, upkeep and welfare. Our God will in His time recompense those who put the success of the gospel foremost. Let us pause and ponder the sentiments of verse 13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow   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... [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-bible-readings-october-9th-1-chronicles-26-ezekiel-35-philippians-3-4-2/?feed_id=102269&_unique_id=68e74e4f9fca1