Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 29th (Job 39; Malachi 1; Revelation 17, 18)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]In chapter 39 of Job the Almighty continues challenging Job to reply if he has any understanding of the marvels of creation put before him. The first example questions whether Job knows the gestation cycle of the wild goats. Then why is the wild donkey so free and stubborn? Or can you domesticate the wild ox? Despite its strength the ostrich is completely lacking in understanding for the care of its own. God has created all these animals, that we as humans, may learn care and responsibility. The warhorse shows no fear of the battle; on the contrary, he relishes it. Do you understand the marvels of flight and motherhood among the birds of prey? What incredible eyesight the eagle has. The eagle becomes symbolic of divine wisdom and perception. Despite the ruthlessness of his ways, the eagle is a tender provider for its young (unlike our stupid ostrich). We come to the last book of the Old Testament. It also belongs to the time of which Micah spoke when he said that - "the sun shall go down over the prophets". It was spoken and written about BC 460. The absolutely last chapter of the Bible would be Nehemiah 13. The Hebrew word, "Melech" means 'messenger' and is the usual word for "angels" in the Old Testament (the Greek word in the New Testament carries an identical meaning). The book speaks of 4 messengers - the prophet himself; the priests; John the Baptist, styled "my messenger" in the early verses of chapter 3; and, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is called "the messenger of the covenant". The prophecy takes the form of a dialogue between the prophet (representing God) and the people. It tells of the people asking a question of accusation and God rebutting their accusation with Scripture and examples from their history. Chapter 1verses1-5 speak of Yahweh's love for Israel. The LORD attests His love and the people's response is, 'Prove it.' God says that despite Esau being the older twin the LORD chose Jacob. Follow these nations' respective histories and it will be evident that their Sovereign chose Jacob i.e. Israel. Verses 6-14 speak of the nation's disregard for God seen in what they offered on His altar. Respect is shown to a father from a son, and from a servant to a master; where then, says God, is your respect for Me? They were despising God by offering polluted food on His altar - they were offering the blind and the lame (which was forbidden). Offer it to your Governor and see if he is not offended. If it's not good enough for an earthly ruler, how do you think the King of the Universe will react to your insult? Verse 10 states that your worship is governed by what gain you can make. You won't even close the Temple doors unless you're paid to do it. In the kingdom age under Messiah throughout the whole earth Yahweh will be praised and revered. A pure "mincah", or peace offering will be made to honour the LORD at that time. Worship had become tiresome for the people; so, God's response is, “I’m tired of this nation". Don't cheat Me by not offering the Great King your best. Revelation chapters 17-20 are described in "Apocalypse Epitomised" by H. P. Mansfield as, "The Judgment of the Great Whore and the Triumph of the Lamb". In chapters 17-18 we read of the destruction of Rome (Babylon the Great). In chapter 17 the Roman Church is described as a great prostitute, who has shed the blood of masses of the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ over centuries. It is presented as riding and controlling a brutish beast. The harlot sits on many waters - i.e. exercises dominion over many nations see also verse 15; e.g. in Columbia one can read many signs such as, "young man if you want power, become a priest". The wine which Rome has used to befuddle the minds of those nations is Rome's teachings (compare Jeremiah 51verses7-8). Verse 5 says that on her head was a "mysterious", or 'secret', name. The Catholic system is surrounded by secrets - there is within the Catholic catechism's 7 blessed mysteries - starting with the mystery of the Trinity, a fundamental denial of the truth that Jesus came in the flesh. Rome had slain many martyrs (witnesses) of Jesus. "Foxes book of Martyrs" outlines many of these. The sight of the Great Whore brought astonishment to John. The Whore's location is said to be a seven hilled city - Rome - verse 9 (these literal hills were emblematic of the 7 forms of government Rome has had). Verse 18 in addition tells us that at the time Revelation was written - 96 AD - that the city had dominion over the then known world; and that alone was Rome. Chapter 18 tells of the moral pollutions practised by Rome and the destruction that will be brought upon it. The words of verse 2 are an echo of what was said when the first Babylon fell. Verses 2-3 express Yahweh's detestation of the vileness of Rome. Verse 4 is an appeal to God's people to have nothing to do with Rome's behaviours, so as to not share in her calamities. Martin Luther was a devout Church priest until he went to Rome and saw the perversions practised by all levels of the Church, and especially by the pontiff of that era. The Sovereign Lord will repay Rome's evils doubly. The Roman Church describes herself as, "the Mother and Mistress of all Churches"; she sits as a queen, but the Almighty will make her a poverty-stricken widow. All will forsake her and rejoice in her destruction. Verses 11-14 give an inventory of these soul merchants (note verse 13 lists among her cargoes, "the souls of men"). Those who have traded with her will be anything but exultant at Rome's fall - there will be weeping and wailing. Rome's overthrow is likened to a great angel casting a millstone into the sea. The blood of the martyrs will finally be avenged.   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-december-29th-job-39-malachi-1-revelation-17-18/?feed_id=108353&_unique_id=6950d8e72f4de