Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 21st (Job 28; Zechariah 4, 5; Revelation 1, 2)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]In Job 28 the reply to Bildad continues and the chapter poses the question, "Where can we find wisdom?" Wisdom we know comes from the Almighty and is exclusively His and those who learn from Him through His Word (Proverbs 1verses1-7; it begins with "the fear of Yahweh”; Proverbs 3verses1-27). Precious metals are found in veins within the earth. Job outlines the effort and labour humans are prepared to expend seeking precious goods. No beast or bird can find wisdom's path. Why is it that we are so dull in perceiving that which truly enriches. Our efforts seeking the LORD's wisdom are puny. Yet with that wisdom alone there is no accompanying sorrow (Proverbs frequently tells us). Nothing of material wealth, which man can find, can be compared with divine wisdom ("choqma" superior wisdom). Only God can reveal it to those who are humble (Isaiah 57verses15; 66verses1-2). Zechariah 4 contains the vision of the golden Lampstand with 7 branches described in detail in Exodus 37verses27-34 and emblematic of Israel being the light giver to all nations of the world. It also speaks of the role of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to illuminate those dwelling in the darkness of death's shadow - 1 Peter 2verses1-10. The bowls contained the reservoir of golden oil obtained by the labour of the saints. Despite the littleness of Judah Yahweh would through His spirit Word, active in His people, accomplish marvellous things (verse 6 compare also John 6verses63). And through the anti-typical shoot from Babylon, our Lord Jesus Christ, would shout, "Grace" for all among the nations who would believe (Isaiah 28verses15-16). The work commenced by the Servant of the LORD would also be finished by him (also Philippians 2verses12- 18). Let none of us despise God's work, for though it appears small it will amount to grandeur. The seven lamps also signify Yahweh's omniscience. He sees and controls, through His angels, all that happens in this earth. The two olive trees emptying themselves into the bowls of the candelabra speak of faithful Jews and Gentiles. They themselves are described as, "sons of oil”, the work and the workings of the Almighty. Chapter 5 tells of the vision of the flying scroll. The dimensions of the scroll are the same as those of the Holy Place within the Tabernacle in which the 7 branched Lampstand stood. It symbolised the going forth of the word of the LORD, firstly to Israel and then, via them, to the entire world. But it is said by the prophet to be the going forth of a "curse". The Law blessed those who walked in its precepts, and cursed those who forsook its testimonies (Deuteronomy 27 and 28). Israel had become apostate and had abandoned the Truth of their Sustainer. Verse 4 tells us that in its corrupt form it was at home with the thief and the liar, whose house must fall. The angel talking with the prophet says that it speaks of the progress of iniquity (cp 2 Thessalonians 2verses1-11). It was firstly found within the basket of an ephah in measure, speaking of the covetousness of Israel and using religion as a means of gain. This so disturbed the Lord Jesus Christ in the first century. The letting loose of this apostasy was restrained by a talent of lead being placed on the baskets lid. A talent approximately equalling the weight of a man; likewise, was the mystery of iniquity forestalled in the early years of Christianity. Then the chapter describes the two unclean stork-like women, Aholah and Aholibamah of Ezekiel's time - Israel and Judah - and the carrying away of the basket. The basket was taken to the plain of Shinar i.e. the enemies' tooth - to Babylon, where it found a permanent home. Babylon speaks of Rome, as the book of Revelation amplifies. There we see the apostate church and its Pope established at St Peter's in the Vatican City. We are told in 2 Timothy 3verses16 that "all Scripture has been breathed out by God". This includes the book of Revelation which is known in the Greek as 'the Apocalypse'. It was as its first verse tells us given to the Lord Jesus Christ by his Father who showed our Lord the matters "revealed" in that book. But having received those wonderful matters Jesus 'reveals' those matters via his angel through John the Apostle to all believers. In Revelation we have the only book in the Bible directly given to believers by the Lord Jesus Christ (1verses1) and encompassing blessings on the diligent readers (v3). It contains letters of advice in chapters 2-3 from the Lord which are portrayed in the opening vision of 1verses9-20,. Each of the seven ecclesias in Turkey are told what's wrong with their attitude, and also they receive commendation for their successes. The 7 letters all emphasise faithful works that are necessary to please our Father and His Son. These works are seen in the faithful lives of His children as they strive to walk to the Father's kingdom guided daily by the energy drawn from the love of the Father and His Son and given to us through the Word of the Almighty. From this amalgam of instructions, we are to be both warned and encouraged; in order for us to, like our Lord 'overcome' the world (2verses26-27) and so be blessed to inherit the Kingdom. 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-21st-job-28-zechariah-4-5-revelation-1-2/?feed_id=107775&_unique_id=694658c31766f