Three and a half years (42 months, 1260 days spoken of frequently in the book of Revelation) of grievous famine had devastated the land of Israel. This famine had been brought upon the idolatrous nation to punish it and prepare for Elijah's heartfelt call to turn to their God. Elijah returns and announces the contest between Yahweh and Baal. The prophet announces this to faithful Obadiah, who has in the face of great risk to his own life from Jezebel's murderous slaughter, hidden 100 of the LORD's prophets; and fed them from Ahab's own pantry. Elijah seems dismissive of Obadiah, but through him communicates the message to the king. The prophets of Jezebel, who numbered 850 in all, came to Mount Carmel for the contest to see which god would answer by fire. Baal, who was a) the god of harvest; and, b) the god of fire being the sun god; was allowed first opportunity. Given the famine, Baal had already proven himself a failure on the first count. Now, given a parched earth and a burning hot sun, he seemingly had the ideal conditions for the contest. Elijah mocks the frantic frauds. Then at the time of the evening sacrifice, as the sun was declining, he repairs the altar of Yahweh. Next the prophet saturates the slain bull in sea water and calls the people to him. He prays and the Almighty answers by fire. So intense was the fire that it even licked up the water from the trench around the altar. Israel's response was to shout "Yahweh, he is the God" (which was the meaning of the prophet Elijah's name). All of the prophets of Baal were entirely massacred. The prophet earnestly prayed for rain; compare verses 41-44 with James 5verses 17-18. Elijah is then told to run before Ahab's chariot as the king hastened home to his palace. In spirit and power the prophet miraculously ran, as a herald, before the king.
The prophet in his 44th chapter outlines the people's incapacity to learn the cause of their suffering. All those of Pathros would perish apart from a small remnant. The stupid leaders of Judah's remnants declare that the cause of their calamity came from a failure to persist in their sacrifices to the Queen of Heaven. It was such a degrading and idolatrous behaviour that the Almighty was judging. The prophet tells them that not only would they be destroyed, but Pharaoh Hophra would be taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar.
In 1 Corinthians 3 the Apostle regrets his readers lack of spiritual perception. This lack of spiritual understanding was evident in the Corinthians following of leaders. It was both carnal and infantile. All who God had provided as guides for His ecclesia were engaging in the same task - whether sowing, watering, or harvesting. They were all FELLOW workers with their Father. They were His farm, His building, as well as His coworkers. Paul claims to have been a master builder. He has built upon the sole foundation that has been laid - the faithful stone laid in Zion in our Lord Jesus Christ: Isaiah 28 verse 16 read and meditate the message. Each of us is building and care must be taken with what we have chosen to build - the trial of fire will test with what we have sought to build. It may be that our life's work is disastrous. However our Sovereign knows the intent behind our efforts and will save such as have laboured faithfully, even if the outcomes have not stood the test of time. In God's ecclesia we are either builders, or destroyers. Take great care of our behaviours in the household of God. Of chief importance is that our minds have been devoted to the Almighty, as a temple in which He chooses to dwell.
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We have a most instructive record in the 2nd of Kings 5. It is a case study in humility and baptism. Naaman was a general in the Syrian army and he had leprosy. The Israeli handmaid to his wife loved both Naaman and her mistress. This handmaid says that if her master was in Israel the prophet of God, ie Elisha would cure him. Naaman, obviously trusting in this advice, spoke to the king of Syria, who sends his general with gifts and a letter to the king of Israel. The letter asks for Naaman's cure. The faithless king interpreted the Syrian king's request as Syria seeking a quarrel between their nations. The king of Israel rants and sends Naaman from him. Elisha, on hearing this, tells the king of Israel to send Naaman to him for healing. As Naaman approaches Elisha sends a message to Naaman to dip in Jordan seven times and be cleansed. Naaman, feeling humiliated and reacting in pride refuses. The general's servants exhort him to humility, as the request is simple. Naaman humbles himself and immerses himself in the river seven times and is healed. Baptism is an act done in obedience, by responding in humility, and for healing. Naaman promises to serve Yahweh alone, but explains the difficulty he has in his role with the Syrian king. Elisha's servant, Gehazi, is overcome by his covetousness as a consequence becomes cursed with Naaman's leprosy.
Lamentations is one of the saddest books of the Bible. It was set to music as a dirge to imprint its memorable message on the minds of the people. It is an account of the prophet Jeremiah's lament at the death of righteous king Josiah; and also the destruction of the prophet's beloved Jerusalem. Some have asked: "Why is this book in the Bible?" It is there to instruct us and and admonish us in the ways of our God. Romans 15 verses 4-5 tells us that this is the purpose of all Scripture. It serves this purpose for all God's children, especially for our Lord Jesus Christ. Similarly Job instructs us in the same way: James 5 verses 7-11. The principal lesson would seem to be that in suffering there is learning and training in righteousness: Hebrews 12 verses 3-11. Consider how this applies even to our Lord Jesus Christ: Hebrews 5 verses 7-9. It is interesting that the first 12 verses are in the third person, while the rest of the chapter is in the first person. The structure of the book is of five chapters - the first two and last two each have 22 verses; chapter 3, the highest point of the book, having 3 x 22 (or 66 verses). Each successive triplet of three verses, is the pattern for chapter 3 where each each group of three verses starts with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The entire book follows the pattern of commencing each segment with each of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This style is known as an acrostic style of writing. See how desolate the people and city were; and how despondent was the Jeremiah. The third chapter reflects that there always is hope in suffering. Additionally there is within the book a chiasmic structure (ABCBA) with chapter 5 reflecting chapter 1; and chapter 2 mirroring chapter 4. Chapter 5 according to Bullinger in "The Companion Bible" is partially acrostic. We can, through the book understand our Lord Jesus Christ - a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
In the first of Corinthians 14 the Apostle Paul urged the pursuit of love, rather than seeking the showy and much abused spiritual gifts. Ordered worship among believers is essential. His conclusion was - let everything be done decently and in order. Having established in chapter 13 that love is the greatest gift of all the Apostle encourages a wholehearted pursuit of love in the beginning of this chapter. Paul continues to compare its benefits to the spirit gifts of the Apostolic age and says that the ability to instruct in the Word of God is far greater than speaking in tongues - Greek 'glossa' which speaks of languages according to Strong's Concordance - not unknown tongues. For instruction in the Word is an exercise of growing in holiness: Hebrews 12 verse 11; Ephesians 4 verses 11-16. In verses 6-12 Paul tells his readers that just as music has chords with a distinct resonance so too must God's Word have a clear and distinctive discernible message. The same is true of the clarion blast of the bugle that calls people to war. Verses 13-19 repeats the message that hearers must understand the prayers that are said. There is no benefit in a prayer of words that lack meaning for the hearers. So the Apostle requests that prayer be for the edifying of the hearers and not simply that the one who prays is ecstatic and feels uplifted. In verses 20-25 Paul cites the prophets to show that the Father says that this is His objective in enlightening men and women. Verses 26-33 give instructions for orderly worship in ecclesial gatherings. He says that when the prophet speaks it is useless unless the interpreter can give understanding to the gathering. He also speaks against competing with one another and that the members must wait until their turn comes rather than rudely interrupting and trying to talk over one another. The time for silence is appropriate and according to our Father's revealed Word. For that matter the Apostle declares that sisters remain silent in formal ecclesial gatherings. This truth is repeated in 1 Timothy 2 verses 11-15. Verses 36-39 tell us that such observance of the divine order is a reflection of spiritual mindedness as opposed to carnal self seeking.
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2 Kings 4 records further miracles in the ongoing ministry of Elisha. The first relates to Elisha's care for a widow woman and her son by the multiplication of the oil into the pots that she had borrowed at the command of the prophet. The oil only ceases once there are no more pots left to fill. This miracle illustrates that God can, and will, use us to our maximum potential as long as we make ourselves available. This miracle is followed by the giving of a son to a rich, but faithful and discerning woman from Shunem. Her son dies and in her distraught state she seeks aid from Yahweh's prophet, who resurrects her son- Elijah's servant Gehazi could not do this. The lesson is that only by the persistent and prayerful patience of His servants will the LORD fulfill His will. The reader should compare this miracle and the occurrences of sevens that are spoken of with the bringing of the rain by Elijah. For both these miracles the main point for us is stated in James 5 verses 13-18. The chapter ends with the miraculous healing of the stew for the sons of the prophets.
The prophecy of Jeremiah concludes in chapter 52 with a record of the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple. It tells of the punishment of the wicked and vacillating king Zedekiah by Nebuchadnezzar. Zedekiah's punishment was precisely as the prophet had predicted. The people of Judah were taken to Babylon, where their exile lasted for 70 years; as yet again prophesied by Jeremiah 25 verses 11-12 and chapter 29 verses10-14. Jehoiachin was released from prison and elevated to the king's table until his death.
From 1 Corinthians 12-14 Paul shows that the body of believers in Christ is analogous to the human body. In 1 Corinthians 12 the Apostle Paul describes how God through His Spirit had distributed gifts and roles within the ecclesia. Just as our bodily members have unique and distinctive functions so too is it within the ecclesia of Christ: compare Romans 12 verses 3-8. It is never a question as to what member is the most important; because the unseen and less showy members are the most vital to the body, ie the heart, the kidneys etc. Just as in Ephesians 4 verses 1-16. Paul demonstrates that, rather than the gift, it is the service - or function which the individual can contribute
to the growth of the body into Christ its head. This chapter is an answer to all would be schismatics - the body of true believers in the one body of Christ. The Apostle finishes the chapter by telling his readers that the better way of service lay in three qualities, which were not the spirit gifts, but attributes available to all believers - FAITH, HOPE and LOVE. 1 Corinthians 13 reveals that the infantile aids of the spirit gifts would cease once their objective of establishing a mature community of believers had been completed. This is the basis of his magnificent treatise on love; showing it to be the greatest and only enduring gift. Hope will vanish when it is realised in God's Kingdom. Believing will have been completed in the receiving of immortality. What a wonderful experience awaits us when we will then know God as He now knows us. Only love goes on and never cease. Slowly read the chapter aloud. Ponder, pause and meditate its message for the way believers must live. This chapter in Paul's letter changes the Corinthians narrow self-focus to an elevation of their minds to living the truth as our Lord Jesus Christ our head directed both them and us: Ephesians 4 verses 11-16.
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The story told in 2 Kings 3 is most curious indeed. Verses 1-8 tell us of the time that the two kings of Israel and Judah - Jehoram and Jehoshaphat - set out to wage war against Moab who had rebelled and failed to pay the massive tribute that had been imposed on them by Jehoram. Jehoram and Jehoshaphat were not expecting to be defeated by the weather. Surely Yahweh would not have it so. A minstrel was called to induce a mood conducive to the prophet Elisha and this is perhaps puzzling to us. God sent the rain only where the allies - Israel and Judah were encamped. The Almighty also sent a wind which deluded Moab into believing the two kings had turned on each other. The foes of Israel and Judah rushed unknowingly to their destruction. What a gross incident concludes the sorry tale with the Moabite king sacrificing his son to placate his idol that demands human blood - Chemosh.
In Jeremiah 51 we have the story in apocalyptic language of Babylon's overthrow. The chapter encapsulates the entire latter portion of the book of Revelation. For yourself it is a worthwhile exercise to open one Bible at Jeremiah 51 and alongside it another opened to Revelation chapters 17-19. Next find how many direct quotes and allusions you can find in the Revelation chapters from Jeremiah 51. The conclusion that this leads you to is that "Babylon the Great" in in the book of Revelation and the mysterious Babylon of Jeremiah 51 are one and the same. An idolatrous and mysterious religious system which today speaks of the mysterious Babylon of the Roman Catholic Church: Revelation 17 verses4-6, 18,18 verses 1-8, 10-17, 19-24; 19 verses 1-3. These overlords who subjected Jerusalem to their cruelties and idolatrous worship were judged by the LORD God Almighty and His saints. Isaiah contrasts those rulers with Judah's Sovereign: Isaiah 26 verses 13-14 compare with Jeremiah 51 verses 39, 57. Those Babylonian rulers were to die and never rise again - "they shall not rise" (Isaiah 26); they shall "sleep a perpetual sleep and not wake (Jeremiah 51). In contrast those trusting in God will experience peace and rise to eternal life - Isaiah 26 verses 1-3, 19-21.
In 1 Corinthians 11 Paul proves that our Almighty Sovereign's purpose is evident in the creative work of His angels and the hierarchy that this established. God is supreme, a theme that will be expanded in chapter 15, under Him is His Divine Son - who stands as the head and archetype of the entire creation. Next, in the creative order comes the man, then the woman. Paul points out that there is a mutually dependent relationship in Christ between husband and wife. However, as an acknowledgment of the creative order in the work of the angels, it's important for the women to worship acknowledging the principle that women should worship with their heads covered. The Apostle then speaks of practices that were incongruous in the context of the celebration of the Lord's memorial supper of bread and wine. He urges that self examination is imperative to the receiving of the emblems of our Lord Jesus Christ's sacrifice. And so the great Apostle declares that before we take the bread we need to scrutinise ourselves. None of us take the emblems with a sense of worthiness - we acknowledge that we are weak, erring and struggling with our mortality and the ravages that sin has brought on our fallen condition and our proneness to sin with which we wrestle on a daily basis. But the important thing is that we continue to strive against sin relentlessly. This we do in remembering our Lord's offering: Hebrews 12 verses 1-11. Surely those who have given up fighting against sin will be condemned with the world. Brother Thomas exquisitely says of the breaking of the bread on page 296 of Elpis Israel: "for to eat his flesh is to digest, and make a part of our mental selves, the truth concerning the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ."
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The record of 2 Kings commences with Ahaziah's injury from falling through the lattice work in his upper room. The foolish king sends his servants to ask help from the god of the dung heap, Beel-Zebul (the same idol that the foes of Jesus attributed to his healing power). Elijah was sent to rebuke the rebellious monarch and tell him that he would not recover his health. King Ahaziah sends 50 soldiers to arrest the prophet and bring him to the king. Elijah was still learning the type of mission the Almighty required of him - not the calling for fires of judgment from heaven on the troops, who were at this time his enemies. The king sent another 50 troops and these too were killed by fire. Finally when the third captain of 50 entreated Elijah to show mercy these men were spared.
2 Kings 2 tells of the LORD taking Elijah away from Israel. The story is much misunderstood, with some people believing that Elijah was literally taken to heaven. But John 3:13 shows this is not what happened. God presents Elijah in this chapter as His vehicle of revelation - the chariot. Through Elijah's mission Yahweh's will was being done. Having seen the prophet's departure Elisha is granted a double portion of the power that had been evidenced in Elijah's miracles. Sixteen miracles are recorded as being done by Elisha in comparison to recorded for Elijah. The first of Elisha's miracles was the parting of the Jordan river. A fruitless search was undertaken by fifty prophets who requested to be allowed to search for the body of Elijah . They clearly did not believe that Elijah was in heaven. However their search did not find the prophet's body just as Israel's search for the body of Moses was likewise a vain search. But the record in Deuteronomy 34:6 clearly tells us that God had buried Moses in Moab. Another of Elisha's miracles is the healing of the poisoned food. Then follows the founding of the 'school of the prophets'. The final miracle recorded in chapter 2 is the destruction of 30 blasphemous youths at the hands of two she bears. The word in the text has been wrongly translated "children" since other occurrences of the Hebrew word describe youths up to thirty years of age.
Jeremiah 50 deals with the judgment of the LORD upon Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom of Babylon from its northern neighbours - the Medes and Persians. Verses 1-2 describe the LORD's judgments against Babylon and her gods. Verses 3-16 describe the terrors that Babylon's invaders strike into her heart as the inhabitants flee the retribution which the Almighty has brought upon this city state. Verses 17-27 tell us that the Babylonians had been an instrument of divine retribution, but had overreached their commission. These verses speak of the wide extent of our Sovereign's hand upon Babylon and the great wealth that she had extracted from the surrounding nations. Verses 28-32 tell of Yahweh's retribution and echoes of these thoughts are found in Revelation 18:1-14. Therefore Yahweh would bring the vengeance of His Temple (v28). Verses 33-38 speak of the sword of the LORD being brought against the idols of Babylon. Verses 35-43 speak of God stirring up a confederacy of Elamites, Medes and Persians against Babylon. Verses 44-46 speak of the judgment brought against the Chaldeans would come like a lion from the jungle to bring retribution on the guilty Babylonians. All of these events establish the truth that "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wills" Daniel 4 verse 17.
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We reach the end of 1 Kings today with chapter 22. The record tells us of a respite from war for 3 years. At the end of this time, Jehoshaphat, Ahab's son in law went to see his relative. Jehoshaphat is invited to join Ahab in a campaign against Syria but shows reluctance without the endorsement for the war by a prophet of Yahweh. The false prophets of Ahab promise victory, but Jehoshaphat remains adamant that without God's endorsement he will not proceed. Eventually Micaiah is summoned and sarcastically tells Ahab to go and conquer. The prophet was abused before he outlines the Almighty's attempt to entice and destroy the wicked king. Micaiah is put in tough conditions - being fed on bread and water - until his monarch would return in peace. Micaiah says that this cannot happen as Yahweh's Word cannot be broken. The king of Israel entered the battle in disguise, but was slain by an arrow shot by chance. Ahab having died in battle was carried to Samaria for burial and the dogs licked the blood from the washed chariot, in the very place of Naboth's slaughter, as Elijah had prophesied. Jehoshaphat, whose mother was faithful, walked as Asa his father had. He was a king like David. The record tells of a further error of judgment by Jehoshaphat in the joint venture with Israel's Ahaziah in the constructing of a navy at Ezion-geber. Ahaziah the son of Ahab came to rule over Israel and continued the wicked legacy of his father Ahab. The idolatry and wickedness had begun with Jeroboam: "the man who caused Israel to sin". Jehoshaphat seems to be like those described in 1 Corinthians 3 verses 13-15 ie his works were at times dubious but he may very well be saved.
The 49th chapter of Jeremiah speaks of judgment poured out upon the nations surrounding Israel: Ammon (Moab's half brother); Edom, Syrian Damascus, Kedar and Hazor, and Elam. These nations and their principal cities were to experience the judgments from Yahweh delivered via the Babylonians. Verses 1-6 tell of the devastation of Ammon. Verses 7-22 speak of the total overthrow of Edom, ie Esau - Israel's brother. As we read these verses we should also consider the book of Obadiah and the words of Malachi 1 verses :2-5. Verses 23-27 outline the punishment of Damascus. Verses 28-33 predict the desolation of Hazor and Kedar in terms similar to the judgment of Babylon: compare Isaiah 14. Verses 34-39 speak of the punishment of Elam. Interestingly there are promises of latter day restoration for Ammon and Elam. The two kingdoms which bookend the prophecies of Jeremiah 49. As previously noted these pronouncements had applications for the prophet's time and, again, in the near future when the fortunes of Ammon and Elam will be reversed in the Kingdom of God.
In the first of Corinthians 8 Paul outlines the problem facing the believers was not knowledge, but rather the insistence of exercising supposed rights. Idols were nothing; and so the eating of meats that had been devoted to an idol was of no consequence. What was of importance was, that, the insistence of some believers that they could go to a venue that promoted immorality. Paul declares that this could be cause for the stumbling of another believer. So for the sake of food, the Apostle explaines: do not destroy the conscience of another - for whom Christ died. Chapter 9 continues the argument that the foregoing of rights was essential if saving others is our objective. Paul's own example illustrates this. He explained in verses 8-14 by using two examples from the Law. This is followed by the Apostle showing that his preaching was from an obligation and was not entirely voluntary. This Paul explains humbles him and eliminates boasting. This section of the book 1 Corinthians concludes with the need for perseverance and discipline to attain the prize of eternal life.
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1 Kings 21 begins with telling us who really ruled Israel. It was Jezebel who made all the important decisions. The record reveals that, despite Ahab's wickedness he understood certain aspects of Yahweh's laws. Naboth was one of God's most faithful followers and would not sell his family inheritance to Ahab. The king's response was to act like a petulant child. At this point, Jezebel took complete control and conspired to kill Naboth. This being accomplished, she sent her husband to take possession. In the very place where the dogs had licked up Naboth's blood Ahab is confronted by Elijah. The prophet told Ahab that he was capable of better behaviour - he had "sold" his conscience to his evil wife. His doom is announced. Ahab's house would be as Jeroboam's - totally destroyed. Additionally, the dogs would devour Jezebel and lap up her blood in the very place of her destruction of Naboth. How remarkable is our Sovereign that he could pardon Ahab at that time. But this was only because Ahab genuinely repented. The coming pronouncement was delayed for a time. Jeremiah 48 deals with the Almighty's judgment of Moab. Once again, there was an initial fulfilment in the prophet's own time; as well as a latter-day application; in the era soon to come. Verses 1-2 tell of God's judgments on the chief deity and principal cities of Moab. Verses 3-8 speak of the sufferings among all ages of Moab's citizens. The cries of the young are noted as the Babylonian invader shows no pity. People are fleeing from the devastation. Verses 9-11 explain that the LORD has brought Babylon against the wicked and unheeding populace. Verses 12-17 say that the Moab's idols and armies are to be overthrown. Verses 18-20 contain a contemptuous lamentation upon Judah's neighbour - Moab. Verses 21-33 outline the devastation of the principal cities. We are told that they lay waste and joyless. Verses 34-39 continues the lament for Moab. Verses 40-44 tell of Yahweh's determination to judge Moab for its
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wickedness. Verses 45-46 describe the Almighty's hot anger upon Moab. The message concludes in verse 47 God's promise to bring a complete reversal of Moab's fortunes in Messiah's Kingdom. In 1 Corinthians 7 Paul tells of the importance of marrying faithfully in the Lord. One husband and one wife is the Divinely designed arrangement. But marriage may not be for all as the chapter outlines. Verses 6-7 indicate that a single person is better placed to serve God, provided their passions can be contained. Otherwise, marriage would seem essential (v36 reinforces this thought). The next section from Vv12-16 says that the proper upbringing of children is dependent on harmony between husband and wife. It also says that perseverance and faithfulness may convince a spouse to become a believer. From verses 17-24 is advice to provide diligent service in the state in which one has been called - whether single, or married. This is followed by advice for the widows and the unmarried. The objective of service in our Lord Jesus Christ is being devoted and undistracted servants - whether single or married. We need to follow scriptural principles for marrying, i.e. only between one man and one woman - not allowing the confusion which is seen in our society today. When death dissolves the marriage, then the Bible's counsel is if you seek to remarry this must be only to a believer, verse 39.
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1 Kings 20 describes the ongoing wars between Ahab and Benhadad, the Syrian king. Syria was a powerful realm and under Ahab Israel was a feeble and impoverished country. So Benhadad made excessive demands of tribute from Ahab. When Ahab accedes to these the Syrian monarch increases his demands and Ahab refuses to accept the increasing demands. Benhadad becomes enraged and swears to raze Samaria to the ground by tomorrow. Ahab's response was, "Let not the one who straps his armour on boast. That is reserved for the one who will take his armour off". The LORD sent a prophet to tell Ahab that Yahweh would give Israel the victory over the huge host of the Syrians and their allies. The army of Israel was a mere 232 town officials and 7,000 men. Benhadad had 32 kings with him. So confident was Benhadad that his orders were that the king of Israel and his officials were not to be slain, but taken alive. God sent confusion into the enemy host and in their panic they slew one another as they sought to flee. Ahab was told that next spring, that was the time for making warfare, the Syrians would renew their struggle. The Syrian wise men suggest that the reason for Israel's victory was that Yahweh was a hill god. The next campaign must be fought in the valleys. The prophet said that Yahweh would humble the Syrians and their gods, who were no gods. When the time for battle came Israel's army was like two tiny flocks of sheep; but nonetheless they were protected by the Almighty Shepherd of His people. In contrast the Syrians, who despite their overwhelmingly superior numbers, were nervous because of their last encounter. On the first day of the battle 100,000 of Israel's enemies are killed and the remainder flee only to be overtaken by further calamity in Aphek, where a wall collapsed killing 27,000 more. Benhadad went into hiding in a secret chamber from where he sent skilled emissaries to Ahab, to determine his attitude. Foolishly Ahab accepted the peace terms and treated the Syrian monarch with clemency. The Almighty sent another prophet to Ahab to rebuke his dereliction of the divine determination and this prophet pronounces retribution upon Ahab.
Jeremiah 47 pronounces divine judgment upon Philistia. The word in Hebrew for'Philistine' means "those who grovel in the dust". It was the origin of the Roman word 'Palestinian' given to Israel's land by the emperor Hadrian in AD 135. The judgment upon the Philistines happened in Jeremiah's lifetime and undoubtedly carries applications for our era.
Among the Corinthians there was a misunderstanding in relation to the responsibility of making judgment on disputes between believers. They were taking their fellow believers before the bench for decisions. So Paul urges them in this 6th chapter to settle the issue among themselves and declares that it is shameful for believers to go to law to settle disputes among themselves. The Apostle says that the time is coming in the kingdom when the worldly authorities would be ruled by the saints. So surely determinations of differences must be decided in the ecclesia. The ancient city of Corinth was renowned for fornication. It was a proverb of the first century AD that visitors would go to the Acrocorinthus to 'Corinthianise', that is to fornicate. The Acro Corinthia, atop of the city's mount, had a temple with many restaurants and 3,000 temple prostitutes. So wrong was this activity that Paul warns believers from going there for a meal if they were going to be distracted by the evil practices which occurred there. And even if they were not personally affected the Apostle says that a believer should not go there in case it should become a cause of stumbling to another. Engaging in a sexual union outside of marriage is defiling for holy believers - they are God's temple: see Hebrews 13:4. And in today's world their are many places and practices that believers must avoid in order to live lives of holiness as we wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: read aloud slowly Titus 2:11-14 and let us live this way.
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In the first of Kings 19 we have Elijah, despite the wonderful victory over Baal worship, fleeing for his life from the enraged and vengeful Jezebel. The prophet sought refuge at Sinai, the mount of Yahweh. However, unlike Moses who made intercession for God's people, he went there asking his Sovereign to destroy Israel: see Romans 11 verses 2-5. God through a succession of manifestations of His power humbles Elijah to understand that his perception of God was entirely mistaken. Our Omnipotent Creator is a Saviour, rather than a destroyer. It is likely that the cave from which Yahweh revealed Himself to the prophet was the very place where our gracious Sovereign revealed His name and character to Moses: read Exodus 33 verses 17-34 and 7 and contemplate the wonder of the Almighty's character. The chapter concludes with Elijah being commissioned by the LORD to appoint 3 men - Hazael as king of Syria; Jehu as king over Israel; and Elisha to replace himself. Elisha's call is recorded in verses 19-21 and that prophet Elisha, having put his hand to the work, never looked back: see Luke 9 verses 61-62. Will we prove ourselves to be disciples who will follow our Lord Jesus Christ whatever the cost.
Jeremiah 45 explains how God promises Baruch, the faithful scribe, that he would be preserved from the imminent doom. Chapter 46 describes the extensive disaster coming on Egypt, including the disobedient remnants of Judah. The chapter also includes a remarkable promise to the faithful remnant in Egypt who still clung to the Lord God and continued to hope in Him. Pause and read aloud verses 27-28 and ponder the steadfast love of the Almighty.
The letters to the Corinthians are the most autobiographical of all Paul's letters. 1 Corinthians 4 deals with the ministry of the Apostles - particularly Paul himself. Verses 1-5 tell us that the Apostle Paul was being accused of being dishonest with the ecclesial funds. Paul declares his innocence. He declares that he is unaware of any fault in matters of money. Paul asks his readers not to judge him. The Apostle says that even in declaring himself innocent his ultimate vindication will come when the Lord Jesus Christ comes as judge and vindicator. Verses 6-7 declare that Paul has transferred the principles to himself and to Apollos. Verses 8-13 the Apostle ironically states that the Corinthians are behaving as if the kingdom has already come. If only that was true, says Paul, for then the Apostles would also be ruling. In contrast Paul declares that the Apostles were being treated as conquered soldiers being paraded as a spectacle before the victorious nation. The Apostles were to be Ill treated and slain as an offering to the gods of the victorious nation. In verses 10-13 Paul declares that no matter how the Apostles are treated they will glory in their Lord and behave as an example of suffering for Christ's sake. Slowly read those verses aloud and ponder what we should endure as witnesses to our Master in this age. Verses 14-20 explain that Paul desires to be a faithful father to the Corinthians and not simply an expositor. The believers in Corinth didn't lack teachers, but fathers were few. Remember that the problem the Corinthians had was fractionally lining up behind prominent personalities. The Apostle hopes that his appeal will persuade his readers and that he will not have to come to them for the disciplining of them. Meditate carefully on verse 20 and reflect whether your life has a pronounced focus on the kingdom of God. Or whether we live lives of luxury as though the kingdom is not a reality! Paul tells them in chapter 5 that in their midst was a case of shameless incest. That case was so bad it that non believers who were living in a depraved and promiscuous Corinthian society would find it disturbing. The Apostle provides advice on dealing with the problem. The faithful must dissociate themselves from the sinful brother in order that his separation from the ecclesia might cause him to reflect on the error of his ways and to repent and once again seek for forgiveness and fellowship with the family of God. Paul says that the response within the ecclesia is wrong and rather than deal with the situation that the believers had chosen a path of indifference. The effect of such tolerance is like a leavening influence that would soon permeate the entire ecclesia. When the problem is properly handled the believers will be able to partake of the love feast of bread and wine representing Christ's offering - he being the Passover lamb - as they need to, ie in sincerity and truth. In verses 9-13tells the Apostle says that his demand to remove wickedness from the ecclesia is specific to the situation with the Corinthian body of believers. Non association with evil people would mean entirely removing ourselves from the world, ie becoming hermits. This would be a failure on the part of believers to be light bearers to the world. However we must live holy lives as a witness to whom we have believed and followed, ie our Lord Jesus Christ: Ephesians 5 verses 1-18. Carefully consider these words and live our lives in conformity with the Christ.
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1 Kings 17 abruptly introduces us to Elijah the Tishbite, who without fanfare, or family connections, bursts upon the evil Ahab with words of doom. There will be no rain until Elijah declares it. The prophet is sent to Zarapheth, the territory of wicked Jezebel, in Tyre and Zidon. The Bible records that her evils surpassed that of her husband. It is in her territory that Elijah the prophet providentially succours and protects God's faithful prophet. Elijah's failure to find support in Israel is typical of our Lord Jesus Christ - see his comments on this in his hometown of Nazareth: Luke 4 verses 22-26 read and meditate. Elijah is miraculously cared for by ravens - unclean birds - and in a time of famine when the birds could scarcely find food for themselves and their chicks. The ravens gave their food to the prophet. When the brook at Cherith dried up God sent the prophet to a faithful widow, who shows her trust in the God of Israel by obeying the demands of Elijah, by giving the morsels of food that was left (or remained) for herself and her son to Elijah. This was done in faith and without the care of the Almighty she and her son would certainly die. After this the record tells us that our Father's power was evidenced in the raising of the widow's son.
Jeremiah and the residue of Judah were forcibly taken to Tahpanhes in Egypt, where archeological evidence of this occurrence has been recently recovered. The prophet was instructed to take stones and enact a parable, which demonstrated the coming judgment of Nebuchadnezzar on the people here - when that despot would break the obelisks of Heliopolis and desecrate its temples.
The letters to the Corinthians begin in the same way as every epistle of Paul prior to his first Imprisonment in Rome. Grace ('charis" the Greek greeting) and peace ('shalom' the Hebrew welcome). What more could be offered any believer than the grace and peace of the Father? The letters written between the two imprisonments contain the added dimension of 'mercy': something we become more conscious of needing the older we get (the only exception to this pattern is in Paul's personal letter to Philemon). What wonderful words were told to the Corinthian readers, that by the Father's calling they were saints, or sanctified believers, incorporated into the fellowship of God and His Beloved Son. The Apostle informs his readers about the tragedy of forming factions. Christ's ecclesia - his body - cannot be divided into segments which follow human leaders. For that reason, notwithstanding the essential nature of baptism, Paul was thankful to have baptised only a few. The Apostle's prime focus was on forwarding the message of the Gospel. The essence of that message lay in the power of the preaching of Christ's crucifixion. Read aloud and ponder verses 18-31 (the last of those verses cite Jeremiah 9 verses :23-24). The reader will notice how the Apostle develops the theme from Jeremiah and consider the masterful conclusion in verses 30-31. How thankful are we that the Father has called weak and ordinary people such as ourselves to His kingdom and glory. Chapter 2 outlines Paul's determination when he came to Corinth to teach among them nothing except the Christ as the crucified one. This message was unbelievable and inconceivable to Paul's hearers, as his quote from Isaiah 64 verses 4-5 proves. But our Sovereign God has His love and wisdom shared with His children - known partly now with the added promise that the joys and blessings of the kingdom age cannot be understood simply through words which would fail to describe that experience of being the Father's immortalised children. The Apostle Paul highlights the difference between natural and spiritual thinking, showing that the teaching via the spirit of God Is essential for true enlightenment.
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The 16th chapter of 1 Kings starts with a prophecy from the seer, Jehu the son of Hanani, to bring judgment on Baasha as he copied the ways of Jeroboam. We will note that every monarch from the north was evil. The southern kingdom slid ever downward, but there were times of spiritual rebounding due to some of the great reformers. Elah's evil reign of 2 years ended by assassination at the hands of his servant Zimri. That usurpation was terminated after seven days by Omri. A brief civil war followed against Tibni until Omri prevailed. Omri has the horrible distinguishing feature of committing evil greater than any before him. Omri ruled for twelve years- the last six from the capital of Samaria, which he founded. He was followed by Ahab, whose wicked rule of 22 years was characterised by Baal worship; introduced by his ignominious and ruthless wife, Jezebel. In Ahab's reign there was an attempt to rebuild Jericho in defiance of the divine pronouncement against that city. The result of this rebellion was a double tragedy in the loss of two sons.
In the 42nd chapter of Jeremiah we are told that the prophet would pray for them not to experience the dire retribution of Nebuchadnezzar and warning them not to go into Egypt. However, the rebel captains ignored the warning, and took Jeremiah and the nation's remnants as hostages to Egypt. There they were to experience the perils of the sword and famine.
In the record of Mark 16 we are told that the three women were at the tomb for the start of the first day of the week (Sunday). But in Jewish reckoning this commenced at 6pm on the Saturday evening. An amazing sight confronted them - a young man, clearly an angel, sitting on the massive stone that had been rolled from the sepulchre's entrance. They were told by the angel that the Lord they sought had risen, and would meet with them in Galilee. How significant was that Jesus first appearance was to Mary Magdalene, whom he had healed of severe mental illness. It was as if "where sin had abounded grace did super-abound": Romans 5 verse 20. She typified the bride of Christ. Then followed an appearance to two others on the way to Emmaus as Luke 24 described. The chapter concludes with the great commission to take the Gospel to all the world. Jesus said the message would be supported by accompanying signs. This was applicable to the Apostolic Age.
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Abijam the son of Rehoboam reigned in Judah from the 18th year of the northern kingdom's king, Jeroboam. It was an undistinguished rule, which lasted but 3 years; and continued his father's folly. He was followed by Asa, the first of Judah's reformers, in a monarchy of 41 years. Like Judah's better kings, he is said to "have walked in the ways of David his (spiritual) father". He starts with a purge of the idols of his mother. Meanwhile Jeroboam had died in the north and was succeeded by Baasha, who had been fortifying his kingdom. By hiring the Syrians Asa took the initiative and became a great builder of fortresses himself. Asa dies and is succeeded by Jehoshaphat, his son. The northern kingdom was reigned over for two and a bit years by the do-nothing Nadab, who was himself killed in battle during Asa's rule. Nadab having been assassinated by Baasha and his offspring eradicated in fulfilment of the prophesy of Ahijah, who told of the extinguishing of Jeroboam's dynasty. Baasha's reign was characterised by evil. The phrase: "walked in the ways of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the man who made Israel to sin" is used for every monarch of the northern kingdom of Israel. So profound was the impact of that man. What a devastating legacy!
In Jeremiah 41 we read of the treacherous murder of Gedaliah the Governor by Ishmael. The Governor had been warned of the impending treachery of Ishmael, but had failed to believe the warning and to act on it. The remnant rebel captains failed to capture Ishmael and fearing certain Babylonian retaliation they fled to Egypt taking the remnants of Judah with them, continuing and increasing thereby, their sin against God. Because this was in blatant disobedience to the command of God, its failure was assured.
Mark 15 records Jesus' trial before Pilate and includes events up to and including our Lord's crucifixion and burial. The account is indeed brief when compared with the other gospel records. From the other gospel accounts we learn that there were 6 sham trials in all - three before Jewish authorities and three before the Gentiles. Mark 14 recorded one of the Jewish trials and chapter 15 one of the Gentile trials - before Pilate. Pilate was amazed by our Master's calm resignation to these events. Pilate tried to have Jesus acquitted by allowing his soldiers to brutally mistreat our Lord, in the mistaken hope that the Jewish leaders would show some pity. Our Lord was so weakened that on his way to Calvary it was necessary to press Simon of Cyrene to bare Jesus' stake - Greek "stauros". Simon and his two sons later became disciples, taking up their metaphorical stakes as Jesus commands of all his disciples. While on the stake our captain was mocked and taunted, but triumphing over those weaknesses and tauntings of Christ's enemies in himself: see Colossians 2 verses 11-15 read aloud slowly and meditate on the meaning. Jesus expired on the tree at the 9th hour ie 3pm precisely. This was at the time the Passover lambs were slain. A hardened Roman centurion on witnessing Jesus' behaviour exclaimed that certainly this man was the Son of God. In fulfilment of Isaiah 53 our Lord was buried in the tomb of a rich man, who had become his disciple, Joseph of Arimathea.
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1 Kings 14 verses 1-3 tell of Jeroboam's son Abijam becoming desperately sick. Jeroboam sends his wife with gifts to enquire of Ahijah the prophet whether the child would live. Verses 4-11 tell of Yahweh telling the blind prophet of Jeroboam's wife's coming and of her pretending to be another person. The prophet is told to tell her of the LORD's actions in bringing Jeroboam to the throne. The message spoke of Jeroboam's great sin in taking the ten tribes away from their God. As a result of this judgment was to brought to Jeroboam's household by cutting off every male. Verses 12-16 speak of the Almighty's mercy in allowing the child to die. Verses 17-18 describe the death of the child and the nation's mourning for him. Verses 19-20 tell of Jeroboam's death after an evil reign of 22 years and Jeroboam's son Nadab's appointment to the throne of Israel. Verses 21-24 describe the perversions that Rehoboam brought to the southern kingdom of Judah. Verses 25-28 outline how Judah was invaded by Shishak king of Egypt as God's retribution to Judah. Rehoboam stripped the Temple of gold and paid a heavy tribute for Shishak to leave them alone. Verses 29-31 describe the continuing wars between Jeroboam and Rehoboam all their lives. Rehoboam died and was succeeded by his son Abijam.
Jeremiah 40 verses :1-6 speaks of the prophet being given by Gedaliah, the Governor appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, the option of remaining in the land. Gedaliah says that the judgment that had been brought upon guilty Judah was just because the people had disobeyed the commands of God. The consequence of God's universal principle that we reap what we sow were shown to be unavoidable. Jeremiah chose to stay in Mizpah rather than journey to Babylon. Verses 7-12 tell of Gedaliah's instructions to the poor of the land who had been left to look after the land to live in peace and comply with Babylon's rule. Verses 13-16 say that the captains of the remnants of the forces which had rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar spake roughly with the Governor about their concerns. Gedaliah tells them that a rebel named Ishmael was not to be killed as those captains had failed to understand Ishmael. However chapter 41 tells us that Ishmael had deceived Gedaliah for the next chapter will describe Ishmael's murdering of Gedaliah.
In the record of Mark 14 and 15, we have, what's believed to be, Peter's accounting of the most horrific few days of his life. The 14th chapter commenced 2 days before the Lord's crucifixion with his anointing in the home of Simon the leper, believed by some to be the father of the family, Mary, Martha, Lazarus and Judas and would be the home of Martha's deceased husband. It was this incident which incited Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Our Lord praises Mary's extravagant act of love and understanding. She alone among all of our Lord Jesus Christ's disciples understood that Christ would die during the Passover. Jesus sent Peter and John, to prepare the Lord's supper. All had been secretly prearranged to prevent any interruptions to his Passover. He needed every last moment to prepare his Apostles for his decease. These Apostles had to learn to live faithfully without our Lord's presence. During the memorial feast our Lord prophesied details of Peter's betrayal, much to Peter's bold protestation to the contrary. The supper having ended the Lord and now eleven of his chosen disciples went to Gethsemane where our Master's greatest trial occurs. In Gethsemane he begged his Father to find another way than the stake, where he would be shamefully exposed to men but each time Jesus was told there could be no alternative. Finally our Lord's resolve strengthened through angelic support and his intense struggle to subject his own will to that of the Father the Son of God was perfected through his sufferings: Hebrews 5 verses 7-9. Slowly read aloud those verses from Hebrews and meditate the intensity of his struggle and the greatness of the Son of God in submitting to his Father's will. Christ was strengthened by an angel to aid him in submitting humbly to death. Judas arrives with a band of heavily armed thugs from the temple. A young man, quite likely Mark himself, escapes them after having tried to warn Jesus. Verses 53-65 tell of Jesus before the Council and the accusation of blasphemy levelled at him (surely this had been Judas' doing) and the Master's rebuttal from Daniel 7 verses 13-14. The chapter finishes with Peter's threefold denial of his Lord. Peter was in great bitterness for denying Jesus. His repentance contrasts with Judas' remorse without any repentance.
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In chapter 13 of 1 Kings we read of two prophets and Yahweh's denouncement of Jeroboam's altar and himself. God sent an unnamed prophet from Judah to prophesy what Josiah would do some 350 years later. As king Jeroboam stretched forth his hand to order the arrest of the dissident prophet he was struck with leprosy. Jeroboam had to plead for healing, which he was granted. The Judean prophet had been commanded by God to return immediately after the denunciation of Jeroboam and the prophecy that men's bones would be burnt on the altar by a man named Josiah. But the old prophet was beguiled into accepting hospitality from another unnamed prophet. While at the meal table the latter prophet told of the doom awaiting the Judean prophet. When the Judean prophet was returning to his home town he was met by a lion which slew him. The lion stood by his carcass. The Judean prophet's ass was not harmed by the lion. The ass remarkably did not flee but also stayed near the body of the slain prophet. The old prophet from Israel heard of these incredible signs and went and took the body of the Judean prophet and buried him in his sepulchre. The lying prophet from Israel commanded his sons that upon his death he should be buried in the same location as the Judean prophet. Although the punishment for the lying prophet seems severe Yahweh cannot tolerate falsity, especially when the impostors claim to be speaking the LORD's word. Deuteronomy is full of God's opposition to these liars as also we have seen in our readings in Jeremiah.
What a wonderful record is contained in the 39th chapter of Jeremiah. It delivers the final judgment on the wicked Zedekiah - the day had come when iniquity had an end. That end came in the overturning of the kingdom of Judah. We are told that Jeremiah was saved by Royal command from Nebuchadnezzar. We note that Rabmag was present when Jerusalem fell. Rabmag was a title meaning "the chief of the Magi" and belonged to Daniel himself. Likewise Ebed-melech was delivered due to his trust in God Almighty, and his kindness to Jeremiah. As God had promised Ebed-Melech through Jeremiah the prophet. No doubt Daniel ensured that both Jeremiah and Ebed-Melech were rescued.
Our 13th chapter in Mark tells us of the Olivet prophecy. Jesus, in response to his disciples pointing out to him the magnificence of the temple precinct, tells them all stones of that Temple will be overturned. Peter, James, John and Andrew ask him three questions in verse 4; which he answered in the subsequent verses to 27. Verses 5-13 answer the first question and the concluding statement was relevant to that generation, and for all time - the one who endures to the end will be saved. The 14th to the 23rd verses link the prophecies of Daniel 8 and 9 to our Lord's message. They have special reference to the Roman desolation of Jerusalem that would be fulfilled in the overturning of Zion by the emperors Vespasian and his son Titus in AD 70. The following 4 verses relate to the interval from then until Israel's regathering and national identity in 1948. This is outlined in the parable of the fig tree from Vv28 to 31. An exhortation to watchfulness is from verses 32-37. These final verses should be slowly read aloud by each of us as we meditate the message for the need for each of us to ready ourselves for our Lord Jesus Christ's coming.
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1 Kings 12 tells us of Rehoboam's folly following the death of Solomon. Rehoboam fails to heed the wise counsel of the elders and rather harkens to the ridiculous reasoning of his entitled peers. The outcome of this is the division of the kingdom, as prophesied by Ahijah. Jeroboam is termed in scripture "the man who caused Israel to sin". Jeroboam set up two golden calves - the one in the north at Dan; and the other in Beersheba in the south. Rehoboam sent his treasurer to collect the tribute from Israel. But they stoned the treasurer causing Rehoboam to flee in his chariot. Rehoboam then mustered his army but was dissuaded from fighting against his brethren by the prophet Shemaiah who tells the king that the division is from the LORD. To his credit Rehoboam responded to the Word of God and sent the army home. King Jeroboam from the northern branch of the divided kingdom next changes the timing of the feast of worship from the seventh to the eighth month. This idolatrous man made his priests from the lowest of the people. All of this was designed to maintain the division. Jeroboam was fearful that Israel might, if they went to the Feast in Jerusalem, be reconciled to Rehoboam.
This 38th chapter of Jeremiah told of the malevolent treatment afforded the prophet at the hands of the treacherous princes casting him into the mire (mud) of the cistern. He was rescued by the kind and faithful Ethiopian, Ebed-melech. Our Sovereign recompensed the Ethiopian eunuch's kindness to Yahweh's prophet. After his deliverance Jeremiah presented his entreaties secretly to the king. Jeremiah again counsels the king to save Judah by surrendering to the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar.
Mark 12 begins with the parable of the tenants of the vineyard which spoke of Israel. The parable tells of the constant rejection of God's servants, the prophets; and the ultimate sin of Israel in rejecting the Son of the Father. The nation's wicked rulers saw themselves in Jesus' words and fulfilled the prophecy of our Lord in plotting Jesus' death. Christ's enemies make several attempts to undermine our Lord's authority. The chapter shows that each prominent party posed hypothetical questions. The first was from an alliance of the Herodians, who were pragmatists who were prepared to cooperate with Rome, and the arch enemies of the Herodians - the Pharisees. The question from this unholy alliance was on taxation. The master not only answers majestically, but he directs their minds to God's claims on them. We are next told of the Sadducees posing their question on resurrection. This sect were the priestly class. They were wealthy and used their power to accumulate wealth. The Sadducees did not accept the teaching of the resurrection; nor any of the Scriptures apart from the 5 Books of Moses. These hypocrites were likewise confounded by incontestable proof from Exodus 3 - one of the five writings that were accepted by them - of the raising of the dead. The Scribes with the Pharisees pose a problem to our Lord as to which commandment was the greatest. Jesus answers by showing that the entire message of the Law and the Prophets hung equally on the love of God and the love one's neighbour. Christ then turns the tables on his foes through a simple question in two parts;- 1) whose son is the Messiah (easy they thought - David's of course); and, part 2) how then in Psalm 110 is the Christ spoken of as David's Lord? The inescapable answer was that the Christ, Messiah, was greater because he was the Son of God as well as son of David. The chapter concludes with a denunciation of the Scribes and an object lesson from the widow, who gave all.
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What a tragedy confronts the reader in Solomon's defiance of Yahweh's instructions. The record tells us of the foreign wives who corrupted the king (see Nehemiah 13 verses 25-27). Deuteronomy 17 had commanded the kings to write a personal copy the law, which contained commandments on the very matters Solomon contravened - see verses 14-29. And so the kingdom, to a large extent, would be torn from Solomon's son - Rehoboam. The circumstances of the rending of the civil fabric of Israel's society are described in the bulk of the chapter. The kingdom would pass to a diligent, but ambitious servant of Solomon's - whose name was Jeroboam. When this man came to the throne of Israel, also called Ephraim and Samaria he was to set up an idolatrous rival system of worship and is frequently called "the man who made Israel to sin". Solomon's death is recorded and his actions are said to have been written in "the Acts of Solomon".
Jeremiah warns the vacillating king Zedekiah to obey his divine Sovereign. The corrupt and vacillating king is told that Judah would receive no help from Pharaoh's army who had returned to Egypt. Chaldean captivity was inevitable and the king and his realm were instructed to submit to Babylon's authority. The Judean princes plot Jeremiah's imprisonment on the false charge of treason, ie supporting the Chaldeans. The prophet is shamefully beaten and imprisoned. Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah and the king, who was fearful of his nobles, and secretly questioned him. However, Jeremiah pleads to be spared by the king. Zedekiah places the prophet in custody and commands that he receives a daily ration of bread from the city's bakery. Jeremiah in his sufferings is a remarkable servant of God and a type of the suffering servant - the Lord Jesus Christ.
In the 11th chapter of Mark we read of Jesus' triumphal entry to Jerusalem. He rode on a donkey, a colt the foal of an ass, in fulfilment of the prophecy of Zechariah 9 verse 9 and also that of Genesis 49 verses :10-12. It was an animal that had never been ridden. It seems to suggest that our Lord Jesus would be the ruler/rider of the Gentiles. The crowds strewed their clothes and palm branches before Christ's path, and shouted, 'Hosanna' (save now) as the prophecy predicted. We are additionally told they recited Psalm 118 verses 26. It is recommended that we read Psalm 118 verses 19-29 and meditate on the many messages from that Hallel - or Passover Psalm - this being Passover time. As it was late, our Lord and his Apostles headed to Bethany. The next morning, as they left Bethany, Jesus saw a fig tree that showed promise of early fruit; just like Israel, whose symbol that tree was. But finding no fruit on the tree our Lord cursed it. It was like the fruitless nation: Matthew 21 verses 43 - read and consider the context of these words. That day Jesus cleanses the temple from corruption - the second time see John 2 verses 13-17 this was first done three and a half years earlier at the commencement of our Lord's ministry. That evening Christ returns to Bethany. The next morning the disciples were amazed at the withered tree and our Lord uses the opportunity to tell the power of persistent prayer. Jesus' foes were confounded the following day by his masterful answer on the source of his authority.
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The record in 1 Kings 10 tells of the visit to Solomon by the Queen of Sheba, a wealthy spice kingdom. She was left breathless after seeing his glorious dominion and spoke of her doubts as to what she heard in her own realm. This queen says to Solomon that there had been no exaggeration in what she had heard in her homeland. This queen graciously gave great gifts in tribute to Solomon. The chapter gives us a glimpse of the glory of Solomon's realm. Solomon was not only master in his domain, but also the broker for the cloth trade and for buying and selling of horses and chariots for all the surrounding kingdoms.
Jeremiah's 36th chapter occurred in the 4th year of Jehoiakim and the first year of Nebuchadnezzar. Verses 11-19 record Baruch's reading of the scroll that Jeremiah had dictated. It was read in the hearing of the citizens of Jerusalem. After having read it to the populace Baruch and Jeremiah are told to hide themselves knowing the reaction that this prophecy would cause to the king and his nobles. This was the year when the king of Judah burned the Bible and Yahweh revealed His will to the Gentile despot, Nebuchadnezzar - see Daniel 2 verses 31-45. Read and think about this remarkable prophecy that reveals the history of the world from the time of Nebuchadnezzar's empire until the establishment of our Lord Jesus Christ's kingdom in the near future. Verses 20-26 speak of Jehoiiakim's seizing the scroll, cutting it to pieces with his penknife and casting it into the fire. Verses 27-31 describe Yahweh's rebuke to Jeconiah and his pronounced punishment for his contempt for the Word of the LORD. Verse 32 says that Baruch was commanded to rewrite the burnt scroll with additional material.
In the record of Mark 10 Jesus tells us, that the Mosaic law sought to regulate putting away. The practice of divorce had become rife in our Lord's time. Jesus indicates that 'putting away' was foreign to the Father's purpose in marriage described at the end of Genesis 2. The Almighty's purpose in marriage is elaborated in Malachi 2 verses 11-16. The record says that children were invited to come to Jesus for blessing and to show that humility is essential for entry to the kingdom. The chapter says that a rich young ruler, who was deeply loved for his sincerity by Jesus, found his love of his possessions an obstacle too great to overcome. Jesus goes on to say how hard it is for all those who trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God. Because the amazed Apostles had left all and followed Jesus they were promised a place in the kingdom for faithfulness. Carefully read aloud verses 29-31 and meditate on the message for us. For the third time Jesus foretells of his suffering, death and resurrection. We are told that James and John came secretly to Jesus seeking the positions of honour in his glory - to sit at our Lord's right and left hand - in his kingdom. Those two Apostles are told that they would suffer for his sake and that the Father alone could give such honours. The Lord's ministry, Jesus says, is service. This must also be true for all of Christ's followers. The chapter concludes by telling us that blind Bartimaeus was cured and follows Jesus.
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1 Kings 8 tells us of the bringing up of the ark to Jerusalem with appropriate pomp and ceremony. Next came Solomon's extolling Yahweh and outlining the process that saw the ark coming to its typical resting place in the magnificent house, which had been built: 1 Chronicles 16 verses 8-36 records David's Psalm of thanksgiving penned at the time. David describes the spiritual significance of the occasion and how it types Christ's kingdom: carefully and slowly read Psalm 132 and meditate its meaning. Verses 22-53 recorded Solomon's prayer of dedication. Note the emphasis on the inadequacy of any house to befit the Almighty. And the repeated refrain, "then hear in Heaven, your dwelling place". The inadequacy of a physical house is emphasised. However as a sign of respect for the Omnipotent Creator of the Universe it was fitting for the Temple to be a magnificent building. We should particularly see the need for each of us to recognise the plague of our own heart, ie the sickness that in each of us leads us into sin - and some of us have strong weaknesses in a particular way - we need to know our weaknesses and those parts of our problem for which we must pray and where we need help to overcome these individual weaknesses. The chapter concludes with a blessing and the offering of accompanying sacrifices.
Jeremiah chapter 34 contains an appeal to Zedekiah based upon the inevitable fate that the king and his city faced. Zedekiah was told that he must make a truce with Nebuchadnezzar and deal faithfully with the slaves according to the Law of Moses. If they comply with Yahweh's commands then disaster may be averted. But Zedekiah and his princes failed to comply and so would suffer the consequences. Brother C C Walker writes: "Zedekiah and his contemporaries despised the covenants of God and man, and because of this God gave them into the hands of the Babylonians and made "the cities of Judah a desolation without inhabitant".
Mark's 8th chapter commences with the feeding of 4,000. The record contains some contrasts with that of the 5,000 - 1) the 5,000 were Jewish, the 4,000 were not; 2) the Apostles had immediate compassion for the 5,000, but no compassion for the others despite watching the multitude enduring for 3 days without any food; 3) the numbers involved differed and taught different messages out of the feedings. This is followed by the rulers asking, but not receiving another sign. A discussion about leaven took place between our Lord and his enemies. The disciples assume that Jesus was rebuking them for forgetting to take food. How illogical this was for he had shown the power to make food. It was about the corrupt influence of wrongful teaching. The chapter continues with the healing of a blind man. This man was cured by stages at Bethsaida, illustrating the problem of perception - we so often like that man see people out of proportion. Jesus next questions his Apostles on people's perception of himself. Then our Lord asks them who they thought him to be. Several answers were given until Peter responded by declaring that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. All of the Apostles are charged to not reveal this until after our Lord Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead. Once again our Master speaks of his despicable treatment, crucifixion and resurrection the 3rd day. The chapter finishes with a command for each of us to take up our stake daily to follow our Lord Jesus.
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1 Kings 7 verses 1-12 describes the building of Solomon's own magnificent palace - containing a grand hall called the Forest of Lebanon because of the magnificent cedar pillars. It was approximately 45 metres in length and 24 metres wide. It took 13 years to build. He also constructed an impressive palace for Pharaoh's daughter who may be the subject of Psalm 45 and the Song of Solomon. The timber work of cedar and the magnificent gemstones were characteristic of these houses. Verses 13-51 describe the furnishings of Yahweh's House. Both were magnificent, but, the description of God's house occupies the bulk of the chapter. A comment on the two pillars of entry into the house; one was called 'Yachin' meaning established by Yah; and the other'Boaz' the strong one. It was a parable about the Lord Jesus Christ- Yahweh will establish through the one He strengthened.
In chapter 33 of Jeremiah we are told of the blessings of our Sovereign, when He brings peace and security; when the fortunes of Judah are restored. Verse 1-3 contains a plea from the Sovereign LORD to call upon Him and He will respond. The thoughts are similar to those expressed in Hosea 2 verses 21-23 and it follows on from the ideas outlined in Jeremiah 32 verses 37-41. Verses 4-5 tell of judgment that the Chaldeans will bring to guilty Judah. Verses 6-13 return to the blessings that will come to a repentant nation. Verse 9 focuses on the time when Jerusalem will be a city where God's truth resides and will be to the LORD for praise and glory: Zechariah 8 verses 11-23. Note well the joy in that city, ie equivalent to the rejoicing between the bridegroom and the bride - symbolic of our Lord Jesus Christ and his ecclesia. Verses 14-26 speak of that time when Yahweh's eternal covenant with David will be operational. God states that this covenant can never be broken, and can be relied on as the sun and moon rise each day. Contemplate the wonderful words of verse 15 ESV: "In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute righteousness and justice in the land". This is speaking of our Lord Jesus Christ. Compare the message of Zechariah 3:8-10. Slowly read aloud these verses and marvel at the blessings that Messiah's kingdom will bring.
The 7th chapter of Mark contrasts worship that has been nullified by tradition, with true worship from the heart. The Pharisees found fault in Jesus' disciples who washed not after tradition. The Pharisees were noted for their elaborate ceremonies when washing: they washed so as to prevent water contaminated by dirt from contacting their hands. Our Lord used this situation to tell that legalism was symptomatic of the worship of that time. He spoke of the gross avoidance of responsibility contained in the 5th commandment by the ruse of Corban. Then he showed that defilement is a moral, not a physical, matter. This originated in the mind. The record follows with the curing of the Syrophenician woman's daughter; made possible through her great faith, and the acknowledgment that Israel were God's chosen people. She illustrates the importance of being associated with God's covenant people and on the basis of her faithful confession she gratefully receives the abundant crumbs that fall from the children's table. As Jesus says to the woman of the well at Sychar: "Salvation is from the Jews" John 4 verses 22-26. The chapter concludes with the healing of a deaf and dumb man from the Decapolis.
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Hi welcome to Christadelpian video.org
Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 6; Jeremiah 32, Mark 6) for Aug 11th
We have a fixed foundation date when the House for the LORD's worship was completed: BC 1004. Solomon is recorded in
1 Kings 6 as building a magnificent temple, which is described in this chapter. Seven years of meticulous building were occupied in the construction of this glorious House. Verses 1-6 speak of the dimensions and arrangements of this house - note that is largely modeled on the Tabernacle. Verse 7 mentions the wonderful skills of the stone masons. Verses 11-13 say that no matter how great the house was it would only be a true house for worship should Yahweh choose to dwell in it. His continuing presence depended on the faithfulness of His servants. Verses 14-22 describe the impressive materials that were used in this house. Verses 23-28 speak of the centre of worshipping - the Most Holy Place. Verses 29-37 reveal details of the walls and the entrance gates of this House.
At an impossible time during the Babylonian siege Jeremiah was requested by his uncle's son, Hanameel, to buy a field in Anathoth; to which he complied. The field was bought, despite all evidence being contrary to this act. The times were oppressive the Babylonian was ravaging the land and Jerusalem was to soon be taken by Nebuchadnezzar. The normal contracts were drawn up for the field, witnesses attested by placing their signatures on the deeds. Those contracts were placed in an earthen vessel and buried at the site. In verses 16-25 Jeremiah prays to the Almighty for an explanation of what seems to be an impossibility: ie the prophet inheriting that field. Verses 26-35 tell how Jeremiah's Omnipotent Sovereign would fulfill His promise: NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR THE ALMIGHTY. Never let us lose sight of this. What is impossible for us is easy for the LORD. Don't judge on the basis of how things appear to be. What our Sovereign has revealed is certain. Those who trust Him despite appearances will with Jeremiah receive the rewards of faithfulness.
In Mark 6 Jesus returns to Nazareth where the previous 28 years of his life were spent. There above all other towns he should have been acclaimed. But this was not to be; as he declares "a prophet is without honour in his own country". In the words of John 1:12 "he came to his own and his own received him not". His capacity for healing here was limited by their unbelief. The twelve Apostles were sent out with a message for the hearers to repent. Their message was supported by the testimony of miracles. There follows a lengthy account of the death of John the Baptist - which includes Herod's respect for John's character. This was a trial for both the vicious Herod and the virtuous John. The Jezebel-like Salome secured John's death. The report of John's demise was devastating for Jesus, who sought solitude and time to reflect - his own death was but 12 months away. But crowds sought him and he had compassion for them, as they were "sheep lacking a shepherd". Joshua had asked the same request of Yahweh following Moses' death. 5,000 men, not counting women and children, are fed from five loaves and two fish. The twelve baskets of fragments are collected. The remains were greater than the initial fare. One lesson being that through Israel Messiah would feed the world. After this our Lord walks upon the Sea of Galilee indicating that he has power over the nations. And finally the boat into which Jesus enters reaches the shore. In this Jesus demonstrates that he would be the healer of the nations.
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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...