2 Samuel 16 verses 1-4 describe the betrayal of Mephibosheth by Ziba the manager of Mephibosheth's estate. Ziba met the fleeing David and slandered his master by lying about Mephibosheth's words claiming that Mephibosheth had said that he would be advanced by Absalom. Ziba came bearing gifts hoping to ingratiate himself to David so that should the king survive the attempted usurpation he would promote Ziba. The food, wine and fruit were of great value to the needy king.Ziba's appeared to be a no lose strategy. Should Absalom's usurpation work it would totally destroy Mephibosheth's position and, possibly, securing Zibah's advancement. In the unlikely event of David being victorious he had already secured the current king's favour.Verses 5-14 tell of another betrayal by the Benjaminite Shimei as he stood at a distance and following David threw stones, dust and curses at the king because of the bloodshed experienced by Saul's household at the hands of David and his warriors. The hot-headed Abishai asked permission from David to separate Shimei's head from his body. David forbade that action saying that he deserved the blasphemy of this Benjaminite. Shimei's treachery was minor alongside Absalom's insurrection. After passing through the Kidron valley David refreshed himself. In verses 15-19 Absalom enters Jerusalem and there is met by Hushai who feigns friendship with Absalom who seems surprised by this. Hushai says he will be grateful to serve Absalom. Absalom's Achilles' heel is his pride which Hushai will continue to exploit so that Absalom's rebellion will fail. Hushai is the providential answer to David's prayers. We also see the value of true friendship. True friends stand by each other regardless of the danger, or cost. In verses 20-23 Ahithophel David's former counsellor, but now his arch enemy, gives his counsel as to how Absalom must act to drive an irrecoverable chasm between David and Absalom. This action involves a public defiling of the king's concubines. This was the right only of a king. It meant that the people of Israel would be forced to choose sides in the upcoming war. Ahithophel's advice was perfect to achieve the desired outcome.
In Jeremiah's 20th chapter we see the outrageous abuse of Jeremiah, at the hand of Pashur. This false prophet put Jeremiah in the stocks and arranged to have him severely beaten. But, our Sovereign doesn't take lightly the affliction of His beloved children, and will recompense the evil upon the heads of the perpetrators. Pashur is given the appellation: "Terror on every side", as a prophecy of the terror the false prophet not only brought to others, but would incessantly experience in the remainder of his miserable life. Pashur would be repaid when he would experience terror as Pashur and his family were dragged to Babylon. At terrible times lying prophets appear to prosper. We see many of these prophets in chapter 23 and another prominent example of one of these in chapter 28. In verses 7-12 Jeremiah laments his terrible treatment that has been caused by his faithfulness to the LORD God Almighty. The prophet claims that this was not how God should reward them that speak for their God. In his extremity Jeremiah says that his Sovereign has deceived him. The prophet says that because of his suffering he tried to keep silent. However he could not because the Word of the LORD was like a fire in his bones. Do we share the prophet's zeal for the message of his God? O that we do! Verses 10-12 tell us that Jeremiah felt betrayed by his friends but the prophet knew that his Omnipotent Sovereign would never abandon his faithful servant. Yahweh would recompense Jeremiah's foes. In verses 14-18 Jeremiah, feeling extremely depressed like Job, pleads with Yahweh to end the prophet's own monumental miseries.
Romans 5 enumerates the blessings of justification by faith and the process in life through which we go to bring us to a state of being at peace with God. Carefully read verses 1-5 to better understand what the Almighty does to develop character in His children. The Apostle points out that the saving initiative comes from, and also commences with, our Father. Slowly read aloud verses 6-11 and marvel at the loving kindness of our Sovereign. Paul next elaborates the problem produced by our Adamic heritage - not our fault, but our misfortune - and contrasts this with the boundless blessings and benefits for those who transferred their allegiances to our Lord Jesus Christ, the one man by whom many have been made righteous.
Romans chapter 6 outlines the process by which we identify with the salvation wrought in Jesus. Baptism (burial in water) joins us symbolically to the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus. We no longer remain the servants of sin, but rather became slaves of God, serving righteousness. In verses 12-22 the Apostle speaks of our transferring of our allegiance from king sin, who we have tirelessly slaved for until we joined Christ through belief and baptism, to God and His Son the Christ in whom we have been liberated from past slavery. We now are in a position to receive the gracious gift of God, rather than rightfully being rewarded by our deserts. Meditate on the meaning of verse 23 - we earn death, but God graciously gives eternal life.
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-2-samuel-16-jeremiah-20-and-romans-5-6-for-july-30th/?feed_id=96993&_unique_id=688868da0b6b9
In our readings from chapter 17 of 2nd Samuel we find the further unraveling of Ahithophel's planning to destroy David brought about by Hushai's capability in appealing to capture Absalom's immense vanity and defeat the, otherwise, certain and successful, strategy of Ahithophel. Hushai's counsel also shows that Absalom did not know his father - David - at all. Ahithophel's counsel was relayed to David via Ahimaaz and Jonathan who avoid detection, being aided by a wise woman of Bahurim misdirecting the pursuers of David's spies. On discovering that his counsel had been rejected Ahithophel hung himself. Absalom advanced Amasa in the army ahead of Joab thus furthering the latter's animosity. Verses 27-29 tell of David's host being refreshed by the bounty of faithful Barzillai at Rogelim. One thousand years later a distant descendant of that man's servant Chimham was the owner of the inn at Bethlehem where our Lord Jesus was born.
In Jeremiah 21 verses 1-2 we are told that Pashur, who was in favour with king Zedekiah, prophesies of deliverance for Jerusalem from Babylon. Verses 3-7 say that Jeremiah tells his monarch Zedekiah that Pashur's prophecy is a false hope since Yahweh has revealed to his faithful prophet the destruction that the Almighty will bring to Jerusalem because of the evil behaviours of Judah. Nebuchadnezzar will show no pity when he slaughters the nation in his fierce anger. The prophet declares in verses 8-10 that the only hope for survival will be to surrender to the Babylonians. Jeremiah gives an encouraging message to the remnant of God's people who have hearkened to His Word. They are addressed as "The house of David" since, like their former king, this small faithful remainder have sought to please their Heavenly Father. The message is for them to continue to show justice in their lives and refrain from the oppression that characterised the bulk of the nation. Those who failed to heed the message of the Omnipotent Sovereign would experience the fierceness of the fire of His wrath that wouldn't be quenched until it consumed the entire forest.
Romans 7 starts with an analogy comparing the liberty to remarry providing the former spouse had deceased with the believer's freedom from the law because Christ's death was the death-knell for the Mosaic law. The chapter showed the law's purpose in provoking peoples' covetous lusts demonstrating human incapacity to be righteous on the basis of law keeping. A delight in God's law within our mind must make the coming freedom in Christ's Kingdom a foretaste of the final freedom when we will be set free.
Romans 8 indicates that desire must be supported by a concerted attempt to live after the spirit by thinking spiritually and not carnally. What was impossible for the law to provide - a totally sinless being from Adam's progeny - our Heavenly Father produced in a unique man, completely possessed of every passion and frailty common to humanity; yet as a product of his Divine parentage and strengthening by constant imprinting of Yahweh's Word a Victor over fleshly thinking. The chapter tells us that those, who like their Lord, are led by spirit thinking will likewise be God's children. The chapter tells us the steps involved in the process of our being saved, as verses 28-30, show. Finally the encouragement of verses 31-39 reveal to us that God has done above and beyond what we could conceivably think - so the remaining perceived impediments are minuscule by comparison. God's demonstrated desire to see the faithful in His Kingdom can only be thwarted by ourselves. Read these verses aloud and marvel at the message of the love God has for His children and has been shown to us by the life, death and glorifying of His Son our Lord Jesus Christ. Our closing contemplation comes from verse 28: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose" (ESV).
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...
2 Samuel 15 speaks of the ever increasing effects of David's sin. Absalom having been brought home from his exile in Geshur now vigorously sets out to undermine his father David. Absalom is prepared to take his time by claiming that if he was a judge in the Land the citizens would have their cause fairly judged. This vain son of David pompously rides in a chariot with fifty heralds running in front of the chariot. Sadly, Absalom would send people who came for settlement of their case home, claiming that king David had not appointed anyone to give judgment. Absalom also gave those who came for judgment the kiss of favour and so stole the hearts of Israel from their ruler. David must have had some idea of what his son was doing but he was experiencing a paralysis of power - possibly as a result of his stricken conscience over his sin with Bathsheba and against David's faithful servant Uriah. In verses 7-12 Absalom decided that the time to culminate his conspiracy had come. With the king's permission he asks to go to Hebron to fulfill a vow. Absalom assembles a company of men who have a grudge against their king as well as many others who come in their innocence and are tricked into Absalom's conspiracy. Verses 13-18 says that when David heard the news he fled Jerusalem to prevent bloodshed. David left behind ten of his concubines to keep his household together. David left the city with his warriors coming also. Hushai, David's beloved counsellor, meets king David and he is asked to provide David with information about Absalom's intentions and also to endeavour to defeat the wise counsel that Ahithophel would give Absalom. This request from David came after David would not allow Hushai to accompany the king's forces. In verses 24-29 the priests - Zadok and Abiathar - are told to return to Jerusalem with the ark. If it is God's will, says David, I will return here and worship Yahweh. David with weeping ascended the Mount of Olives just as our Lord Jesus would do a thousand years later as he - our Lord - would go to the Garden of Gethsemane. It was now that David found out that Ahithophel was among those that conspired and it was at this time that David committed his cause to the LORD. And it was now that he asked his counsellor and the two priests to spy for him.
In Jeremiah 19 the prophet is told to buy an earthen ware flask and to gather some of the elders of Jerusalem and take them with him to the Potsherd Gate overlooking the valley of Hinnom and to then tell them of Yahweh's intention to smash Jerusalem like the vessel that the prophet would soon smash before them. He was to say to the elders that the reverberations of the Almighty's destruction of His people would cause the ears tingle of all who heard of this judgment on Jerusalem. Verses 4-5 speak of the abominations of Judah which had aroused the LORD's anger and brought His retribution. Their vile behaviour was almost unspeakable. Verses 6-9 describe the detestation that was to be seen when Judah's Sovereign arose in judgment. In verse 10 the prophet was then commanded to smash the earthen flask before the rulers who represented the nation. So vast would be the carnage brought by Babylon that the valley of Hinnom would be renamed as the valley of slaughter. The horrors of the siege would cause Judah to eat their own children just as Moses had prophesied in Deuteronomy 28 verses 53-57. This happened later when Rome besieged Jerusalem in 70 AD. The carcasses of the slain would be so extensive that Tophet - the site where Judah had burned their children in the fire as reverence to Molech the idol that demanded human sacrifices. It was fitting for that detestable place to be defiled. Jeremiah is told to return from Tophet to the Temple courts and once again tell Judah that the prophesied judgments were imminent because of Judah's wrongdoings.
Romans 3 turns attention to the Jewish people who were agreeing with every word Paul had uttered of the depravity among the Gentiles. They, too, were without excuse as they had the Word of God in their midst and yet were just as corrupt. From verses 9-20 Paul advances seven Scriptures supporting this. Then from verses 21-31 he proves that there is only one righteousness, and that on the basis of belief. What is required is a submission to the only way of declaring us to be right with God. This includes a confession that human beings are rightly related to death as we are incurably sinful. Additionally we confess that our Potentate only is righteous and, that He strengthened His Son to accomplish what was humanly impossible. On the basis of the acceptance of these truths and our identification with the Lord Jesus Christ in whom they have been outworked forgiveness of sins is provided.
Chapter 4 illustrates that through the lives of David and Abraham there is absolutely nothing we can do to be saved by works ie our own merits. God's condition for forgiveness involves our acceptance of this truth and confession of our failures if we are to receive the blessings of forgiveness and become the inheritors of the promised Kingdom that will be, as verse 13 indicated, international. What is recorded was not for the sakes of those in the recorded Scriptures, but indeed for our sakes.
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...
In 2 Samuel 2 we are told that David was told by God to go to Hebron. He took his two wives and band of men and went to Hebron - the burial place of the patriarchs: Abraham and Sarah; Isaac and Rebekah; Jacob and Leah. This city was the city which spoke of fellowship with each other and with Almighty God: Hebrews 11:8-16. It is in Hebron that the men of Judah anoint David as their king. Verses 5-7 says that David immediately sought reconciliation with the house of Saul by informing them that Judah has anointed him to be their king. David assures Israel that he will show his faithfulness as he has always done in the past. From verses 8-11 Abner, who was the captain of Saul's army, sought to keep the kingdom and influence in Saul's family. Ishbosheth is therefore anointed as king over Israel. Ishbosheth was a weak man who, no doubt, could be Abner's puppet king - so it would seem. Ishbosheth's tenure as king lasted for only two years. David's reign in Hebron continued for seven and a half years. Verses 12-32 describe the battle at Gibeon. It began with the senseless waste of twenty four young lives who died on a bridge for the entertainment of Abner and Joab - the generals of Israel and Benjamin: the ruling tribe of Israel's ten tribes. Later that day a fierce battle followed between the two armies. When it was clear that the Israelites were losing Abner fled on foot. Abner was pursued by David's young nephew Asahel - the youngest brother to Joab and Abishai. Asahel was fast but no match in battle for the wily Abner. Abner counsels Asahel to arm himself before trying to fight against him. Asahel foolishly does not do this. Abner knowing that he has no alternative but to slay Asahel reluctantly kills the youth. He knew that in doing this he would become the object of Joab's fierce and unrelenting hatred. Asahel wallowed in his own blood where Abner has struck the young man with the butt end of Abner's spear. Everyone from Judah's host stood and were horrified by the sight. However Joab and Abishai continued to pursue Abner. Abner rallied his forces around him on a hill. Here they stood resolute in their defence knowing that they were fighting for their lives. Eventually Abner proposed a truce which Joab accepted. Abner and the remnants of his force marched all night until they came to the relative safety of Mahanaim on the eastern side of the Jordan River. A tally was made of those who had died. David's army had suffered nineteen deaths, but the Benjaminites had lost four hundred soldiers.
Jeremiah 8:1-3 outline the extensive destruction that will come by Judah's overthrowing by Babylon. The carnage will be so great that the bodies of the slain will be left like dung on the ground. In verses 4-6 Judah's Sovereign says that the nation stubbornly maintains their rapid slide into a likely oblivion. Verse 7 reveals that the birds of heaven obey the rules of the natural order which the Creator has appointed, but it is not so with God's people. Verses 8-9 shows that Judah's wise scribes claim to know what they are doing. But the reality is they don't have any idea. So the LORD says in verses 10-13 how they will do at the time of their calamity. Jeremiah reveals that Judah would resemble a vine without grapes; or, a fig tree without figs; and even on those trees the leaves would be totally withered. Verses 14-15 tells us that Judah is completely dispirited and resigned to her fate. Verses 16-17 says that the Babylonians are eager to destroy Judah and will not stop until this has been completed. In verses 18-21 the prophet laments the deplorable state of Judah. In verse 22 the prophet asks the rhetorical question: can no healing balm be found in Gilead? That was the region which was known for the production of fine healing balm. If there was no balm in Gilead then there was no hope for Judah!
In Matthew 19 we have one of the topics that is greatly debated among religions - divorce. In the contemporary Jewish society of Jesus' days divorce was so rife that men were divorcing their wives for every reason eg she burned my meal. In the time of Moses divorce, or putting away was regulated; but even then, only for sexual impurity. God's mind on this has always been clear. Yahweh hates putting away (Malachi 2:10-16). Jesus tells us that the Father's declared will from the beginning was that man and woman should cleave in love to each other as man and wife to the exclusion of all others. This union is the only basis of stable family life and is a prefiguring of Christ's union with his bride the ecclesia of faithful believers (Genesis 2:23-24; Ephesians 5:22-33). Difficultlies do arise within marriage, but both parties must persevere with each other. We must not assign blame to each other. Rather we need to exercise love and patience with each other and humbly submit to each other in order to live in peace and harmony. Although we will not compromise on principles we must try as much as we can to make our marriages harmonious behaving as our Lord Jesus Christ would have done.
The chapter tells us about an incident involving children which provided an opportunity for the disciples' learning humility. The chapter concludes with a rich young ruler approaching our Lord. We are told that Jesus deeply loved this man because of his undoubted sincerity. Nonetheless our Lord was greatly saddened by the man's incapacity to overcome his covetousness. If that man could not enter the kingdom who then can be saved? So thought our Master's apostles! These apostles were amazed as they believed that salvation must be a hard and costly thing. Jesus, knowing of their perseverance in following him promised them rulership and thrones in his coming Kingdom. Read aloud and think about that promise in verses 28-30.
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...
2 Samuel 14 speaks of how Joab was able to make a plan for Absalom to brought home from his exile in Geshur. Joab sought to restore himself to David knowing that the king's heart was longing for Absalom's return. So Joab approached a wise woman from Tekoa to pretend to be a mourner who sought the king's judgment on a vexing problem. Having pretended to David that her two sons had fought and one of them had died and the magistrate of her region was insisting that the murderer be slain. The woman said that if this happens she will be childless. King David promised her protection from retribution. How true were the wise woman's words: "We all are like water spilled on the ground that cannot be gathered again"? Then after the king had promised to protect her son she confronted the king with the inconsistency of his determination. Why do you not act in the same way and protect your son - Absalom? David discerned that the exercise had been planned with the woman by Joab. The king agrees to let Absalom's banishment end. She also praises David's wisdom and discernment and says May God be with the king. Verses 21-24 tells us that David sent for Joab to arrange Absalom's homecoming. When Absalom returned home the king had no communication with him and effectively put Absalom in home detention. This continued for two years. Verses 25-27 speak of Absalom's natural beauty and his pride. These verses say that Absalom had a magnificent head of hair that he had cut once a year. Absalom had three sons and one daughter - Tamar. His daughter was the one who had been defiled by her uncle Amnon. Those events and Amnon's murder at the hands of Absalom are referred to in chapter 13. Absalom could not tolerate being excluded from the king's court so he sought for Joab to come and arrange for his acceptance by his father. Because Joab didn't respond to Absalom's summoning him Absalom had his own servants set Joab's fields on fire. The irate army captain came to Absalom and facilitated Absalom's restoration to David's favour. But Absalom had now made a bitter enemy who in time to come would exact his revenge on David's son.
In Jeremiah 18 we are told one of the greatest lessons as to how the Almighty makes people and teaches us that He alone has the right to choose and the right to reject. We the clay in the Master Potter's hands cannot question His choices or His right to exercise His will. Jeremiah 18:1-4 tells us that the prophet is told by God to go to the house of the Potter. Here he watches the Potter skilfully and laboriously shape a vessel only to smash it and start again to reform it. In verses 5-11 the prophet is told that what he has seen reflects God's prerogatives and choices with nations and individuals. He may do as He wills and no one has the right to question Him. And for the nation of Judah they are to be smashed by the Babylonians. Verse 12 tells of the rebelliousness of the nation which was of course the source of their calamities. Verses 13-17 show that Judah's behaviours are contrary to what is learned from nature. And so the LORD would scatter them out of His Land. Verse 18 reveals that the leaders set out to slander Jeremiah. Verses 19-23 say that their Sovereign will recompense them for the evil done to His faithful prophet in addition to their treachery against Yahweh. The Apostle Paul in Romans 9 where he speaks of the doctrine of Divine election ie selection, talks of the lessons from Jeremiah 18 - that the Almighty chooses for reasons we may not know, and, that we can never, since we are but the clay, question why, or what, He chooses: Romans 9:6-33. Read these carefully and meditate on the lessons for you. Additional thoughts can be found in 2 Timothy 2 verses 19-21. Let us diligently follow the LORD's ways, His predetermined acceptable pattern of life.
In the book of Romans we have one of the three most masterful treatments as to how God saves: often called either "the atonement"; or "reconciling" (the others being Galatians and Hebrews). This book says it tells us about Jesus the Christ who was declared to be the Son of God by the power of his resurrection: Romans 1 verse 4. Note the frequent use of "Christ" in the first eight verses. One of the great themes of the book are 'the obedience of faith', ie that obedience will be the fruit that springs from a vibrant faith - verse 5. This idea is reiterated at the end of the book: chapter 16:25-27. The first chapter introduces us to "the gospel of God" ie the joyful message that it is the desire of the Almighty Creator to help us through our belief, or faith, to become His children and the inheritors of the Kingdom. Paul's thesis is explained in verses 16-17 - namely that the gospel is God's power to save all who believe; since the OT declared in Habakkuk 2 verse ;4, "the just shall live by faith". Romans 1 verses 18-32 speak of God's wrath on unrighteousness, particularly in this chapter in the Gentile world. And this theme is developed further in chapter two where Paul shows that the Gentile world is both guilty and without any excuse. Romans 1 verses 18-25 reveal that our Omnipotent Creator has provided indisputable evidence of His power. So that wilfully ignorant sinners stand condemned by their reprobate behaviour. By failing to accept the evidence that the Almighty puts before the world of His creative power and Godhead they are self condemned and have degenerated just as their concept of their own origins is also corrupt. Professing themselves to be wise showed that they were, in fact, fools. We find that base beliefs lead to base behaviours. The Apostle Paul speaks of the abominable ways that have been declared acceptable to contemporary society. If God says a thing is wrong it remains wrong regardless of what the majority of society may believe. Consider the catalogue of evil behaviours follow from an acceptance of a corrupting lifestyle. In Romans 2 verses 1-5 Paul tells us that those who fail to stand, whether Jew or Gentile, for their Sovereign's truth are without excuse. The Apostle says that these individuals are building up a store of wrath in the day of judgment. Verses 6-11 explain that since God is just so will His judgment be. Either we by our beliefs and way of life are seeking immortality ie eternal life; or we are going to receive retribution and rejection. In chapter three the Apostle will turn his attention to the Jews who are gloating over Paul's attack on the Gentiles. But before he does that he will condemn Jewish hypocrisy and declare that Jews who boast in the Law are condemned by their Law because of their actions which are contrary to the spirit of the Law. And even some of the Gentiles who know not God's Law are better in their behaviour than those who claim to be the children of God.
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...
In 2 Samuel 13 we see further consequences of the sword coming to David's house. Verses 1-22 speak of Amnon's intense desire for his half sister Tamar. His cunning friend Jonadab helped Amnon plan the defiling of Tamar. A strategy was devised for Amnon to feign sickness and to request of David his father to ask Tamar to look after her half brother by cooking Amnon food. Amnon tricks Tamar into preparing the food in his bedroom. Then Amnon demanded that all his servants leave his presence while he forces his unwanted pent up desires on Tamar. Tamar pleads with Amnon not to follow through with his demands but to ask David for permission to marry her. The king's son refuses and carries through with his vile act. Then Amnon, loathes her and thrusts her from his company and commands that the door be locked after discarding her. Hear the disdain in Amnon's voice as he refers to his sister as "this woman". Tamar tore her beautiful royal robes and cried putting ashes on her head. Absalom, Tamar's brother, conceals his vehement anger and tells his sister to go home and keep quiet. David was greatly angered by Amnon's crime. But rather than deal with the problem David simply avoids talking to Amnon. Absalom on the other hand plans his revenge. Verses 23-33 tell us that these matters continue unchanged for two years until Absalom arranges with a celebration at the end of shearing to which he insists all the king's sons be present. Absalom commands his servants to slay Amnon. The ensuing chaos sees the remaining king's sons excepting Amnon and Absalom flee to their father. The first report speaks of all the king's sons being slain. Then Jonadab clarifies by saying to David that Amnon alone has died and that Absalom had probably planned this after Tamar's defiling. Verses 34-39 tell of the king's sons coming as Jonadab had predicted. Absalom fled to his maternal grandfather Talmai king of Geshur. David mourns the death of Amnon until eventually being reconciled to the loss and then David longed to be reunited with Absalom.
In Jeremiah 17 verses 1-4 the Almighty tells the prophet that Judah's sin was graven with an iron pen. The figure suggests that the nation's ways were fixed like an adamant stone, but the LORD was able to record and punish their iniquities. The word picture is also used when Job describes his desire that his belief in the resurrection be inscribed with an iron pen: Job 19 verses 23-27. Verses 5-8 tell of Jeremiah's meditation on Psalm 1. If the person who trusts in the LORD is comparable to a flourishing tree planted by a river then the converse is equally true. "Cursed is the person who trusts in flesh", ie themselves. That individual is parched and starved of all vitality. Such a person is dried up and wretched and can be compared with a heath in the desert. When contemplating the Scriptures we should see what we are being taught - both positive and negative. Jeremiah here shows us how to read the Scriptures. Verses 9-10 speak of the deceitfulness of our own hearts and so to trust our own judgment is folly. The word for deceitful means "gravely, or desperately, sick". This is why we can be thankful that God is the One who tests our hearts. Verse 11 gives an example from nature of the partridge and explains how this bird's folly is like a person believing that their riches can save them. And so verses 12-13 reveal that our only hope is to trust in our Almighty Sovereign. Verses 14-18 tell of the prophet's prayer for Yahweh to support Jeremiah in the day of disaster and appropriately repaying the prophet's adversaries. The LORD commands Judah in verses 19-27 to keep the Sabbath holy - that is to forsake the nation's contempt for God's laws. To obey the voice of their Omnipotent Creator would result in the throne continuing with the kings of Judah. God in His foreknowledge had foreseen that the nation would fail to comply and so the LORD said what would happen if they failed to hearken to the voice of the LORD. Verses 24-27 therefore describe the future blessings that will come when the faithful Messiah - our Lord Jesus Christ - reigns from Jerusalem in his coming kingdom.
Matthew 28 verse 1 tells that just before 6pm on the Sabbath Jesus was raised from the dead. Remember that the Jewish day began at 6pm - the evening and the morning. Christ's raising was dramatic and induced terror for the guards who witnessed the angel's powerful demonstration. Our Father ensured the sealing and guarding of the tomb to provide incontrovertible proof of our Lord's resurrection by ensuring impartial, nay hostile, witnesses who were in the pay of our Lord's enemies. Verses 11-15 speak of the authorities bribing the guards to spread the rumour that Jesus' disciples had stolen his body. The story was self evidently false for if this was true the guards would have been executed. The risen and glorious Lord Jesus Christ went to meet with his disciples in Galilee, as he had arranged before his death. The women who came to the empty tomb were instructed to tell the Apostles to go to Galilee to meet their Master. Again further infallible proofs of his resurrection were given: Acts 1 verses 1-4 and 1 Corinthians 15 verses 1-12. In verses 16-29 our Lord Jesus gave his Apostles the great commission to carry the Gospel message into all the earth. What comfort is there in his concluding words, "Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
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...
2 Samuel 12 is about the LORD's restoration of David from his low ebb of wilful sin against his Heavenly Father to the time of David's resuming full and free fellowship with God. The prophet Nathan is sent to king David with a parable that was designed to wake the king from his state of selfishness and stir him into a recognition of what he had done. Only true repentance could restore him and the lesson learnt becomes an impetus for each of us to turn to the LORD to find healing. Nathan tells a parable about a wealthy arrogant and self centred man who takes from the poor man a precious ewe lamb, that was like a daughter to that man. How typical it is for some wealthy individuals to believe that the destitute exist for them to be exploited. This, however, was not characteristic of David. And so David was enraged at the lack of pity which the rich man had shown. Sin was the traveller who came to David and who caused David to behave uncharacteristically. The king commanded the death of the rich man and compensation of four times the loss be paid to the poor man. This was of course what the Law had demanded for a trespass offering. This offering spoke of restitution for deceit in relation to the holy things. Nathan dramatically says to David: You are the man. David fully understands his guilt, deception and lack of pity. David is condemned by his own mouth and is worthy to die. No offering could cover his sin. All he could do was to throw himself upon the mercy of the Almighty. The prophet says that the sword would not depart from David's house. David was to pay with the loss of four sons - the child that was born of his adultery with Bathsheba, Absalom, Amnon and Adonijah. As king David had done with Uriah's wife Bathsheba, so would David's son - Absalom - do with the wives of his father David - but openly before all Israel. Nathan tells the king that Yahweh has put away David's transgression. Our sins will be forgiven if we repent and turn our hearts to our Sovereign. That doesn't mean that there will not be consequences flowing from our wrongs. Verses 16-23 tells us that the child born to Bathsheba became sick and died. David entreated his Maker to allow the child to live. The king was full of contrition and afflicted himself with fasting and not allowing music in his presence. When his son died David's servants were frightened to tell him lest he do something regrettable. But David rose up and washed putting on fresh clothes. They asked him why? He said he had hoped that God would show mercy to the child, but now the child had died entreating was pointless. David would, when he died, join his son in the unconscious sleep of death. Consolation was given to David and Bathsheba in the birth of another son who was born in a manner that pleased their Heavenly Father. Verse 26 records that Yahweh loved this child who was given the epithet - Jedidiah meaning "loved of Yah" and that child was later named Solomon meaning "peaceful". After being forgiven David wrote Psalms 32 and 51 to celebrate the mercy and loving kindness of the LORD God Almighty and to teach others about turning to their loving Father in the time of their need - see also Paul's comments in Romans 4 verses 5-8. 2 Samuel 12 finishes by describing the fall of Rabbah to Joab and the army and Joab's summoning David to be there as the city fell. It also describes David being crowned with the crown of the king of Rabbah and the great treasure taken. The Ammonites were then put to rigorous work by David.
Jeremiah 16 verses 1-4 tell of the LORD commanding Jeremiah not to marry because of the nearing judgments of God on Judah. The nation would be destroyed through famine, warfare and diseases leaving their carcasses as unburied dung on the ground. Verses 5-9 speak of the vast extent of the destruction. There would be no time to mourn the dead because of the uproar and chaos that rapidly spread over Judah. Normal life would be suspended as the exiles were dragged away with hooks through their bodies. In verses 10-13 the nation would bemoan their condition and protest that they did not deserve such treatment. Verses 14-21 foretell their restoration by their Almighty Sovereign. At that time Yahweh would be known for His deliverance of His people from the northern captivity rather than when He had earlier gained a Name for delivering His nation from Egypt. Verses 16-18 reveal that prior to this time of restoring GOD would save them from life threatening destruction. Modern Israel came through great pogroms and near extinction during the Nazi holocaust. The Nazis were the "hunters" whereas the Zionists - such as Theodore Hertzl - were the "fishers" who sought to entice Jewish people to return to their ancestral homeland - Israel: see Ezekiel 37-38, Deuteronomy 28 verses 64-68. Verses 19-21 say that eventually Israel would acknowledge their sins and idolatry and finally return to the true and living God. In that day Israel will know their God by experience and not just theoretically: Ezekiel 37:28; 38 verse 23, Joel 3 verses 14-21; Romans 11 verses 13-24.
Matthew 27 starts with Judas hanging himself when he saw that Jesus would not take his kingdom then, but would wrongfully suffer and submit to death. Then follow six sham trials - three before Jewish authorities and three before Roman officials. The marvel of our Lord's submission, his care and compassion for others is evident in the brief record of his crucifixion. Our Lord Jesus was totally in control of his mind despite being brutally scourged by the Romans - scourging was called the intermediate death for many a man died under the flaying of his flesh. Pilate may have hoped that the Jews would have pity on Jesus when he said: "Behold the man". But sadly they did not. Then our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. On the stake he spoke seven wonderful sayings - each of these from the holy Scriptures. Note our Lord Jesus' incredible submission to his wrongful treatment and contemplate the lessons that Peter draws for us in 1 Peter 2 verses18-25. That Jesus had mastery over himself as well as triumphing over his foes the Apostle Paul tells us: Colossians 2 verses 11-15. Jesus was buried in the unused tomb of Joseph of Aramithea, in fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah 53 verse 9. A guard of four temple soldiers was placed at the mouth of his tomb. This would contribute to the incontrovertible evidence that would accompany our Lord Jesus' resurrection.
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...
2 Samuel 11 verses1 tells us that David had affectively abandoned his kingly duties. In this restless state David falls into sin as he beholds an attractive woman - Bathsheba - washing herself. King David commands her presence in his royal chambers. Sin came as a traveller to David as the prophet Nathan explains in chapter 12. Bathsheba was a woman married to David's faithful warrior. This adulterous liaison between David and Bathsheba resulted in her being with child. Uriah was given leave from the war against the Ammonites. David was trying to hide what he had done. The king tried to have his faithful servant visit Bathsheba, Uriah's wife, so that Uriah might believe that the child to be born would be his. Uriah refused to do this while the army of Israel was camped in difficult circumstances in the open fields. David tries having Uriah to take a large draft of alcohol in the hope that Uriah would then go to his wife. When this failed David sank to a new low by writing a letter to Joab arranging for Uriah to be slain in the battle. Uriah carried his own death warrant to his army captain Joab. David's despicable action also meant that once again the king was abandoning his moral compass and effectively transferring an immense amount of power to Joab. When Uriah's assassination was reported to David, the king said somewhat disingenuously that this happens in warfare and Joab needs to intensify his efforts to capture the city. The chapter finishes by saying that Bathsheba mourns her husband's death before David took her as his wife. The chapter shows a spiralling decline in the life of king David. His actions are compounded by adultery, deceit and murder. Despite the gravity of what David has done we will see that principally it is against Yahweh that king David has sinned. The telling words that close the chapter: "But the thing David had done displeased Yahweh" - suggests to us that serious matters will follow.
Jeremiah 14 verses 1-6 provide a word picture of the great drought that the LORD had brought to Judah. We notice that when Judah came to its cisterns they were empty. The physical state of the Land mirrored their spiritual condition: Jeremiah 2 verses 13. The animals' throats were parched. All suffer when God's people sin. In verse 7 Jeremiah acknowledges the waywardness of his nation. Verses 8-9 declare that the only hope of their Sovereign's children is to repent and cast themselves on His mercy. Verse 10 expresses Judah's reluctance to rely on God. And so in verses 11-12 the prophet is commanded by his Maker to not pray for Judah. Verses 13-18 speak of the lying prophets mouthing the words Judah wants to hear. For that reason the leaders and the people deserve the judgments of Yahweh. In verses 19-22 Jeremiah asks God if He has utterly rejected the nation. The prophet personally pleads to his Omnipotent Creator to humble Judah and bring them to repentance that the LORD may once again have pity on His children. If this happens and Judah forsakes the baals then Jeremiah is confident that Judah can be restored.
Matthew 26 begins with ongoing plots from the High Priest to destroy our Lord Jesus Christ. Next, comes the anointing of Jesus' feet by Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, with the precious ointment- which became the catalyst for greedy Judas to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Following this is the record of the Lord's Supper being kept in what thereafter would be a memorial of his sacrifice by sharing bread and wine. Luke says that Jesus had prepared to eat this memorial supper with his Apostles with an intense and fervent desire: Luke 22 verses 15-16. Preparations had been made in secret so that nothing, or nobody, could thwart this vital time to steel and fortify his disciples for the trials that would soon confront them. Our Lord then prophesied of his betrayal by Peter, which in turn was a citation of the words of Zechariah 13 foretelling this.
After these events came Jesus' intense personal struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane; where three times he prayed and was strengthened having subjected his own will to that of his Father's. It was here that our Lord's greatest trial and his greatest triumph occurred. In his great agony Jesus sweat as it were great drops of blood. Having completely subjected his own will to that of His Father the victory on the stake was ensured. The Apostle Paul comments on this in Hebrews 5:7-8. The temptation of our Lord Jesus was sharp and intense and real. Despite being tried to the limit Jesus was perfectly obedient. He has become the captain of our salvation and is able to succour us in our trials. Our Lord's betrayal came next. Here, one of the twelve named Judas Iscariot, led the heavily armed band of thugs sent from the temple to arrest the meekest man to have ever walked upon the earth. How tragic that Judas betrayed his Master with a kiss. There was a short ensuing resistance led courageously by Peter, who was rebuked by Jesus. The Master miraculously heals Malchus and passively surrenders himself to be led away to the High Priest's palace awaiting the sentence of death by a process that was illegal in every detail. Note the adjuration of the High Priest in verse 63 was contrary to divine law. Jesus answered citing Daniel 7 verses 13-14 in verse 64, which indicated that the High Priest was knowingly defying God and would incur coming judgment as a result. Peter's pathetic threefold denial and intense remorse close the record.
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...
2 Samuel 10 verses 1-5 tell of David's kindness being spurned by Hanun who becomes king after the death of his father. David from a genuine attempt to promote harmony between Israel and Ammon sends ambassadors to comfort Hanun following his father's death. Hanun's advisors suspect that the mission of Israel's emissaries is to spy out the strength of Ammon. And so the ambassadors are shamefully treated by the Ammonites. David gives those ambassadors time at Jericho to regrow their beards before they return home. Verses 6-8 says that Hanun belatedly saw his mistake and is certain that retribution will come to Ammon and so he prepares for war by hiring a massive Syrian army. Verses 9-14 tell of the battle from Israel's tactics in the face of a huge confederacy arraigned against Israel. Joab and Abishai discuss the battle plan for the pincer strategy that has been devised against Israel. They will fight in different divisions, but near enough to each other to give support if the battle progresses badly for either Joab or Abishai. Verse 12 is the faithful rallying call for the Israeli warriors. Verses 15-19 describe the defeat of the mighty enemy host and their extensive losses after David and the remainder of Israel's army enter the fray.
Jeremiah 14 verses 1-6 speaks of famine, the sword and the pestilence being brought to the land of Judah. The word pictures show us the great suffering incurred by man and beast. The land becomes desolate and the dwelling place of wild beasts. Verses 7-9 contains a plea for the LORD is in His tender loving kindness to show mercy to His people. In verses 11-12 the prophet is commanded not to pray on behalf of his hypocritical nation. In verses 13-18 we have a description of the desolation. These verses tell us that the lying prophets have Judah had said that the nation would experience peace and not judgement. But the Almighty has a principle that says: there can be no peace to the wicked - Isaiah 57 verse 21. There must be righteousness before there can be peace: James 3 verses 13-18. Judah's prophets and priests had sadly choked the knowledge of their Sovereign from the Land. Verses 19-22 speaks of Jeremiah questioning God's dealings with His children. The prophet says that they acknowledge their wrongdoing. He claims that the nation has been humbled and that none of the false gods can deliver Judah.
Matthew 25 commenced with the parable of the ten virgins. Five were WISE and five were foolish. It illustrates the wisdom of being always prepared. Procrastination invariably catches up with those who are prone to it. That all ten virgins slept tells us that at the time of the end comparatively few of our Lord Jesus Christ's followers will be ready. Then follows the parable of the talents, and the keynote of the parable is faithfulness. We each have been given abilities and responsibilities that differ. What is important is that we fully utilise what we have been given; according to the principle to whom much is given, much is expected. Interestingly it was the one talent individual who totally misjudged our Lord Jesus Christ believing that he/she was not good enough for the Kingdom. What an entirely wrong perception for we are all only saved by grace and are no way worthy (of course there will be vast numbers of multi-talented individuals who have failed also). We must understand the gracious gift that is the good pleasure of our Heavenly Father to give His children the Kingdom. Perception is important and we must judge matters according to God's Word. The final judgment will be on the basis of our understanding of our Omnipotent Creator and his inestimable Son and so living. It is love-based rather than mere academic head knowledge. Read verses 34-46 aloud and consider if our actions measure up. Compare also Jeremiah's comments on what Josiah demonstrated in the knowing of his God in chapter 22 verses 15-16 of that prophecy.
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...
2 Samuel 8 continues the enacted parable which commenced in chapter 6. After the promise of chapter 7 David strikes against his surrounding foes. David in Psalm 110 describes the role of Messiah - the king-priest after the order of Melchizedek - who would commence his rule among his enemies: Psalm 110 verse 2. Some of the victories recorded in 2 Samuel 8 are placed by the author of this segment of Samuel's second book, although these are deliberately placed out of chronological order. This is to develop the symbolism of the enactment. Teaching through the parabolic form is an important part of Scripture as it takes our minds along with the developing story. The Moabites were severely dealt with and the Syrians defeated and garrisoned to prevent them from uprising. Syria's king's crown was sent to David and placed on his head. The king of Hamath after hearing of the Syrians defeat sent tribute to king David. Verses 11-12 name the nations subdued by David and the collected tribute dedicated to God - no doubt being collected for the building of the temple in Solomon's reign. Next David subdued Edom and placed troops there. Verses 16-18 speak of the nation's officers set over his kingdom's administration. Chapter 9 tells of David's kindness to Mephibosheth Jonathan's lame son. David enquired of Ziba one of the servants of Jonathan's house, possibly appointed by the previous king Saul, as to whether there were any survivors of Saul's household to whom David could show kindness. David is told of Mephibosheth who is now raised to sit with David at the king's table. Mephibosheth shows reverence to David and declares his unworthiness of such an honour. Ziba is given the responsibility of managing Mephibosheth's estates; whilst Jonathan's son goes to Jerusalem.
In Jeremiah 13 verses 1-7 the prophet is told by the Almighty to go to place a dry loincloth around his waist. Many days later Jeremiah was asked to to the Euphrates River and put the cloth in a safe place in the cleft of a rock near the river. The clothing was buried and Jeremiah returned to Jerusalem. What a long journey God had asked him to take! The lesson must have been important. Later again Jeremiah is sent back to where he had buried his clothes and God asked him to find his clothes. Then as would have been expected the prophet recovers his ruined clothing. Two return journeys each of about a thousand kilometres for each of these trips. In verses 8-11 Yahweh tells Jeremiah what all this signified. It was the LORD's expectation that His people would cling closely to their God. They should have been an adornment to the God of Israel. Instead the nation proved to be worthless for the purpose to which their Sovereign had called them. In verses 12-14 Jeremiah is told of the parable of the many wineskins which were to represent the people of the LORD filled with His teachings. Instead Judah had imbibed every wine that was contrary to the ways of Yahweh. They had become drunk with the wine of Babylon - from the leaders to the common people. And so their Omnipotent Maker would not spare His people. The language describing their destruction is reminiscent of Psalm 137 verse 8 which tells of Babylon's destruction. Verses 15-17 tell of the coming exile of Yahweh's flock. There are three very strong allusions in these verses which are picked up by our Lord Jesus Christ in the raising of Lazarus in John 11 verses 1-10, 35. Pause and reflect on why our Lord would use this chapter from Jeremiah when he is under siege from the rulers of the Jews. In Jeremiah 13 verses 18-19 the rulers of God's people are told that the Almighty would soon send them into exile. Verses 20-22 explain the nation's immorality for which Judah's husband was to discipline His wife. Verse 23 says that their behaviour was true to type just as the Ethiopian's skin would always be dark. Verses 24-27 speak of the punishment being Judah's scattering and that it was befitting of their lack of respect for Almighty God.
In chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew we have "The Olivet Prophecy". The first of these chapters is today's reading and centres on signs answering the three questions of verse 3. Chapter 25 is more about readying ourselves for our Lord's return. Note the link to the end of chapter 23. The leprous house was to be thrown down stone by stone. Disciples would be confused by claims made by false Messiahs and these would be accompanied by betrayal and persecution. A great sign to believers would be the desolation of Israel caused by the Roman invasion which had been foretold by Moses in Deuteronomy 28 and to Daniel in his ninth chapter. Opportunity would be provided for disciples to flee; this happened as Robert Roberts pointed out in "Ways of Providence" on five occasions. But those failing to heed Jesus' warnings would perish in the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. The "Sign of the Son of Man in heaven" related to the presence of Rome's armies in the incipient fulfilling of those words and later, to a larger degree, to the restoration of the state of Israel. Next followed the parable of the fig tree (representative of Israel), and tells us why desolation had to come. Despite the signs none could know exactly when. Preparedness would be essential and disciples need to be ready by demonstrating patience by two traits - wisdom and faithfulness (verse 45). Chapter 25, in tomorrow's readings, will explain this through parables.
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...
In 2 Samuel 7 we have a most remarkable reading. The chapter is best known for the promise that the LORD makes with David. One should also look at the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 17. But the chapter is incredible for a range of reasons. As mentioned in yesterday's commentary we have an enacted and protracted parable that extends across 2 Samuel 6-8. In these chapters we have revealed David's understanding about the king-priest Melchizedek and how that man typifies Christ. Verses 1-3 of the chapter tells of David's restlessness when he thinks of his own lavish lifestyle compared to the ark of the Sovereign of the Universe being housed in a tent. He tells the prophet Nathan of his intentions to build a glorious house for God. Nathan endorses the king's love of his LORD. However in verses 4-11 the prophet is told that Yahweh will not allow a man of war to build a temple for a time of peace. David is additionally instructed that although the Almighty understands David's intentions He has not to this point in time sought for a grand place in which He will be worshiped. Is the idea of a magnificent house appropriate? Yes in so far as it reflects the respect of the worshippers and reminds them of the Majesty of the Heavens. For further thoughts on this consider Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple: 1 Kings 8 versex 12-30; and the temple of Ezekiel's prophecy Ezekiel 42-47. The prophet's message says that more importantly than David building a house for God will be his Sovereign building a house - ie household - for David. And that "house" would be founded on the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the message of the remainder of the chapter. Verses 12-16 give the details of our Heavenly Father's promise to David. There is a partial fulfilment of the terms with respect to Solomon; but in their totality they can only be applied to Jesus Christ. David is told that the promise will occur when he is dead and buried - verse 12. Solomon came to the throne when David was still alive. The heir of the kingdom - verse 13 - would be a direct descendant of David, and yet also be the Son of God - verse 14 - see the angel Gabriel's words to Mary in Luke 1:30-35. That this son would suffer for sin (though not his own: John Thomas - Elpis Israel, page 302, translates verse 14: "In his suffering for iniquity... and with the stripes due to the sons of men"). The LORD's chesed - stedfast love - would continue with David's special seed: Christ. And David thought having died would see the fulfilment of the promise - in the kingdom having been raised from the dead. The phrase in verse 16 "before your face" literally means' in your presence': see Psalm 16 and Acts 2 verses 22-36. When David sat before the ark of the LORD he was enacting the role of the king-priest Melchizedek, but he knew that he was symbolising the Lord Jesus Christ as David said in the parallel account,
1 Chronicles 17 verses 17: "a man of high degree" - Hebrew 'the law of the Adam who ascends' ie to the right hand of His Father. 18-29 tell of David's prayer of gratitude. But we need also to see what he did in the enactment of the parable which tells us what David understood from God's promise to him. The promise to bring greatness to David's house was but a small thing for the Almighty. And, says David, its fulfilment lay in the distant future: 2 Samuel 23 verses1-7. This is because it focuses on the Messiah. In verse 21-29 David magnifies God and praises the LORD's majesty and care for all of His children from the time of Israel's redemption out of Egypt. When we exalt ourselves we make God small; but when the Omnipotent Creator is seen as He truly and rightly is is we take our rightful place.
In Jeremiah 12 verses1-5 the prophet express his complaint to the LORD. Jeremiah sees the wicked seemingly prospering and he calls upon his Sovereign to reward the nation according to their doings. The prophet says that he is confident that the Almighty knows his heart and when he endures trial his God will save him. When the LORD God answers Jeremiah He challenges the prophet by telling Jeremiah that although things are difficult now they will get far worse. In verses 6-13 Yahweh says that He has already forsaken His house and delivered His heritage - Judah - to the ravages of the Babylonian lion. The wild beasts would thrive in the desolate land that was once the glory of all lands and the envy of the world. A nation who were originally shepherds - Babylon - had driven the flock of the LORD from His Land. Judah had sown what they believed to be wheat but the harvest they reaped was thorns. And so God had punished His people. In verses 14-18 Yahweh will punish all of Judah's evil neighbours. This is quoted by James in Acts 15 verses 16-18 where he links this Scripture with Amos 9 verses 11-15. God says that He will restore His nation when they return to Him and forsake the baals that they now swore by.
In Matthew 23 our Lord Jesus pronounced 8 woes, or curses, upon the hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees. Indeed Jesus indicated that many of their instructions showed that they had perceived what God's law required of them, but they had failed to practise the law of their Sovereign. Verse 9 tells us that many churches act against Jesus' clear teaching to call no man father, since only One is our Father, God Himself, who is in heaven. Similarly none of us is to be called the Teacher; for Christ our Master is alone to be called that. Humility is the key ingredient for a disciple's life. Christ's outlining of the beatitudes of Matthew 5 stand in stark contrast to the 8 cursings in this chapter. For these reasons Jesus pronounced their house - that is the city of Jerusalem (compare these words with our Jeremiah readings) - desolate (just like the leprous house of Leviticus 14 verses 39-45). This state would continue until our Lord Jesus' second advent which advent would be heralded by the restoration of the state of Israel. Under the reign of Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ the nation will finally be healed - see verses 37-39. The take home message for all who would be God's children is in verses 23-24. The Pharisees were 'penny wise, but pound foolish'. If you wish to focus on minor matters then ensure that you don't impose your values on others and try to focus on the monumental matters. Read the words aloud and ponder their lessons for you.
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...
2 Samuel 6 contains two tragic incidents and one of exceptional joy. Having taken Jebus David has now made it his capital and is intent on bringing the ark of the covenant to "Jerusalem" as the centrepiece of the LORD's worship. The nation is to be united through the praise and understanding of their Almighty Sovereign. In his enthusiasm for the bringing of the ark David has omitted to find out the proper way to transport the ark. Verses 1-4 describe the pomp that was to accompany the journey of the ark. A new cart had been made and two priests were given the responsibility for transporting the ark. Verses 5-11 tell of the failed attempt to bring it to Jerusalem. Uzzah and Ahio were driving the cart accompanied by great festivity when it came to the threshingfloor of Nashon and the oxen stumbled. Uzzah put out his hand to steady the ark and the LORD immediately struck him dead. David was devastated and the journey came to a standstill. The ark was taken aside into the field of Obed-Edom where it remained for three months. David was fearful to have stirred up Yahweh's anger and brought about Uzzah's death. However the Gentile house where the ark stayed was blessed by Almighty God. Verses 12-15 describe the final journey of the ark to its resting place in Jerusalem - this time being carried on the priests' shoulders. Its voyage was with burnt offerings and priests trumpeting its progress. Psalm 132 was written by David telling us what was in his mind at this time. Read and ponder how this occasion was typical of the righteousness and peace that will come with Messiah's kingdom. David also composed a Psalm of thanksgiving - look at the words of 1 Chronicles 16:8-37. The ark was placed in a tent that David had erected for it: Amos 9:11-15 talk of the restoration when our Lord Jesus will rule from Jerusalem. Sadly Michal, Saul's daughter, was ashamed of her husband and poured scorn on David for throwing himself wholeheartedly into the praise of his God. For this David no longer treated Michal as a wife. Michal remained childless for her pride. Notice that David gave gifts to the people of that which represented "bread and wine". The king was enacting the part of a king-priest after the order of Melchizedek as this chapter and the next two chapters will reveal.
Jeremiah 11 verses 1-5 speak of the Almighty cursing Judah for their failure to keep the covenant that He made with the forefathers of the nation - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The words of Yahweh take the form of oath and the prophet shows his agreement with God's curse by saying "Amen" at the close of the LORD's words. Verses 6-8 sees the prophet denouncing his nation as he walks through the streets of Jerusalem. Verses 9-13 tell of Judah returning to the sins of many of their predecessors in the worshipping of the baals. There were, says God, as many of the these as there were cities in Judah. Verses 14-20 say how the leaders had made a conspiracy against Jeremiah to eliminate him. The word picture deliberately chosen shows how their attitude defied the Law of the LORD God Almighty. These leaders sought to destroy both the tree and its fruit. Israel were forbidden to do this. And so their Omnipotent Creator had determined to bring disaster to Judah. Jeremiah acknowledges that Yahweh is true and righteous and therefore Judah's punishment is deserved and measured. Verses 21-23 reveal that the chief plotters against the prophet were the men of Anathoth - Jeremiah's hometown. Anathoth was a town of priests of whom Jeremiah was one.
In Matthew 22 verses 1-14 we have the parable of the wedding feast of the Kingdom, to which we all have been invited through the Gospel. Our Omnipotent King has provided the only garment needed for admission; the sin covering raiment of His ever glorious and pre-eminent Son. We put this garment on when we believe the gospel, repent and are baptised. The disciple must then live a life of faithfulness for our Father to graciously give us a place in His kingdom. A sobering note concludes this parable: "Many are called, but few are chosen". Then follow four questions, each one from each of the three main political parties in Israel and then unanswered question from the Lord to each of these groups. These answers provided incontrovertible proof from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Promised Messiah. Verses 15-22 addresses the unpopular subject of taxation. The tax here was the Roman tax which was even more hated because it maintained Roman armies in Judah's land. The Land that had been given to them by the Almighty. Jesus was asked: "Should we pay this tax? Or, should we not pay it?" If our Lord said - yes - then he lost popularity with his people. If he said - no - then he could be accused of treason against Rome. His enemies were sure Jesus was trapped. However he completely turned the table on his adversaries. He masterfully not only answered the question but also used the occasion to direct all the hearers to their responsibilities to their God. Our Lord asked for a denarius. Whose image and superscription is on this coin? Caesar's they replied. Then give to Caesar what is his and to God what belongs to Him. We have been made in the image and likeness of God. So our lives, minds and actions belong to Him. Verses 23-33 say that the Sadducees came to Jesus with a trick question relating to resurrection. This sect accepted only the first five books of the Old Testament - called the Book of Moses. They mistakenly believed that resurrection was not supported by these Scriptures. However Jesus proves from Exodus 3 verses 15-17 that the raising of the dead is proven by Yahweh saying that He is the God of Abraham, and God is the God of the living, for all live unto Him - not He was - therefore Abraham has a future after his being restored to life in the future. Their failure, Jesus declared , was in not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God (verse 29). Verses 34-38 Jesus is asked by Pharisee lawyer which is the greatest commandment in the Law of Moses. This topic was hotly debated among the religious leaders. Our Lord's answer is that it is very clear: You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and mind and strength - Deuteronomy 6 verses 4-5. Jesus says that the second is like unto it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself: Leviticus 19:18; 1 John 4:7-13. The chapter concludes proving Jesus himself to be the divine son of David (after the flesh), but God's Son of the Father's right hand, as attested. In verses 39-46 Jesus asks his critics whose son is Messiah, his Lord? Easy they thought! The Old Testament tells us that Messiah is the son of David. If so, says Jesus, why then does David in Psalm 110 call Messiah his Lord? This was an impossibility in Jewish reckoning for a son to be superior to his father. The only way for this to be true is for Jesus to be the Son of God as well as being the son of David: Psalm 110 verses -2; 2 Samuel 7 verses 2-16, 2 Samuel 23 verses 1-7; Micah 5 verses 2-5. His opponents were left dumbfounded.
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...
In 2 Samuel 4 we have two incidents that are related to the house of Saul. One of these concerned Saul's son - Ishbosheth - and the other about Saul's grandson - Mephibosheth. The first (Ishbosheth) speaks of an assassination by two wicked men. The second of restoring to favour of Mephibosheth - Jonathan's son - an act of kindness in fulfilment of the covenant faithfully made in love between the two great friends David and Jonathan. Verse 4 tells us how Mephibosheth became lame. Verses 5-7 describe the stealth and guile of Baanah and Rechab, who had been captains of Saul's raiders, as they planned and executed the slaying of Ishbosheth. In verse 8 these two men present David with Ishbosheth's head. In verses 9-12 we are told of David's anger towards these two opportunists and their execution and the hanging of these two disgraced criminals. 2 Samuel 5 verses 1-5 describes David's being crowned at age 30 over all Israel and tells us that he reigned for 40 years. Verses 6-10 speak of the capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites by a valiant Joab in a great act of strength and courage. This now becomes the city of David and Joab earns for himself restoration to the head of David's army. Verses 11-12 inform us that David advises Hiram king of Tyre of David's becoming Israel's king. Verses 13-16 speak of David's accumulation of more concubines and wives. Verses 17-25 says that with divine help and guidance David is given two miraculous victories in major battles over the Philistines. Then in obedience to his God he continued to strike down the Philistines. Truly Saul had slain his thousands, but David his ten thousands.
In Jeremiah 10 Yahweh is contrasted with the dumb and useless idols of the heathen and declared to be the true and living God. The nations are dismayed by the lightning, the thunder, earthquakes etc and yet they fail to see the Almighty power of the Creator of these phenomena. Verses 2-5 tell of the impotence of an idol to do anything. There is great irony in the prophet's graphic word pictures here. The prophet speaks of the incredible efforts of the idol maker to craft an object that can do absolutely nothing. I love the ESV's words in verse 5 "the are like a scarecrow in a cucumber field". Verses 6-7 tell us that there is no one like Israel's Omnipotent Sovereign. He alone is all wise and the idol worshippers are dull and stupid. He reigns enthroned in the Heavens as King over all nations. Despite their magnificent appearance they remain dumb idols incapable of doing anything. But as verse 10 tells us Yahweh is the only true and living God. Paul points this out in Acts 17 and says that the time for ignorance has ended as the only true God commands all to repent. In 1 Thessalonians 1 verses 9-10 he describes how believers from that city had turned from their dumb idols to serve the living and true God. In verses 11-16 the LORD through Jeremiah condemns the foolishness of idol worship and contrasts those inanimate objects with the Almighty King of Judah. Verses 17-18 speaks of God slinging the nation out of the Land like a stone flung from a sling. Verses 19-21 is once again a lament for the devastated Land and the scattering of Yahweh's flock. Verse 22 tells us the the LORD's land has become the habitat of jackals. The Almighty tells us a great truth that has been proven throughout history: "I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps." And as a consequence of this our Sovereign's advice to each faithful believer is given in verse 24. Slowly read and meditate its meaning for you. For their evil ways the Omnipotent Creator will soon pour out His wrath on all nations.
In Matthew 21 Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem was accompanied by shouts of "Hosannas" (save now). Matthew tells us that this was in fulfilment of the prophecy of Zechariah, in the 9th chapter. The prophecy of Zechariah contrasts Alexander the Great, bringing death and destruction; with Jesus the lowly bring salvation. The next citation in Matthew - "Blessed is he that comes in the name of the LORD" ie Yahweh - comes from Psalm 118 verse 26 (but note Messiah's mindset from the context from the entire Psalm). The rulers were in indignation with the multitude and asked Jesus to rebuke them. Our Lord's response was to refer them to Psalm 8 the LXX version, which spoke of what was happening and the victory being accomplished. Next in the chapter came the curse of a fig tree, which like Israel, showed the false promise of apparent fruitfulness. It was cursed by Jesus. The next day the disciples witnessed that the tree had immediately withered. This was followed by Jesus demonstration that his authority was unquestionably from God. After this came the parable of the two sons - firstly the rulers said that they were doing the Father's will, but lord; in contrast the commoners knew they were sinning, but sincerely repeated. Lastly the chapter concludes with the parable of the unfaithful tenants. The rulers recognising themselves in the story fulfilled it to the letter by immediately taking counsel to destroy Jesus.
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...
In 2 Samuel 3 an agreement is made between David and Abner to transfer all power under David's authority and for Abner to facilitate this transition. David agrees that Abner will replace Joab as the commander of the army. When Joab heard of this agreement he tried hard to change David's mind by claiming that Abner could not be trusted. The chapter began by telling us of David's growing power and family; at the same time as the house of Saul is in serious decline. The chapter says that Ishbosheth challenged Abner by accusing him of being intimate with one of Ishbosheth's concubines. Abner reacted violently and swore to transfer authority to David. Ishbosheth was never able to control Abner and so Abner's outburst was met with silence. David also made a condition for Abner's plan to be implemented that his wife Michal must be restored to David. Abner convinced the heads of Benjamin to support Abner's plan. He travels with 20 Benjaminites to come with him for the discussions with David. After Abner's visit Joab sought to overturn the agreement. Now his sworn enemy, who had killed Joab's younger brother - Asahel - had usurped Joab's position as captain of the army. Verses 26-30 tell of Joab's cunning deception and he and his brother Abishai ruthlessly slaying Abner at the gates of Hebron - a city of refuge. Verses 31-34 recounts David's anger and sadness at the treachery of his two nephews. Abner was publicly praised by David for his courage and dedication to his job. He died tragically as a fool at the hands of the cruel brothers. David describes Joab and Abishai as wicked men. In Verses 35-40 David refused food and mirth to honour Abner. This was pleasing to David's servants as they respected everything that king David did. David then expressed the view that Joab and Abishai were extremely dangerous men. David called on Yahweh as his witness that the king had nothing to do with Abner's assassination.
In Jeremiah 9 verses 1-3 the prophet laments the deplorable circumstances that had come upon Judah. He says that he could weep uncontrollably for his nation. He speaks of the immorality in both words and actions that had brought this about. Verses 4-6 speak of how the nation had no moral fibre - everyone was guilty of lying and oppressing others. In verses 7-9 the Almighty declares that He must chastise His people for their falsehood. Verses 10-11 say that the land will be divested of people and grazing animals. It will become the place for jackals. The cities of Judah will be uninhabited. Verses 12-19 laments the failure of any wise and discerning person to be found among Judah. The reason for the ruin of Judah was a failure to obey Yahweh's laws. They had stubbornly followed their idols and were reaping the consequences for their actions. Ultimately the LORD would cast them out of His Land. Verses 20-22 condemn the women of Judah who had embraced a covenant with death. And Judah's carcasses would be so many that they would be like dung on the ground. Verses 23-24 tells of the only possible remedy. The ideas are just as pertinent to every disciple today. We quote them in full and ask each reader to meditate on the meaning to the way we live before our Heavenly Father: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but him who boasts boast in this, that he knows and understands Me, that I am Yahweh who practises steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight says the LORD." The Apostle Paul elaborates on this theme in the book of Corinthians: 1 Corinthians 1 verses 18-31. Carefully ponder these lessons. Jeremiah concludes his ninth chapter in verse 24 by saying that the days are coming when Judah's Sovereign will judge all whose heart remains uncircumcised.
Matthew's 20th chapter starts with the parable of the labourers in the vineyard, naturally representing Israel - Isaiah 5; Psalm 80 verses 8-19. The parable is memorable because of its failure to represent sound financial practice. This device deliberately tells us that access to the kingdom is on the basis of grace and not merit. Then follows in verses 17-19 Jesus telling the Apostles for a third time of his approaching and imminent demise. Then Salome, the mother of James and John (two of the three foremost Apostles), seeks for them the greatest positions of honour in Messiah's kingdom. All the lessons on humility leading to this point seem to have not been grasped. The section concludes with the healing of two blind men, who became followers of the Master.
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...
2 Samuel begins with David hearing of the death of Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa. The news was brought to David in Ziklag by a dirt-covered Amalekite. This man sought to ingratiate himself to David and was hoping to be generously rewarded for his news. Instead the man is shocked and terrified by David's angry response. Before David responded he asked the Amalekite to tell him the circumstances of the death of Saul and his sons. The account is given and David is told by the Amalekite the information we heard in 1 Samuel 31. However he provides extra information believing that David will reward him. The Amalekite says that he came upon Saul who was nearing death and at the request of king Saul he slew Saul. As proof that he had done what he claimed the man brought Saul's crown and arm band. David mourned till the evening and then rose in rage and tells the Amalekite that his actions had sealed his own death having slain Yahweh's anointed. That wicked man was instantly executed by one of David's young warriors. The second half of the chapter outlines David's ode of lament for Saul and Jonathan. The lament is called the Song of the Bow, since the bow was Jonathan's weapon of choice. Jonathan had given David his bow earlier when the two friends made a covenant between them. The words of the song are in verses 19-27. At David's command they were recorded in the book of Jasher and were to be taught to Judah, David's own tribe. David speaks of Saul and Jonathan as "the glory of Israel" and they were slain on the Mount - high places - defending the people of the LORD against their enemies. David is distressed that the Philistines will gloat over their victory. David says "tell it not in Gath" - the Hebrew is a poem: "Tell it not in Telltown". David asks God to withhold moisture from falling on Mount Gilboa. Verses 22-23 describe the valiant and courageous and undivided warriors that Saul and Jonathan were. Verse 24 outlines Saul's generosity towards the Jewish maidens he favoured. Saul showed generosity to many during his life. In the last three verses David concludes his lament by saying that he is greatly distressed by Jonathan's untimely death. That demise was the end of an extraordinarily deep friendship. No doubt that this friendship will again flourish in Messiah's kingdom. David is exemplary in his speaking well of Saul who constantly had sought to destroy him. Let us learn to speak always graciously with measured words: Ephesians 4 verses 29-32.
Jeremiah 7 is about the evil that prevailed in the land of Judah. Jeremiah is told to stand at the gate of the temple and tell everyone who entered the building that they were hypocrites. The people of Jerusalem believed themselves to be holy and in accord with God's values. They were convinced that for this reason no calamity could come to them. Yahweh's message to them is for them to change their ways if they want to remain in the Land. Otherwise disaster would befall them. Read verses 5-7 carefully and consider the implications for the way we must show mercy and justice to all people. By contrast verses 8-11 tell us the corrupt way that they were living. The prophet says that the Almighty detested and would punish them for their self delusion. The nation declared their belief that their Sovereign delighted in them. Verse 11 is quoted by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 21 verses 13 as he cleansed the temple. This shows that the leaders behaviour was just as perverse 600 years after the prophet's time - despite the LORD having disciplined them by overthrowing them and sending Judah into exile. The Almighty tells the leaders to learn from history by allowing the Tabernacle at Shiloh to be overthrown for a long period of time because of the nation's wickedness. In verses 16-17 Jeremiah is told not to pray, nor intercede, for the people as God will not listen. The nation's offensive worshipping of idols is described in verses 18-19. Their principal goddess is described as "the queen of heaven". Near to where I live is a massive Catholic Church which is named Regina Coeli, which translates from Latin to 'the queen of heaven' in English. Judah's Sovereign expresses His jealousy and anger at their insult to Him. In verses 20-26 Yahweh speaks of their continuing refusal to listen to Him and amend their doings. Judgment could not be delayed. So in the last three verses the prophet is told to tell the nation to commence their grieving now.
Matthew's 18th chapter focuses on humility and forgiveness, both of which are crucial if a disciple is to enter the Kingdom. Forgiveness must be given to those who request it. Never in the Bible is forgiveness unconditional. Whether it is the forgiveness God offers us, or the forgiveness others ask of us it depends upon whether we contritely ask our Father's forgiveness and as we forgive others: see the Lord's Prayer Matthew 6 verses 12-14. Humility and absence of malice is the foundation for receiving an inheritance with our Father and His Son. The disciple must never become the cause of stumbling for another. Being conscious of the sources of sin in our lives will result in believers taking the extreme actions required to prevent us losing the Kingdom.
The parable of the lost sheep indicates the love of the Shepherd for his straying sheep and the extreme effort expended in its recovery; as well as the accompanying joy when the lost sheep is recovered. The parable of the stumbling disciple is based upon the same principles - the maximum exertion is to be made in order to restore a beloved disciple. Our Lord's words to Peter are of ongoing and limitless forgiveness as the number 490 represents. Our forgiveness is conditional on extending constant forgiveness to others (Matthew 6 verses 12-14). Jesus' instructions here stand in stark contrast to Lamech's vengeful attitude mentioned in Genesis 4 verses 23-24. Most pertinent to us is the parable of the unforgiving servant. Our God has forgiven us an immeasurable debt. Unless that moves us to see that, however great we might esteem any wrongs done to us, they need to be seen in perspective as inconsequential. We must be moved - like our Lord Jesus Christ and his Father - from within our heart to truly forgive others.
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...
1 Samuel 31 records the sad end to Saul's life as he and his sons were all slain on Mount Gilboa. Saul died as he had lived - a great warrior for his people, Israel. The result had been told by the medium at Endor during the previous night. He was mortally wounded by the Philistine archers. Saul, knowing that he couldn't survive, asked his armour bearer to take his life. But that man could not lift his weapon against Yahweh's anointed. So Saul perished by thrusting his own sword through his heart lest the Philistines abuse him while he was still alive. Saul's armour bearer died in like manner. The Israelites in the nearby towns fled and left their villages to be spoiled by the victorious Philistines. Verses 8-10 says that the day after the battle the spoilers took the spoil from the battlefield. They beheaded Saul and sent his armour to their towns before that armour was placed in the house of Ashtaroth and Saul's body and those of his three sons and fastened them to the wall at Bethshan. When the warriors from Jabesh-Gilead heard of this they valiantly came and took Saul's body and those of his sons from the Philistine garrison and carried them to Jabesh-Gilead where their burned before burying those warriors under a Tamarisk tree at Jabesh-Gilead. The bravery shown by the mighty men of Jabesh-Gilead was by way of recompense for Saul's saving that city at the start of his reign. There is also a two in three probability that Saul's ancestors may have been from Jabesh-Gilead: see Judges 21:7-24. After burying those heroes beneath a tamarisk tree those brave warriors from Jabesh-Gilead mourned for seven days.
In Jeremiah 6 verse 1-5 God speaks of the impending doom that would come on Judah from out of the north from the Babylonian shepherd kingdom. The LORD's people are told to flee or be prepared to fight. Verses 6-8 describe the siege mounds that would be brought against the guilty people who had treasured up destruction by their actions: see Romans 2:1-11. In word pictures their wickedness is spoken of: a well holding bitter water; and as a sick and deteriorating body. For these reasons the Almighty will bring desolation to the Land. Verses 9-10 speak of the punishment as leaving but a few grapes after the gathering and then the gleanings. Verses 10-13 speaks of their Sovereign pouring judgment upon His people out of the cup of His anger: Jeremiah 1:9-10. The civil and the religious leaders are seen as trying to heal the nation's incurable disease. In verses 14-15 these leaders prophesy of a time of "peace" when the wicked ways can bring only war: Isaiah 57 verse 21. Verses 16-21 tell of the LORD appealing to His children to find His ways through His prophets' counsel, but they stubbornly refused. So the Almighty must bring discipline to His family. These people do not want to change. Instead they think that as long as they offer their God incense and offerings He will accept them. But, no external worship is a substitute for true worship from their heart. In verses 22-26 the cruel and relentless Babylonian army is presented to Judah. Judah will be reduced to sackcloth in the day of the LORD's anger. In verses 27-30 God speaks of Himself as a refiner of precious silver. When their Sovereign has refined His people in the crucible of affliction they will be seen to be worthless dross. We too are tried by affliction and what will the Almighty reveal to us about our character when we are tried. Pause and ponder.
In Matthew chapter 17 we focus on an event known as the Transfiguration. It occurs in each of the synoptic gospels - Matthew 17; Mark 9 verses 2-8, Luke 9 verses 8-36. It was a revelation of Jesus in transcendent glory. Its significance belongs to the Kingdom age. Our Lord Jesus Christ is resplendent in glorious white glistening robes. Mark tells us that this glory and righteousness surpassed that attainable by any person - this is telling us that the glorious and righteous character of our Lord was unique and sustained by God's workings. Our Lord Jesus was seen together with Moses (representative of the Law) and Elijah (for the prophets). But their glory was inconsequential when compared to that of our Lord Jesus Christ's. In addition to all of this was the commanding and imperious voice of Jesus' Almighty Father announcing to those Apostles, and to all, including us: "This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, hear him". After coming down from the Mount Jesus told his disciples that their failure to cure the epileptic boy was because their faith needed to grow and develop like a grain of mustard seed. After this Christ again told his Apostles of the great trials which lay ahead of Jesus. These sufferings would culminate in his offering on the tree and that on the third day he would be raised from the dead. Let us consider let us look at Peter's timeless commentary on the Transfiguration in 2 Peter 1 verses 13-20. Pause, and ponder and reflect.
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...